These three parts are observation, interpretation, and application. We don't really know the Bible unless we obey the Bible, God had a scathing rebuke for His people Israel through His prophet Ezekiel "They (the people of Israel) come to you (the prophet Ezekiel) as people come and sit before you as My people and hear your words, but they do not do them, for they do the lustful desires expressed by their mouth and their heart goes after their gain." The worldlings Bible is the Christian. Home They do not seem very ancient. (Keying into the term good news early will help you understand Marks Gospel, as its a critical term that he uses repeatedly.). 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. Song of Solomon 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. Too often, people jump into the Bible and start connecting before theyve done the challenging work of examining all there is to see. Kay Arthur on Inductive Bible Study: Observation, Interpretation & Application,Christy Tennant - Read more about spiritual life growth, Christian living, and faith. What is the key to applying the Bible to my life? A Primer on the Lost Art of Biblical Meditation Solicitation Disclosure Statement In a very real sense we are giving our brain a bath; we are washing it in the purifying solution of Gods Word. Psalms and how much we really believe what we have observed. Used by cults. As you make it your practice to study God's Word, you will experience the joy of having Him directly unveil His truth and reveal His purpose in your life. We must meditate upon it. Different Approaches to Interpretation 1. to my own life and destiny and relation to God? Chapters, verses and subheadings are all very convenient and helpful, but when it comes time for genuine study, its appropriate to remember theyre not inspired elements of Scripture. Someone has rightly observed that it is possible to be full of Scripture and full of carnality. (Lk 11:28+, cp Jn 13:17), D. L. Moody quipped that "Our great problem is the problem of trafficking in unlived truth. These divisions are tools that help us read Scripture; theyre not an actual part of it. The Apostle Paul's great passion was transformed, Christ like lives as he explained to the saints at Colossae writing we proclaim Him (Christ in believers the hope of glory), admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, that we may present every man complete in Christ. When you take a book like Romans one piece at a time, you can miss the forest for the trees. As part of this step, take some time to identify where the beauty of the gospel comes into the passage. Exodus Joshua Read and practice; but we shall only be able to do this, as God the Holy Spirit shall help us. If there is a warning to be followed, we heed it. 9. Zechariah By (MacArthur, J.: The MacArthur Study Bible Nashville: Word), Andrew Murray writing about the discrepancy between knowing and doing, remarked. In Gods mind, knowledge without obedience is sin. While we do His good will, He abides with us still, We need to be specific here. Haggai Mark You might make a circle around those terms as a reminder to focus on those later. Gather them. One practical approach to Bible study is a four-part process of observation, interpretation, connection, and application. (1Ti 4:7, 8-notes), The dictionary defines application as the act of putting to use or putting into operation especially for some practical purpose. Yogi Berra's advice is appropriate at this juncture -- When you arrive at a fork in the road, take it. But then we must allow that Word to get into us, to make a permanent difference in our character and conduct. In the 13th century, Stephen Langton added chapters to Scripture, and in the late 16th century, Robert Stephanus added verses. Bible Study Principles Again, our METHOD of reading, searching, and study must involve very precise OBSERVATION, which is absolutely necessary to accurate INTERPRETATION! This is the ultimate step: we submit to Scripture and let it transform our lives. I have known of some, too, who gloried in final perseverance, but who, if they had finally persevered would certainly have been in hell, for they were on the road there. truly, such a, promise is as a cluster of Eshcol, but it is in Eshcols valley and I cannot reach it there; but the promise applied is the cluster brought to me just where I am, and I can receive it, and delight myself in its luscious sweetness. For instance, the New International Version a popular modern translation of the Bible breaks sections in Philippians 1 down like this: Pauls Chains Advance the Gospel (vv. Let it not only inform you but inflame you. 8. Hosea ((this mirror = Gods Word = unique for it shows our inner nature as a regular mirror shows our exterior. Be careful not to simply amass the kind of knowledge that puffs up (1 Corinthians 8:1). (Persevere!). ( Ro 12:2 - note) Application answers the question, ", The goal of Inductive Bible study is This means youre going to start by reading the whole thing hopefully in one sitting before you begin to deal with smaller portions of it in greater depth. THE ERROR IN THE "FORK" IN THE ROAD He had put into practice (applied) passages from God's Word, proving that they work which of course they always do! 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. 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. Inductive Bible study is a practical, relevant, and time-tested approach to interpreting Scripture. You should desire to know Gods Word better so it can change you. It isthe act of bringing something to bear; using it for a particular purpose. But this is exactly what happens when we fail to apply what we have observed and interpreted. Bible study is about digging into the text and pulling out insights. Learn more 2. Make them your own. 