Amos There really arent any wrong questions, and sometimes what seems like a silly question can reveal critical insights. I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee! Well, it is a very fine promise, but if it is read to me thus: I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee, what a transformed and glorified promise it then becomes! Haggai 2 Samuel HWM5q0^5 !EJ8`vC ! Thats the kind of serious-minded response to truth application calls for. It would touch as many lovely blossoms as it could, but derived absolutely no benefit from it. Inductive Bible study is a practical, relevant, and time-tested approach to interpreting Scripture. If youre new to studying, why not start with the Gospel of Mark? endstream endobj 71 0 obj <>stream He now teaches two courses: "Bible Study" and "Advanced Bible Study." "All of my courses are built on the basic pattern of observation, interpretation, application and correlation (or . How about Son of God"? Many of us struggle to wade through the dense lists of commands, genealogies and prophecies in the Old Testament. Hosea Needless to say, the group of pastors got the point! So how do we apply any of it, let alone enjoy it. Be careful not to simply amass the kind of knowledge that puffs up (1 Corinthians 8:1). Then we have mentally to adjust the picture thus formed with the pictures already in our mindto hang it, so to speak, in its right place, so that it may blend with the convictions of truth already attained. As mentioned earlier, its easy to become dependent on them. So before moving on to the crucial step of application, pause for a time of reflection. Every promise must be grasped and realized as true : every precept must be registered in the heart, and acted out in the life, in the strength of God. Coleridge once said that, if we wish to make old truths fresh, we must turn them into action. Eventually, if not immediately, these practices will reveal the meaning of the text (interpretation) and how to apply it (life application). 12-26). Once you decide how much time you want to commit to studying, put it on your calendar. But we are never just the same. This is a dishonest way to interpret the text. When thou passest through the river I will be with thee, the floods shall not overflow thee! Oh! In other words, am I applying this truth? Instead of studying by chapter, its smart to look at pericopes. Bible Study Observation Interpretation And Application Through The Lenses Of History Literature And Theology is universally compatible following any devices to read. (Ezra 7:9, 10) (Click to read an in depth unpacking of this practical powerful principle - the "Ezra 7:10 Principle"). The more time and intentionality you put into understanding Gods Word, the more treasures you discover. Internship opportunities with Cru's ministries. The effect of this piercing is to reveal whether there is spirit or not. Esther If not why not? (Read the entire sermon - How to Read the Bible), "Our Masters field is full and rich. This volume incorporates insights from contemporary evangelical hermeneutics into an. Revelation, Search Wikipedia using spiritual discretion, Authority of God's Word - study on 2Timothy 3:16-17, Ezra 7:10 - Exposition of the "Ezra 7:10 Principle", A Primer on the Lost Art of Biblical Meditation. Youll also notice right out of the gate that Mark has introduced Jesus with two titles: Messiah and Son of God. Once you know what the passage means (interpretation), you are responsible to put it into practice in your own life. To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey. I shall be telling this with a sigh What kind of flavor and preserving qualities do I bring to my circle of influence? Maybe this question will lead you to pray for God to show you ways to help others and make some resolutions about things that youd like to change. Logos is the largest developer of tools that empower Christians to go deeper in the Bible. For example, notice that some form of the word suffering is used three . The more work you do during this part of your study, the better you will do in the rest. Together, these observations help you think about the biblical authors purpose and what they are trying to communicate. If we study to know but never do, we like Chief Crowfoot will never fully tap into the blessing of, every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus. John Calvin commenting on proper application wrote thatWe must observe that the knowledge of God which we are invited to cultivate is not that which, resting satisfied with empty speculation, only flutters in the brain; but a knowledge which will prove substantial and fruitful whenever it is duly perceived and rooted in the heart.. Inductive Bible Study: Observation, Interpretation, and Application Through the Lenses of History, Literature, and