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The old saying regarding application is true that the same Word that afflicts the comfortable, also provides comfort for the afflicted! Many of them include commentary at the bottom of the page or in the margins. Some use the term to describe a discussion group, which may discuss the Bible or some other uplifting book. This is the ultimate step: we submit to Scripture and let it transform our lives. The gospel is a very solemn thing to every man, because if it be not a savour of life unto life, since it must always be a savour of some sort, it therefore becomes a savour of death unto death. Mark Before the Word of God can bring change to our world, it must first change our life. Goes the way, You haven't really learned the Word until you live the Word. God's promises are not a substitute for prayer, but a stimulus to it. eg'1{(yzJ*| Zephaniah Esther Is there any significance to the fact that Mark does not need to explain what that title means? Equipping families with practical approaches to parenting and marriage. To know and not to do is not to know at all. Inductive Bible study is a practical, relevant, and time-tested approach to interpreting Scripture. Even those who have invested a lifetime into studying it will tell you their commitment has continued to pay off with new insights, understanding and spiritual growth. Its the shortest of the Gospels, and you might have noticed that Mark seems focused on the action and hitting all the significant points. This fundamental step must be taken if one desires to accurately interpret and properly apply God's Word. Inductive Bible Study: Observation, Interpretation, and Application You should desire to know Gods Word better so it can change you. In truth thou canst not read the Scriptures too much; You can discuss this post and others in the Faithlife Today group. These divisions are incredibly convenient. Too much Bible study begins and ends in the wrong placewith interpretation. We must meditate upon it. If we continually learn what we ought to do, but do not do it, we become frustrated and callous. 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. After making these connections, you should be able to identify some of the big truths that the passage offers every reader throughout time. ), In Bible study, application is putting truth you've discovered (through observation and interpretation) to use in your life with the ultimate goal of transformation or life change. The best way to define application is to first determine what it is not. The godly preacher F. B. Meyer wrote that Devout meditation on the Word is more important to soul-health even than prayer. Application begins with belief Inductive Bible Study - Observation Inductive Bible Study - Interpretation Inductive Bible Study - Application Simple Study on the Power of God's Word Authority of God's Word - study on 2Timothy 3:16-17 Ezra 7:10 - Exposition of the "Ezra 7:10 Principle" Job's "Secret" of perseverance? Inductive Bible study is a practical, relevant, and time-tested approach to interpreting Scripture. (Ezekiel 33:31), Hearing and not heeding the word is as foolish as cooking an expensive filet mignon and then not sitting down to eat it! Inductive study should cause us to be mentally excited by the truth, yet we may still fail to be morally changed by it and when that happens, you know there is something wrong with your study of the Bible. Nehemiah Learn about Cru's global leadership team. Amos Be careful not to simply amass the kind of knowledge that puffs up (1 Corinthians 8:1). How much influence is the Bible supposed to have on society? Now that you have your list of observations, you can wrestle with the questions that arise from them and the things that youve seen. We try to communicate what weve never experienced in our own lives.". You might discover that salt was not only used to flavor food, but it helped keep it from spoiling. ", 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.". The effect of this piercing is to reveal whether there is spirit or not. (Read the entire sermon - How to Read the Bible), "Our Masters field is full and rich. Use this guide to help you lead your small group to encounter Jesus through the three main parts of an inductive Bible study: Observation, Interpretation, Application. Some are always looking out for other peoples duty, and are great judges and critics for what others ought to do. Joel The first step in studying a passage is to observe what it actually says. But you may know that Luke and Matthew begin with Jesus birth story. Inductive Bible study draws its conclusions from the text, not our assumptions. Where does your passage show how human beings or their world are broken? There is something incredibly rewarding about mining those nuggets of truth for yourself. Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear, Ask the Lord to show you your interest, in every truth, and; do not be satisfied until you have an assured personal interest therein. But then we must allow that Word to get into us, to make a permanent difference in our character and conduct. HWM5q0^5 !EJ8`vC ! Nahum So before moving on to the crucial step of application, pause for a time of reflection. Well, this is it. This might make you wonder whether this is good news for Mark or if Mark thinks this good news applies to everyone. 