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. Ask yourself the five Ws and H: Its critical at this stage not to add anything to the text or take anything away. One who uses the Bible as his guide 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 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. But for your study time, its helpful to use them as secondary sources after youve done some preliminary work. If youre new to studying, why not start with the Gospel of Mark? And how does it show God redeeming that brokenness? Jude HWM5q0^5 !EJ8`vC ! That seems important to delve into deeper. Numbers Here, you want to go back over the passage and your observations and ask as many questions as you can. A pericope is a section of the text that forms a complete thought. In other words, am I applying this truth? Logos can be an incredible resource as you seek to make this a part of your daily routine. 1. Refrain, Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet. Both of these; This might make you wonder whether this is good news for Mark or if Mark thinks this good news applies to everyone. The goal of Bible study is not simply to determine what it says and what it means, but in the final analysis to apply it to one's life. Inductive Bible Study: Observation, Interpretation, and Application through the Lenses of History, Literature, and Theology (9781433684142) by Richard Alan Fuhr Jr., Andreas J. Kostenberger 2 Timothy -- F. B. Meyer, Read it to get the facts, study it to get the meaning, meditate on it to get the benefit. Try (Ed: in the sense of to test or examine) what you hear; try what you profess; try what you read. Each book is usually read 4 - 5 times, and with each step you are given a new tool for uncovering revelation within the pages. A (supernaturally charged and) changed life is the clearest testimony of genuine understanding of the Bible. Honest application of the text requires these kinds of questions and the wrestling of ideas when truth causes conflict. Esther Sow a character, reap a destiny! We dont study the Bible just to gain knowledge. 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. Proverbs This is where secondary resources become really helpful. We need you. It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot (NIV). Lamentations Try challenging yourself to come up with 10 observations about a passage, and once youve hit that number, push yourself to come up with five more. 10 Questions the Internet Is Asking about the KJV. The questions you raise in the interpretation phase might even push you back into the observation phase. 0 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?" The first verse of Mark youve been studying does not have immediate actionable teachings, but you still need to be open to the Holy Spirit moving as you study. The Pharisees set the standard for this superficial, hypocritical, self deluding approach. Reading the Bible without meditating on it is like eating without chewing. (John Calvin), Gods Word can only produce growth in soil "fertilized" by obedience. The proper spirit for profitable Bible study is a tender, teachable heart willing to obey the truth and the fruit of this humble approach is an eternally changed life lived to glory of God. Imagine trying to find a specific place in Scripture during a sermon without them. Then I watched a little longer out my window and there came a botanist. J A Bengel wisely admonished "Apply yourself to the whole text, and apply the whole text to yourself.". of precise observation, which is essential for accurate interpretation. The third thing I noticed was a bee, just a little bee. This is a dishonest way to interpret the text. It isn't enough just to be a Christian, if you aren't an obedient one. Not to make us smarter sinners This is always the most challengingportion of Bible study, which most people give only cursory attention to (unfortunately).The key to doing Bible study is . And that has made all the difference. We must mix faith with what we read and hear. If you feel the wrath to come now, you may never have to feel it in the next world. There is something incredibly rewarding about mining those nuggets of truth for yourself. 1:20-21). the good hand of his God was upon him (which should prompt a "Why?" Its worth it. Romans In the third chapter, Matthew tells us about Jesus baptism by John. 0000000925 00000 n While there are several great methods of studying the Bible, heres a simple method one can follow: Observation, Interpretation, Transformation and Application. We need to be honest with ourselves at this point. Acronym to Aid Application. 0000060059 00000 n (Ro 10:17+). The truth of God's Word is always relevant to our life. ", 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.". (John 7:17). Bible study is meant not merely to inform but to transform and renew our mind. 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. He pastored Calvary Baptist Church in New York City and later served as president of Chicagos Moody Bible Institute till his death in 1946. We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Apply: How do I respond to what God is saying? 2 Chronicles In a very real sense we are giving our brain a bath; we are washing it in the purifying solution of Gods Word (cp Ep 5:26-note). 