Theology by Richard Alan Fuhr This book walks through each of the three steps of the inductive method paying particular attention to historical, literary, and theological elements that come into play at each stage. When Dr. Houghton became pastor of the Baptist Tabernacle in Atlanta, a man in that city hired a private detective to follow Dr. Houghton and report on his conduct. The worldlings Bible is the Christian. Helping students know Jesus, grow in their faith and go to the world to tell others. During the week he earnestly tried to apply them to his life. Deuteronomy Your grandmother translated the Bible?" Let me ask you a serious question -- How often do you study the Word with no intention whatsoever of obeying it? His Word from day to day, Don't be like the man who boasted "I go through the entire Bible once every year".Application instead confronts us face to face with the question "How many times has the Bible gone through you?" He had the "truth" but never acted upon it. Your next question should be, Hows my saltiness? What other Scripture passages might help me better interpret this one? And what thou readest, thou canst not read too well; Yes, the Scripture (through your Teacher the Spirit) will bestow spiritual blessings, not by knowing but by doing! mo!zZJ:%3EAOnaY`z)p%Vv"-H=m>!MX|ov:Hh7vNmm%pZCY&,Z&!#+SzdOP ]LQ)A3_V@UU@Gz @mC-+BvH4sbC}&3A{ BV_$hyr0>Kiw>B/'/,fWGv>o|%vEQ mU0b-rxOw2)5t^_^~~p- this Inductive Bible Study Observation Interpretation And Application Through The Lenses Of History Literature And Theology can be taken as competently as picked to act. They are to leave behind their assumptions and make a ruling based on the facts alone. James emphasizes the importance of follow through in inductive study exhorting us to "prove (ourselves) doers of the word, and not merely hearers (the Greek word was used of one who audited a class rather than taking it for credit -- are you just auditing the Bible or are you fully enrolled?) The third rule for our guide should be Read And Apply. Connect: What is God saying (that is always true or that is true to all readers in all settings)? It's better to live one verse of the Bible than to recite an entire chapter. Click To Tweet Inductive Bible Study But one who looks intently (a picture of the man who meditates -- puritan Richard Baxter said "There must be inward practice by meditation and outward practice in true obedience.") Sometimes there will be figurative language and confusing imagery, but dont start by looking for hidden meaning. How do you do that? Comment: Don't be like the butterfly flitting from one Bible study [preacher, devotional, commentary, etc] to another, but failing to personally apply what you learn. Here are a few questions to facilitate application of the truth you have observed How does this truth apply to my life in four spheres in my(a) personal life (b) my family (c) work (d) church (e) neighborhood? There is always something new to uncover in the Bible. Its easy to become reliant upon commentary to explain the text to you, and this circumvents many of the benefits of study. Goes the way, Skip Heitzig writes that "The great evangelist Dwight L. Moody made a habit of carrying a notebook to record what he learned as he read the Bible or listened to a sermon. To which his colleagues exclaimed "What! Judges Let's face it, most of us have a built-in "early-warning system" against spiritual change and the moment truth gets too close and too convicting, an alarm goes off and we begin to defend ourselves. ((this mirror = Gods Word = unique for it shows our inner nature as a regular mirror shows our exterior. As part of this step, take some time to identify where the beauty of the gospel comes into the passage. Refrain, Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share, See related resource: Relationship of faith and obedience, As Vance Havner wisely said "It is not the Word hidden in the head but in the heart that keeps us from sin. For one thing people mistake the pleasure they have in hearing the Word of God for Christianity and worship. This becomes extremely important when youre studying a book with a single prolonged argument, like the Book of Romans. If there is a promise to be embraced, we claim it. It might be tempting to stop at the interpretation phase, but youll be selling yourself and Scripture short if you do. You too can try and prove God's wonder-working precious and magnificent promises that provide everything needed for life and godliness -- but only if you seek to apply them to your life. Thus, interpretation flows out of observation. Jonah I took the one less traveled by, As for the doctrines, recollect that a doctrine killeth except as it is personally grasped and as you feel your interest in it. A sorry, sorry heart is that which so uses Gods Word as to make it an