example of bible study: observation, interpretation application

15.). Below I have written a simplified step-by-step guide . 2 Chronicles As youre reading along, you can check the commentary to gain insight into cultural, linguistic and interpretive considerations. yUew.7.J~rr9xn-j3Pv_Kp>.ow?oo^>]xgOqI| JSM.OQF=r%0'c[',(d2`\gNHbqsO&&#v>b[Wg7xr|*M R (Ps 119:161). For example, notice that some form of the word suffering is used three . Observation. Learn the basics of what Christians believe. Now, think about what the passage tells us that is always true not just in its original setting, but in any time and place. All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable (useful, advantageous, helpful,) for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness (see notes 2 Timothy 3:16-17). 1. 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.") It is full of instances of prayer; it supplies us with those thoughts about God which stimulate our faith to approach Him expectantly, earnestly, confidently. Its an exciting, action-packed book, but its short enough to read front to back in about an hour. Which road will you travel? Some of them can only be answered by examining the text again or even by looking at other parts of the Bible. Who art thou that judgest another man? To his own master he stands or falls. Internship opportunities with Cru's ministries. 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, What did that word mean to them, and what kinds of feelings and hopes did it invoke? 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. Reading the Bible without meditating on it is like eating without chewing. Note that the question is not"Is this truth relevant to my life?" Allow the Bible to help you understand other passages of the Bible. During the week he earnestly tried to apply them to his life. Theres an inherent danger in inductive Bible study -- it can degenerate into a process thats intellectually fascinating but spiritually frustrating. What guidance does it offer me in my social intercourse? Be sure to visit the Precept Ministries International Web site to go deeper into inductive Bible study. Reportedly, Crowfoot put the pass in a leather pouch and wore it around his neck for the rest of his lifebut he never once availed himself of the rights and privileges it spelled out. Striving to see Christ-followers on every team, in every sport and in every nation. Why Are There Lament Psalms at the End of the Psalter? Exodus 0000004523 00000 n Joshua This guide is written for people of all levels who are looking for a deeper and richer study of Scripture. The growing numbers of sermon-sippers and seminar-sitters who flit from one doctrinal dessert to another like so many busy, buzzing hummingbirds are most assuredly deceiving themselves unless they are also choosing to assimilate (heed) the truth ("honey" Ps 119:103-note) which they have tasted (cp Jas 1:22, 23, 24+, Jas 1:25+). There are many ways we can study the Bible, but one of the most influential and simple approaches to reading and understanding God's Word involves three simple steps: Step 1: ObservationWhat does the passage say? To which his colleagues exclaimed "What! He would take notes and later study them with great care. Malachi Coleridge once said that, if we wish to make old truths fresh, we must turn them into action. Its good to set aside time for both devotional reading and studying. 2 Thessalonians The inductive Bible study method is a time-tested way for the layperson to approach studying Scripture. Through the inductive method you follow a process of studying the Bible one book at a time. So how do we apply any of it, let alone enjoy it. These three parts are observation, interpretation, and application. EP !HOz He had the "truth" but never acted upon it. J A Bengel wisely admonished "Apply yourself to the whole text, and apply the whole text to yourself.". It is a means to an end, not an end in itself. How? Inductive Bible study draws its conclusions from the text, not our assumptions. 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. 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. Nahum 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. Psalms This volume incorporates insights from contemporary evangelical hermeneutics into an. Privacy (John 7:17). When applied properly, the inductive method will provide a better overall understanding of a passagewhat it says, what it meant to its original audience, and what it means today. Will Graham Devotion: A Sacrifice That Costs Nothing Is Worth Nothing. The word of God reveals to us our true selves. T Is there a Truth to memorize and meditate upon (Click here)? Life Application: What joy is experienced when deliberate Bible study moves from a 'have to' to a 'want to!' (Ro 10:17+). Too often we come to Gods Word to study it, to teach it, etcto do everything in the world with it except be changed by it! 0000003614 00000 n To which he responded "Yes, she translated the Bible into her life, and was the most powerful translation I've ever seen!" 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. Or well walk by His side in the way. Local: 704-401-2432 The goal is to familiarize yourself with the work as a whole. 1 John 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. You want to be able to trace the authors argument all the way through. You have remained in right site to start getting this info. It would touch as many lovely blossoms as it could, but derived absolutely no benefit from it. If a Christian is careless in Bible reading, he will care less about Christian living. Keeping some form of journal will allow you to go back and review what God has been teaching you. Is Your Interpretation Supernaturalistic, Naturalistic, Existentialistic, Dogmatic? It comes from knowing more about the Bible and applying it to our spiritual needs. Where similar words are used, explore the context of each of those instances. and how much we really believe what we have observed. We must meditate upon it. When people started complaining, he told the congregation, "I'll preach a new sermon when you act on this one. 2 Kings As someone has blunted phrased it "Interpretation without application is abortion.". He knoweth what we have need of before we ask, but He expects us to ask all the same. Solicitation Disclosure Statement And what thou readest well, thou canst not too well understand; Joel 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. + Follow it by personally doing what it bids thee. Every precept in Scripture may be turned into prayer, and every promise into praise. These divisions are tools that help us read Scripture; theyre not an actual part of it. In fact, Logos even has an Inductive Bible Study Workflow built right in to guide you through these steps. 