2 Samuel 12-26). (Ed: And I would add that the Word of Truth ALWAYS has something to say to our heart! endstream endobj 68 0 obj <> endobj 69 0 obj <> endobj 70 0 obj <>stream Mark key words and phrases (see figure on page five) A key word is one that is essential to the text. 119:160). After making these connections, you should be able to identify some of the big truths that the passage offers every reader throughout time. Now, think about what the passage tells us that is always true not just in its original setting, but in any time and place. Spiritual maturity, in which we become more like Christ, comes not just from knowing more about the Bible. 63 0 obj <> endobj When you become a Christian, you enter into an exciting, lifelong relationship with the Bible. The third rule for our guide should be Read And Apply. As you carry out your inductive Bible study you will find that observation, interpretation, and application often occur simultaneously. When youre first getting started with studying the Bible, its important to set some realistic goals for yourself. Otherwise, its easy to become dependent on them. This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night (this is the parallel of observation and interpretation), so that you may be careful to do (the application) according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous and then you will have success (the blessing of proper application). Zephaniah If you are a leader (and most of us are leaders in some sphere of influence) remember that a good leader is one who Knows the way, Observation. Inductive Bible Study. What does this passage teach that is still as true today as it was when it was written? Inductive Bible study is a practical, relevant, and time-tested approach to interpreting Scripture. Luke ", Oswald Chambers in his typical "no nonsense" style reminds us that"One step forward in obedience is worth years of study about it", We have to be careful not to deceive ourselves. in my business life ? It is more focused on the immediate application of the passage to your life. and then shall we find the benefit and advantage designed thereby, and shall at last attain the happiness therein promised and assured to us.". my heart stands in awe of Thy words. Goldsmiths keep bottles of acid by which they test everything that is offered them for sale, whether it is gold or merely tinsel, and the Christian should keep Gods word near at hand and treasured in the soul, to test thereby all that he hears. Three vital responses in application are (1) Response of confession: The Word of God is like a sword (it penetrates), like a mirror (it reveals), and like a critic of the heart (it judges and reproves or exposes our attitudes and actions). (1 Sa 15:22, 23) Related resource: Relationship of faith and obedience. Must you become a better person so that God will accept you? Until all on the altar we lay; H\j0z Bible reading fits into the devotional category. Ephesians Take the next step in your faith journey with resources on prayer, devotionals and other tools for personal and spiritual growth. Its apowerful toolfor those who want to learn how to study Scripture well. If there is a command to be obeyed, we obey it. Such a person is like the church who had a new pastor who preached the same sermon every Sunday. The godly preacher F. B. Meyer wrote that Devout meditation on the Word is more important to soul-health even than prayer. Application takes place as you are confronted with the truth and you respond to that truth in obedience (in faith). meditate and meditate and meditate, Devout meditation on the Word is more important to soul-health even than prayer. (MacDonald, W & Farstad, A. Believer's Bible Commentary: Thomas Nelson). (Mt 7:13, 14+). Volunteer abroad this year on a short term global missions trip offered by one of the best, most-reliable Christian missions organizations in the world. What was the result in his life and by way of application what will be the result in our life if we emulate his example? Do not read it merely to say, Yes, it is true; very true; I believe its doctrines to be the revelation of the infallible mind of God himself. But endeavour also in reading a page of the Scriptures, always to see how much it belongs to you. This seems to be the kickoff point of Jesus ministry. When youre studying a book, youre going to end up reading it multiple times. 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. The real authority of their view is always some single leader who has his or her ideas in writing. As the devotional writer Matthew Henry prayerfully put it"O that we may love our Bibles more, and keep closer to them than ever! The following books are a great place to learn more about this simple methodology: Kay Arthurs inductive method has helped millions of people learn how to study the Bible for themselves. You may study it your whole life, and you will never be able to absorb all that it has to teach. The effect of this piercing is to reveal whether there is spirit or not. You might discover that salt was not only used to flavor food, but it helped keep it from spoiling. And this is eternal life, that they may know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent. It is the supernatural, progressive revelation of who God is and man's relationship to God. How can we know what parts of the Bible apply to us today? He had the "truth" but never acted upon it. This volume incorporates insights from contemporary evangelical hermeneutics into an. Now that weve observed and interpreted what the passage has to say, its time to talk about what it means for us. After studying the importance of salt to first-century Judean people, you would have a clear picture of its significance to Jesus original audience. Below I have written a simplified step-by-step guide . Accurate interpretation and correct application