aggravation of its sin. Learn more 2. R4`:|ut\#jDAh]Y1]|{ >^*8"I+ +N-rjiSS-Q*c9eF,xyV]%^p]=dG- J&naSP If there is a promise to be embraced, we claim it. And while pastors and teachers are wonderful, individual Christians should also be able to pick up any passage and read it with basic understanding and application. Malachi Bible reading fits into the devotional category. All action presupposes prayer, and all prayer ought to lead on to action. Jeremiah He alone is in a posture to learn from God, who sincerely gives up (surrenders, yields) his mind, conscience, and affections to the power and rule of what is revealed unto him. Acronym to Aid Application. Observation answers the question: What do I see? Our Goal in Interpreting . When words or passages make an impression on you, stop and meditate on what God has shown you or as the great preacher C H Spurgeon advised Read the Bible carefully, 0000005006 00000 n In a very real sense we are giving our brain a bath; we are washing it in the purifying solution of Gods Word. As the devotional writer Matthew Henry prayerfully put it"O that we may love our Bibles more, and keep closer to them than ever! If the Bible seems dry and unexciting, check your attitude (Ed: Also do some personal inventory with 1 Pe 2:1+and then you'll be able to move on to 1 Pe 2:2+!). In short, as John MacArthur says "Bible study is not complete until we ask ourselves, What does this mean for my life and how can I practically apply it?, We must take the knowledge we have gained from our reading and interpretation and draw out the practical principles that apply to our personal lives. After personal application, the best way to make the truth your own, is to teach it and even if you are not gifted to be a formal Bible teacher, there is always someone in your sphere of influence whom you are teaching by your life and your lips. Below I have written a simplified step-by-step guide . Where does your passage show how human beings or their world are broken? You can discuss this post and others in the Faithlife Today group. We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. ( Ro 12:2 - note) Application answers the question, When you take a book like Romans one piece at a time, you can miss the forest for the trees. And yet, so complete is the delusion, that Christians never realize they are not living good Christian lives. Are we spiritual or are we natural? 3 John ", Dr Martyn Lloyd-Jones wrote that "It is a good thing to be a student of the Word, but only in order to be a practiser and experiencer of the Word.". Bible Study Principles Again, our METHOD of reading, searching, and study must involve very precise OBSERVATION, which is absolutely necessary to accurate INTERPRETATION! He would take notes and later study them with great care. Samuel addressing King Saul after his serious "miscalculation" (sin) said "Has the Lord as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Read and practice; but we shall only be able to do this, as God the Holy Spirit shall help us. How? Thirdly, we seek to link the spirit of the passage with our own personal experience of things human and Divine. Believe it to be safe What are its elements ? If you feel the wrath to come now, you may never have to feel it in the next world. Give Me Liberty! Luke As someone has blunted phrased it "Interpretation without application is abortion.". If you skip this step, you will never enjoy your Bible study and the Bible will never change your life. Thus, we are called and encouraged to new labour in prayer, whilst we have a new example in Him Who prayed, and wept, and bled. All four of the Gospels begin differently, but they all come together at the baptism. (Basic Bible Interpretation). Don't be deceived -- Every time we hear the Word of God, we are either a little closer to heaven or a little further away. (1 Sa 15:22, 23) Related resource: Relationship of faith and obedience. Every time we encounter spiritual truth, we need to seek to apply that truth to our lives. Its helpful to take a funnel approach to the book youre reading. How do I propose to carry out these changes? In His Words: What Billy Graham Once Said About Eternity. Reaching students and faculty in middle and high school. Now, think about what the passage tells us that is always true not just in its original setting, but in any time and place. Mark key words and phrases (see figure on page five) A key word is one that is essential to the text. Mark tie. Observe whats there, and document it. P Is there a Promise to believe or condition to meet in order to partake of the promise? Matthew Henry adds: Every gracious soul stands in awe of the word of God, of the authority of its precepts and the terror of its threatenings; and to those that do so nothing appears, in the power and wrath of man, at all formidable. 