74 0 obj <>stream 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? There are great apps out there, like YouVersion, that allow you to set reminders for yourself to get into Gods Word. The third rule for our guide should be Read And Apply. (John 17:3), Heart appropriation, not merely head apprehension, is the true goal of Bible study. Remember that the more time spent in observation, the less time you will spend in interpretation, the more accurate the interpretation and the more appropriate the application. So you might write that observation down: Marks beginning of the gospel story does not start at the very beginning., Youll also notice that Mark desires to tell you some good news, and this news is about Jesus. Thats the kind of serious-minded response to truth application calls for. Considering these things we receive the word with that trembling of heart which God so much respects. Connect: What is God saying (that is always true or that is true to all readers in all settings)? Logos is the largest developer of tools that empower Christians to go deeper in the Bible. 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. And with all who will trust and obey. Keeping some form of journal will allow you to go back and review what God has been teaching you. my heart stands in awe of Thy words. Is your heart conditioned to listen and obey? Philemon Learn more 2. Of the three steps of Bible studyobservation, interpretation, and applicationthe middle one is often the most daunting. It might be tempting to stop at the interpretation phase, but youll be selling yourself and Scripture short if you do. Inductive Bible Study | Bible Study Resources | The - The Navigators Have I overlooked anything or made any assumptions? Only in this way can believers grow spiritually. ", D. L. Moody - "I never saw a useful Christian who was not a student of the Bible.". Then you might turn your attention to verses 18 in the first chapter. 2 Kings ", As William Temple said "Every revelation of God is a demand and the way to knowledge of God is by obedience. It will make "all the difference" in this life and the next for as Paul wrote godliness (eusebeia) (produced by discipline and diligent application of God's Word) is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. This is not the fruit of slavish fear, but of holy love; it is not afraid of the Word, but delighting in it, as it discovers the mind of God to us; as in the next verse it is written, "I rejoice at Thy word." They are to leave behind their assumptions and make a ruling based on the facts alone. The butterfly was beautiful, and it would alight on a flower and then it would flutter to another flower and then to another, and only for a second or two it would sit and it would move on. We may find something in every passage which comes before us both to pray over and to thank God over. Connect each passage back to the gospel and the broader message of the Bible. Bible Study Observation Interpretation And Application Through The Lenses Of History Literature And Theology is universally compatible following any devices to read. Needless to say, the group of pastors got the point! Everyone has distractions and responsibilities vying for their attention, so it helps if you have a set time when you will read your Bible. Hebrews Observation answers the question: What do I see? Genesis When it comes to reading the Bible, these boundaries can hinder your ability to observe what biblical authors are saying. As for the doctrines, recollect that a doctrine killeth except as it is personally grasped and as you feel your interest in it. Jonah We all have a story. The inductive study process involves three steps: observation, interpretation and application. Do not be afraid to ask hard or silly questions. We must align ourselves with the Bible, never the Bible with ourselves. 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. never loses his sense of direction. What else do I know about the book, author, and broader context of the passage? Every time we encounter spiritual truth, we need to seek to apply that truth to our lives. As part of this step, take some time to identify where the beauty of the gospel comes into the passage. They do not seem very ancient. ", The goal of Inductive Bible study is When the attitude of our heart reflects a readiness to hear and respond, the text of the Bible comes alive. Refrain, Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet. Someone has rightly observed that it is possible to be full of Scripture and full of carnality. That seems important to delve into deeper. Trust and obey, for theres no other way But our toil He doth richly repay; Scripture interprets Scripture. 1 Jn 1:7, 8, 9; Pr 28:13), (2) Response of faith: One of our reasons for meditating on the Word is to develop and build our faith. Anyone can use the inductive Bible study method by following three simple steps: This phase isnt about interpretation. Leading from values so others will walk passionately with God to grow and bear fruit. The precious promises lie in front of you. (The MacArthur Study Bible Nashville: Word), Jesus explains that relationship (and importance) between knowing God's Word and doing God's Word, declaringIf (If = 3rd class condition = possibility / probability but not a certainty! Be sure to visit the Precept Ministries International Web site to go deeper into inductive Bible study. A (supernaturally charged and) changed life is the clearest testimony of genuine understanding of the Bible. Head knowledge without heart change is not enough and in some ways is even worse than no knowledge. Learn the basics of what Christians believe. In the margin of many pages in D. L. Moody's Bible, he wrote the letters T and P, meaning "Tried and Proved." Youve observed the details in the text and drawn interpretive conclusions about what the author was saying to his original readers. Grasp these sweet promises. 