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. The Bible helps you understand God and His relationship with humanity. Puritan Thomas Manton comments thatThere is an awe of the Word, not that makes us shy of it, but tender of violating it, or doing anything contrary to it. The older we are, the more experienced we become at rationalizing sin. 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. That seems important to delve into deeper. The person who knows the truth but doesn't act on it is not simply making a mistake or showing poor judgment but he is in sin. To pick up the thread of Pauls argument, you need to go back and catch up. If there is a promise to be embraced, we claim it. How do we apply what we just learned to everyday life? This guide provokes you to read the Bible honestlyto let it surprise, challenge, and correct you as you apply the many steps of interpretation. 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. Ask God that his threats may drive you out of your sins, and drive you to seek pardon in Christ. This might make you wonder whether this is good news for Mark or if Mark thinks this good news applies to everyone. Many times a Bible passage is read only with eyes but not with the mind engaged. It is packed with revelation, lessons, instruction, and theology. A (supernaturally charged and) changed life is the clearest testimony of genuine understanding of the Bible. You can discuss this post and others in the Faithlife Today group. 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). Imagine trying to find a specific place in Scripture during a sermon without them. In other words, every time you observe and interpret but fail to apply, you perform an abortion on the Scriptures in terms of their purpose. One practical approach to Bible study is a four-part process of observation, interpretation, connection, and application. What we believe about the gospel and our call to serve every nation. 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. hb```vV^af`B@#g|3h 6. Janet Chismar Do with the Bible as the sick man does with the doctors prescription. 63 0 obj <> endobj Its the shortest of the Gospels, and you might have noticed that Mark seems focused on the action and hitting all the significant points. The precious promises lie in front of you. But for your study time, its helpful to use them as secondary sources after youve done some preliminary work. 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. The Bible is a unique collection of sixty-six books written by men under the direction and influence of the Holy Spirit (2 Pet. Interpretation should build on observation and then lead into interpretation. Explore resources to help you live out your life and relationships in a way that honors God. Let it not only inform you but inflame you. If there is a warning to be followed, we heed it. And so prayer is not a substitute for action, but the deliberate contact of the soul with God, whence we draw an enabling force whereby we go forth conquering and to conquer. Both of these; Are we spiritual or are we natural? So even though you might be familiar with the word Messiah, you might want to focus on Mark and his original audience. In many ways, observation is the base of the Bible study pyramid. Connect: What is God saying (that is always true or that is true to all readers in all settings)? Will Graham Devotion: How Do You Know Whats True? Avoid basing important doctrines on obscure passages. Showing God in action in and through His people. Again, we feel God's promises to be too high for us, we know He is perfect, and we are vile. Can abide while we trust and obey. Once you decide how much time you want to commit to studying, put it on your calendar. Many of them include commentary at the bottom of the page or in the margins. Isaiah 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. Too often, people jump into the Bible and start connecting before theyve done the challenging work of examining all there is to see. Genesis Not just for information Many of us struggle to wade through the dense lists of commands, genealogies and prophecies in the Old Testament. Refrain, Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share, We all have a story. We try to communicate what weve never experienced in our own lives.". Ask the Lord to show you your interest, in every truth, and; do not be satisfied until you have an assured personal interest therein. Click To Tweet Inductive Bible Study ((this mirror = Gods Word = unique for it shows our inner nature as a regular mirror shows our exterior. King Edward VI of England would stand while the Word of God was read in worship service. Colossians While there are several great methods of studying the Bible, heres a simple method one can follow: Observation, Interpretation, Transformation and Application. and What I mean is just this. A lot of people have all sorts of news. The well known Puritan writer John Owen had some pithy comments on the need to study the Scriptures with the ultimate intent to apply them to one's life. Also we become more responsible to God. to my own life and destiny and relation to God? When you become a Christian, you enter into an exciting, lifelong relationship with the Bible. Think of it as an appointment that you do not want to miss. Owen wrote that To seek after mere notions of Truth, without an endeavor after an experience of its power in our hearts, is not the way to increase our understanding in spiritual things. Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear, There is always something new to uncover in the Bible. Who may go up to his holy dwelling place?" ( Ps 24:1-3 ). Every time we encounter spiritual truth, we need to seek to apply that truth to our lives. We must adjust ourselves to the Bible Then you might turn your attention to verses 18 in the first chapter. A person may study some branch of sciencesay electricityfor the enjoyment the knowledge gives him, without the least intention of applying it practically. The only Bible the world reads is the one bound in shoe leather: you and me! Its about observing exactly what the text is saying. (Ep 1:3-note). Inductive Bible study is a practical, relevant, and time-tested approach to interpreting Scripture. One practical approach to Bible study is a four-part process of observation, interpretation, connection, and application. 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. If you are made to tremble under Gods Word, you may never be made to tremble under Gods hand. Step 2: InterpretationWhat does the passage mean? This method makes observations on a passage of Scripture and then draws conclusions based on those observations. The observation phase was all about observing what the text says, but the interpretation phase is the next step. Although the Bible tells one cohesive story, it does so through the work of many authors who wrote during times hundreds of years apart. When the global church comes together then powerful things can happen. Lamentations Jonah J@GD0Q0rqD@!QTTXF1ID>IgIyy;GABp_8;.7_0?\h*4z/Bzc`S!zJP2[VgVM52,6.*0.199QP1T`}G/I(tSE)BQF*jE()*RMq>&}P* Numbers Sometimes its beneficial to ignore them and consider other ways you might divide the text. All action presupposes prayer, and all prayer ought to lead on to action. Permissions So if youre studying Mark, start by reading the entire book. Our first duty is to meditate. (3) substituting rationalization for repentance. You haven't really learned the Word until you live the Word. Writing it down helps to remind you of God's consistent revelation and reinforces the truth He conveys to your heart. As a result, that man became a Christian. Some use the term to describe a discussion group, which may discuss the Bible or some other uplifting book. This awe is called by a proper name, reverence, or godly fear; when we consider Whose Word it is, namely, the Word of the Lord, Who is our God, and has a right to command what He pleases; to Whose will and word we have already yielded obedience, and devoted ourselves to walk worthy of Him in all well pleasing (Col 1:10-note, Ep 4:1-note, Php 3:17,18-note, 1Th 2:12-note); who can find us out in all our failings, as knowing our very thoughts afar of (Psalms 139:2), and having all our ways before Him, and being one of Whom we read, -- "He is a holy God; He is a jealous God; He will not forgive your transgressions nor your sins" (Joshua 24:19), that is to say, if we impenitently continue in them. Not just for knowledge, but much more-- It went in empty every time and came out full (A. Naismith, 1200 Notes, Quotes and Anecdotes [Chicago: Moody, 1962], p. 0000000016 00000 n Nevertheless our duty is clear. Comment: Sins of omission (failing to do what God wants us to do) are sins just as surely as sins of commission (doing what God has told us not to do). We must get into the Word of God for ourselves. You might make a circle around those terms as a reminder to focus on those later. But to make us more like our Savior. Practically speaking, when we study "the word of God" we sense ourselves pierced. We must never forget that the ultimate goal of Bible study, whether inductive or otherwise, is to know God and His Son so that we might have life in Him. The better you know the Bibles teachings, the more grounded your faith becomes. These subheadings can be useful for understanding the different parts of a biblical book, but they can also force you to read a passage in a particular light. S Is there a Sin to avoid, forsake or confess? BGEA is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Thresh them by meditation. Application begins with belief 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. Now you know the three simple steps to running your own inductive Bible study. It is unified in all its parts and will never contradict itself (Ps. my heart stands in awe of Thy words. Mark Reflecting Jesus together for the good of the city. Obadiah (Mark 1:1, NIV), The purpose of this book is to tell the story of Jesus; its a historical narrative. 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. Application takes place as you are confronted with the truth and you respond to that truth in obedience (in faith). Truth revealed brings responsibility to respond. Otherwise, its easy to become dependent on them. The religionists of Jesus' day had all of the data. HhT=k&^-l (6WBbN~WPe4`!Mr`+^p!MO,LP/_n]aFBcp) How do you do that? Resource links How to Perform A Greek Word Study on the Web, Multiple resources on Biblical Interpretation (Hermeneutics). 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 whole Bible tells the story of how God, in his grace and mercy, comes to the rescue of rebellious people living in a broken world. The Bible is the best prayer-book in the world, as it has been called the best story-book in the world. ::c\}oa\l#N/4!tGj;Mu}8Mmm3M^x_M=>l~m8n6vTk7.9Rm+s7mm1>7%cS,"W`!K[43!qCn66JVo[K^nE^ + This video series demonstrates how to perform inductive Bible study using the Logos Bible app thats free for web, mobile, or desktop. Bible reading fits into the devotional category. Don't be deceived thinking that going to Precept inductive Bible study will make you more spiritual. and then You haven't completed your Bible study until you've allowed the Bible to "study' you and you respond accordingly to it's teaching (which tells us what is true and right and so structures our thinking), reproof ( tells us when we are out of bounds), correction (reveals sin and provides the dynamic whereby you can conform to Gods will) and training in righteous living (Gods means of showing you how to live), all in order that we as men and women of God might be complete or whole and what we were created to be so that we might be thoroughly equipped for good work (2Ti 3:16, 17-note). 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.