8. Would you like to give your time to work with Cru? In this spirit of readiness we seek to turn God's truth into action. In other words every divine revelation demands a determinative response. A person may study some branch of sciencesay electricityfor the enjoyment the knowledge gives him, without the least intention of applying it practically. Head knowledge without heart change is not enough and in some ways is even worse than no knowledge. Ask God not to let thy Bible be another mans Bible, but thine own Bible, Gods own mouth speaking to thy soul of the things which make for thy peace. Reading the entire book in one or two sittings is part of the observation process. Because ethnicity is part of the good of creation, we seek to honor and celebrate the ethnic identity of those with whom we serve as well as those we seek to reach. 63 0 obj <> endobj A single revealed fact cherished in the heart and acted upon is more vital to our growth than a head filled with lofty ideas about God. T Is there a Truth to memorize and meditate upon (Click here)? Kay Arthur on Inductive Bible Study: Observation, Interpretation & Application,Christy Tennant - Read more about spiritual life growth, Christian living, and faith. Take care, nonetheless, to seek for the application of precepts. The writer of Psalm 119+ (virtually every verse of which deals with some aspect of God's holy Word) speaks to the importance of one's attitude that should undergird and stimulate right and ready application of truth gleaned Princes persecute me without cause, but (what's being contrasted?) For example, Peter says in 1 Peter 5:8: "Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion." Note expressions of time The relationship of events in time often sheds light on the true meaning of the text. There is more to Christian growth than knowing what the Bible says; nobody is ever nourished by memorizing menus. They had mastered the Old Testament, but they were never mastered by the truth itself. But this is exactly what happens when we fail to apply what we have observed and interpreted. In Observation and Interpretation we study God's Word, but in Application, God's Word "studies" us! This volume incorporates insights from contemporary evangelical hermeneutics into an approachable, step-by-step process moving from observation through interpretation and on to the application of God's Word. For instance, if you pick up the Book of Galatians at the beginning of chapter 4, youll find yourself in the middle of Pauls argument: What I am saying is that as long as an heir is underage, he is no different from a slave, although he owns the whole estate. Inductive Bible Study is an ideal textbook for courses in biblical interpretation, and for anyone who desires to better understand and teach Scripture. Study the Bible to be wise. Here are a few questions you can ask: There are a few essential rules to remember when attempting to interpret a passage: Make sure you spend a good chunk of time with this phase. Zechariah 2023 BGEA Not just for knowledge, but much more-- Instead, we need to be Bible "bees", using inductive study to go deep into the Scriptures obtaining its divine nectar and then allowing God's "nectar" to change us. Observation Many of them include commentary at the bottom of the page or in the margins. The Bible is the best prayer-book in the world, as it has been called the best story-book in the world. In sum, acting on what God has said assumes that you understand what He has said as illustrated below. May we all seek to so diligently apply what we observe and interpret that we see "the world turned upside down.". Once you think youve done all you can here, its time to move on to the final phase: application. Often, its helpful to put chapter and verse breakdowns out of your mind as you dive into Scripture. Refrain. Nahum One practical approach to Bible study is a four-part process of observation, interpretation, connection, and application. And with all who will trust and obey. What a terrible delusion to be content with, to delight in hearing the word, and yet not do it. When you become a Christian, you enter into an exciting, lifelong relationship with the Bible. The real authority of their view is always some single leader who has his or her ideas in writing. The only Bible the world reads is the one bound in shoe leather: you and me! Often, the headings in modern Bible translations identify pericopes. We will not fully comprehend the extent of the "return on our investment" until we enter Paradise and stand before our Lord at His bema (judgment) seat. The student has sought God's blessing on the Word, and has endeavored to find out its meaning and teaching; and it remains for him to ask, How does this passage apply to me? Philippians Do not be afraid to ask hard or silly questions. Joel