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- HhT=k&^-l (6WBbN~WPe4`!Mr`+^p!MO,LP/_n]aFBcp) (John 7:17). Life Application: What joy is experienced when deliberate Bible study moves from a 'have to' to a 'want to!' Not only do the books come from unfamiliar cultures, but theyre also thousands of years old. If you're looking for the best Christian jobs and careers, check out Cru's ministry job openings for full- and part-time missionaries and professionals. Its good to set aside time for both devotional reading and studying. PDF Simple Biblical Interpretation - Westminster Theological Seminary How does the truth of this passage apply to my life? Truth revealed brings responsibility to respond. The more time and intentionality you put into understanding Gods Word, the more treasures you discover. THE ERROR IN THE "FORK" IN THE ROAD 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. Woe! is the result of Notice how Jesus observes the Old Testament text in verse 42, interprets it in verse 44, and applies it in verse 43 (implying that his listeners should believe the truth and make some changes in their lives). in my teaching, visiting or mission work? Howard Hendricks' 4 Bible Study Steps - Bible Study - Crosswalk.com In most respects they might have been written in our own life-time. For example, Philippians 4:13, in context, isn't about being the greatest and most famous basketball player, but about being content and having joy in any and every circumstance ( Phil 4:10-13 ). The reader through OBSERVATION discovers what a passage says which enables the reader to make an accurate INTERPRETATION, the discovery of what a passage means. When thou passest through the river I will be with thee, the floods shall not overflow thee! Oh! 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. It is God's will that we should read (Lk 11:28+, cp Jn 13:17), D. L. Moody quipped that "Our great problem is the problem of trafficking in unlived truth. 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. Though he draw them they will not come to him, and when he calls them they will give him no answer. O/uE 4l"iI.l#e \c@pZFi7lq?3@hv?7 Il` 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. Part of this work is supernatural: As you study the Bible, the Holy Spirit reveals truth from the text that applies to your life. Too much Bible study begins and ends in the wrong place: It begins with interpretation, and it also ends thereObservation plus interpretation without application equals abortion. Click To Tweet Inductive Bible Study That's a frightening statement! Application takes place as you are confronted with the truth and you respond to that truth in obedience (in faith). Where similar words are used, explore the context of each of those instances. Bible Study: Traditional Method (Observation, Interpretation The observation phase was all about observing what the text says, but the interpretation phase is the next step. (How to Study the Bible and Enjoy It - see page 30). And how prevalent the sight of multitudes of Christians listening to the Word of God most regularly and earnestly, and yet not doing it! Our life ought to be and if Gods grace be much in it, it will be a new translation of the Bible. BGEA is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The questions you raise in the interpretation phase might even push you back into the observation phase. It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot (NIV). Memorizing God's Word - Why? If a servant were to hear but not do, how quickly the judgment would be given. 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? 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, Somewhere ages and ages hence: John The Gospel opens by saying: The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God. If there is a command to be obeyed, we obey it. Some passages will not have a clear application. Its what everything else is built upon. This step is asking these questions: What are the biggest ideas and the important details? Answers to questions on donations, financial policies, Crus annual report and more. The questions that might come out of your observations about Mark might include: Why does Mark not include the Christmas story in the beginning? Privacy Go back to your questions from the beginning and ask them again in light of what youve learned, and apply it to our context today. Then I watched a little longer out my window and there came a botanist. How foolish to look in the mirror of God's word, see spiritual "dirt" and yet fail to respond). Theres an inherent danger in inductive Bible study -- it can degenerate into a process thats intellectually fascinating but spiritually frustrating. The story is told of several pastors who were arguing over which Bible translation was the best. This is a dishonest way to interpret the text. Can abide while we trust and obey. They had mastered the Old Testament, but they were never mastered by the truth itself. The goal is that we live holy, in conformity to God's will in thought, purpose and action and that in so doing we are made adequate and equipped for every good ("God") work, which represents only those works He initiates and empowers. Speak of bringing the Bible down into the vernacular! David Shepherd rightly exhorts us to leave out not "step" in study of God's Word but to be diligent to Read it to get the facts, study it to get the meaning, meditate on it to get the benefit. What Do We Lose When We Forget the Importance of Prayer? The Bible is an inexhaustible mine of precious gems. 2 Peter 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. But we are never just the same. (Mt 7:13, 14+). For he set its foundation upon the seas, and established it upon the ocean currents. Now you know the three simple steps to running your own inductive Bible study. of precise observation, which is essential for accurate interpretation. John kicks off with some critical theological points and then immediately launches into the baptism too. 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. 0000004523 00000 n Local: 704-401-2432 Sources like these can give you vital information to help answer your questions.