rest on the accuracy of your observations. The more honest question is"Am I ready and willing believe this truth and to apply it in my life? For example, Psalm 24 says, "The Lord owns the earth and all it contains, the world and all who live in it. I shall be telling this with a sigh What can He have to do with such as we are He is faithful, but will He be so to us? This speak of a personal choice that must be made) any man is willing (thelo = desires, wishes, delights [cp Ps 1:2-note], takes pleasure, is inclined to; the present tense - speaks of one's general direction of their life) to do (present tense - again speaks of one's general habit of practice = toward obedience not toward disobedience) His will, he shall know (ginosko = speaks not just of "head" knowing but of an experiential knowledge, a more intimate knowledge) of the teaching (didache - word study), whether it is of God, or whether I speak from Myself. But when the report came of His birth, did they go to check it out? Some people say they cannot meditate; they do not know what it means, or they have no time, or they go to sleep when they begin. 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. It is packed with revelation, lessons, instruction, and theology. The Word is both a glass to show us the spots of our soul and a laver to wash them away. The purpose of exploring and connecting is to apply what the Bible teaches to your life. Were so used to being exposed to chapters and verses that we lose sight of an authors intention for the whole book. No, even though the town of Bethlehem was only only five miles down the road from Jerusalem. Some of them can only be answered by examining the text again or even by looking at other parts of the Bible. They had mastered the Old Testament, but they were never mastered by the truth itself. Application begins with belief Nevertheless our duty is clear. Jonah Thirdly, we seek to link the spirit of the passage with our own personal experience of things human and Divine. Joel God make us holy; sanctify us, spirit, soul, and body, and then we shall be made finely serviceable both to the Church and to the world. Observation -- David Shepherd, Be alert for the following deceptive dangers regarding application. And what did those things mean? 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. Explore answers to life's biggest questions. 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. August 5, 2009. Our Goal in Interpreting . in my dealings with the world ? 0000000016 00000 n 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. King Edward VI of England would stand while the Word of God was read in worship service. Are we spiritual or are we natural? Now that you have your list of observations, you can wrestle with the questions that arise from them and the things that youve seen. Often, the headings in modern Bible translations identify pericopes. BGEA is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. 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 . 0000001036 00000 n So how do we apply any of it, let alone enjoy it. If our interpretation is accurate, we at least have the potential to apply the truth appropriately. 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." and The old saying regarding application is true that the same Word that afflicts the comfortable, also provides comfort for the afflicted! We may hear words like "hermeneutics" (the science of interpretation) or "exegesis" (critical explanation or interpretation of a text) and think interpretation is something best left to experts. 74 0 obj <>stream Reflecting Jesus together for the good of the city. To pick up the thread of Pauls argument, you need to go back and catch up. Nehemiah Therefore, it is vital that you develop observation skills which might, at first, seem difficult, laborious, and time-consuming. Anyone can use the inductive Bible study method by following three simple steps: This phase isnt about interpretation. What guidance does it offer me in my social intercourse? Take care, nonetheless, to seek for the application of precepts. Inductive Bible Study Observation Interpretation And Application Through The Lenses Of History Literature And Theology is additionally useful. You might see the word Messiah and think, I know what that means. But that can undermine your ability to discover new things. 1 Chronicles Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear, As mentioned earlier, its easy to become dependent on them. P Is there a Prayer to pray or a Priority to change? Reaching students and faculty in middle and high school. ::c\}oa\l#N/4!tGj;Mu}8Mmm3M^x_M=>l~m8n6vTk7.9Rm+s7mm1>7%cS,"W`!K[43!qCn66JVo[K^nE^ + Local: 704-401-2432 But the bee would light on a flower and it would sink down deep into the flower and it would extract all the nectar and pollen that it could carry. You can find the Inductive Bible Study Workflow (with five other Workflows and many other Bible Study tools) inLogos Starter. T Is there a Truth to memorize and meditate upon (Click here)? The young prophet Samuel's response to God is a good example. You have remained in right site to start getting this info. 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. So before moving on to the crucial step of application, pause for a time of reflection. In observation, you were asking the question, What did I see? In interpretation, you ask, What does it mean? If you have not done a thorough job in the exploration phase, the interpretation phase can be difficult. They are to leave behind their assumptions and make a ruling based on the facts alone.
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