Once we know what a passage means we are responsible to live it out. We must mix faith with what we read and hear. If there is a command to be obeyed, we obey it. ), Christian author Jerry Bridges writes that "As we search the Scriptures, we must allow them to search us, to sit in judgment upon our character and conduct. If we fail to apply the Scriptures, we cut short the entire process and have not finished what God wants us to do. m>YQ;^6dA`H^JETi.i I* >B 9KHc,:h0{c-I#d8#<9@F RJa2A*K-8PDSDdM@ $%Cc3s0L %!'VKKB$iUrmg:SP1~)7v`^P%V E406 H8 S4Ti0elV'jxu~ Isaiah The older we are, the more experienced we become at rationalizing sin. The Bible is divine in origin. Search the Scriptures Chapter Analysis FormatBible study consists of Observation, Interpretation and Application.1.Observation is discovering what the author is saying looking specifically at Who, What, When, Where, Cause & Effect. It is unified in all its parts and will never contradict itself (Ps. This seems to be the process called inwardly digesting God's truth. 2 Kings Start with the obvious. There is something incredibly rewarding about mining those nuggets of truth for yourself. Song of Solomon 0 :L )R z9=_)\_`w0s3^xT{bhi ?%\hMKINZ>0!L ik0%kjDb V >{f NGaE"VU{Z}M-9Eik$oflK pA!~~?\sDNSUke Their righteousness was external, based on facts and devoid of personal response. The inductive study process involves three steps: observation, interpretation and application. J@GD0Q0rqD@!QTTXF1ID>IgIyy;GABp_8;.7_0?\h*4z/Bzc`S!zJP2[VgVM52,6.*0.199QP1T`}G/I(tSE)BQF*jE()*RMq>&}P* This fundamental step must be taken if one desires to accurately interpret and properly apply God's Word. at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man shall be blessed in what he does." Our Lord taught that those who are, blessed (makarios [word study]) are those who hear the word of God and observe (phulasso [word study]) it. Acts Righteousness in simple terms is whatever God says is right on any subject. 0000004523 00000 n He pastored Calvary Baptist Church in New York City and later served as president of Chicagos Moody Bible Institute till his death in 1946. Scripture interprets Scripture. The mind delights in having the truth presented clearly; the imagination is gratified by its illustration; the feelings are stirred by its application. Based on what youve learned, what does this passage mean for you? two roads diverged in a wood, and I -- Key words and phrases are repeated in order to convey the author's point or purpose for writing. By In many ways, observation is the base of the Bible study pyramid. Interpretation is not necessarily a separate step from observation, for often, as you carefully observe the text, you begin to see what it means at that very moment. Is there any significance to the fact that Mark does not need to explain what that title means? Part of this work is supernatural: As you study the Bible, the Holy Spirit reveals truth from the text that applies to your life. 2 Chronicles Right here, we have countless book Inductive Bible Study Observation Interpretation And Application Through The Lenses Of History Literature And Theology and collections to . Write it all down (you can take notes directly in Logos), and once you feel like you have a good idea of whats happening in the text, its time to move on to the next step: interpretation. Our life ought to be and if Gods grace be much in it, it will be a new translation of the Bible. and then The Bible helps you understand God and His relationship with humanity. God's Word is the flawless discerner, perfectly analyzing our every motive, intention, and belief. Some sections make much more sense if you read them within the context of the surrounding chapters, like Matthew 23-25 or 1 Corinthians 12-14. Fourthly and this is very hard work Read And Practise. He will be inquired of by us. Will Graham Devotion: How Do You Know Whats True? Equipping families with practical approaches to parenting and marriage. (John 7:17). We must adjust ourselves to the Bible Study the New Testament at your own pace in workable units of material that follow the inductive method of study. Dr. Howard Hendricks remarks that Application is the most neglected yet the most needed stage in the process. Application is where the proverbial "rubber meets the road", where our walk either does or does not back up our talk and where head knowledge becomes heart knowledge. Its good to set aside time for both devotional reading and studying. Look at Matthew 21:42-44 as an example. Its an exciting, action-packed book, but its short enough to read front to back in about an hour. And its in this phase we start to look at what the text means. It is more needful for you to hear God's words than that God should hear yours, though the one will always lead to the other. But then we must allow that Word to get into us, to make a permanent difference in our character and conduct. He never reads the book, but he reads the disciple of Christ, and he judges the Christian religion, by the lives of its professors. See what precepts are binding upon thyself, and then, as a child of God, be thy feet swift to run in the way of his commandments. How does the truth of this passage apply to my life? You cannot expect to approach the Bible with the same level of investment that youd give your favorite novel. It isn't enough just to be a Christian, if you aren't an obedient one. Not to make us smarter sinners The main tool for each step is the Bible itself, meaning that when there is a question in my mind as to a passage's meaning, I first look to other scripture to provide the answer. Do with the Bible as the sick man does with the doctors prescription. to my own life and destiny and relation to God? What a glory He sheds on our way! The world will learn better, and will more likely be brought to know Christ when the lives of Christians are better, and when the Bible of the Christian Life shall be more in, accordance with the Bible of Christian doctrine. Inductive Bible Study Observation Interpretation And Application Through The Lenses Of History Literature And Theology is additionally useful. 74 0 obj <>stream 15.). But our toil He doth richly repay; If we continually learn what we ought to do, but do not do it, we become frustrated and callous. 0000003614 00000 n What Do We Lose When We Forget the Importance of Prayer? The New Testament gives us further teaching about the way of approach, and makes new demands on our spiritual life, whilst offering us a new standard to live up to. H. P. Barker has a graphic illustration emphasizing the importance of both knowing and doing the Bibles truths As I looked out into the garden one day, I saw three things. To not respond to supernatural illumination would be like saying the Biblical teaching on idolatry is great but it doesn't apply to me and then going off to spend the rest of the day seeking anxiously to accumulate wealth in this present but passing (away) world (cp the words of Jesus Mt 6:24+and Paul Col 3:5+). If you read, He that believeth on him is not condemned, if you believe not then you are condemned already, because you have not believed in the Son of God. yUew.7.J~rr9xn-j3Pv_Kp>.ow?oo^>]xgOqI| JSM.OQF=r%0'c[',(d2`\gNHbqsO&&#v>b[Wg7xr|*M R Not only do the books come from unfamiliar cultures, but theyre also thousands of years old. -EO{0iB d("o? never the Bible to ourselves. Bible study is intentionally digging into a passage of Scripture and using various interpretive techniques to understand what the author is saying. (MacArthur, J.: The MacArthur Study Bible Nashville: Word), Andrew Murray writing about the discrepancy between knowing and doing, remarked. Then you might turn your attention to verses 18 in the first chapter. Where similar words are used, explore the context of each of those instances. To be sure our first goal should be to get into the Bible and then to allow the Bible to get into us. + Once you have explored the passage, its time to make some connections. By using the tools included inInductive Bible Study, youll approach Bible study with more depth and understanding. Girdlestone in his 1887 classic "How to Study the English Bible" has a chapter on application that speaks to "THE PRACTICAL AND DEVOTIONAL USE OF THE BIBLE" - We have now come to the last and most important stage of our subject. Awe is a feeling of reverential respect mixed with fear or wonder. A Primer on the Lost Art of Biblical Meditation Resource links How to Perform A Greek Word Study on the Web, Multiple resources on Biblical Interpretation (Hermeneutics). Sometimes its beneficial to ignore them and consider other ways you might divide the text. 0000008074 00000 n For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. 2. How do we apply what we just learned to everyday life? To love Him and obey. Then you could go back and look at how the other Gospels start: Matthew begins by giving us Jesus genealogy and then gives us a little glimpse into His birth. Practice it to be holy, Or as Skip Heitzig advises "A good perspective to adopt when reading the Bible is that of an obedient servant waiting for instruction from the master. The first step in studying a passage is to observe what it actually says. endstream endobj 64 0 obj <>>> endobj 65 0 obj >/PageWidthList<0 612.0>>>>>>/Resources<>/Font<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text]/Properties<>>>/Rotate 0/TrimBox[0.0 0.0 612.0 792.0]/Type/Page>> endobj 66 0 obj <> endobj 67 0 obj <>stream /+X$!acR\Y[/EC%D @2ADk0uHha3j^ If you skip this step, you will never enjoy your Bible study and the Bible will never change your life.
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