example of bible study: observation, interpretation application example of bible study: observation, interpretation application

And if at any time, when we study the Word, we have not this design expressly in our minds, yet if upon the discovery of any truth we endeavor not to have the likeness of it in our own hearts, we lose our principal advantage by it (John Owen). Will Graham Devotion: A Sacrifice That Costs Nothing Is Worth Nothing. ), 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. who delude themselves. Help others in their faith journey through discipleship and mentoring. The third rule for our guide should be Read And Apply. Esther Take the time to dive into the application step. Writing it down helps to remind you of God's consistent revelation and reinforces the truth He conveys to your heart. This typically involves reading a shorter Bible passage and doing less in-depth investigation of the text. To which he responded "Yes, she translated the Bible into her life, and was the most powerful translation I've ever seen!" my heart stands in awe of Thy words. tie. However, interpretation can also involve separate actions or steps beyond merely observing the immediate text. We all have a story. Here are 14 important reasons to read it. And what thou teachest well, thou canst not too well live. For he set its foundation upon the seas, and established it upon the ocean currents. As a result, that man became a Christian. Zephaniah in my teaching, visiting or mission work? never loses his sense of direction. 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? Ask God that his threats may drive you out of your sins, and drive you to seek pardon in Christ. For Inductive Bible study, we don't begin with a topic and then try to find specific verses that make a teaching point. How foolish to look in the mirror of God's word, see spiritual "dirt" and yet fail to respond). Observation Do not read the Bible as a book for other people. To which his colleagues exclaimed "What! (MacDonald, W & Farstad, A. Believer's Bible Commentary: Thomas Nelson). Your goal in observing is to identify what the author was trying to communicate to his readers. 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. (Ps139:23, 24+; cf. Once you have explored the passage, its time to make some connections. Pray God to help you to feel the solemnity even of the threatening, for if you feel deeply the threatening now, you may be delivered from the tragic fulfilment of it by-and-by. They had mastered the Old Testament, but they were never mastered by the truth itself. 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+). What distinguishes observation, interpretation, and application? Luke And so we should react with overwhelming wonder, admiration, respect, or dread, this latter emotion relevant especially to those who read but fail to heed God's Word (application). Its what everything else is built upon. 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. Do with the Bible as the sick man does with the doctors prescription. If there is a warning to be followed, we heed it. Especially let this be so with the promises. Honest application of the text requires these kinds of questions and the wrestling of ideas when truth causes conflict. to which the context answers) for (every time you see a "for" at the beginning of a sentence pause and ponder why it's there and remember you can usually substitute the word "because" in place of "for" to help understand the meaning) Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the LORD, and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel. And when we do, like the bee, we will find that we never go away from God's Word empty. 15.). This is a dishonest way to interpret the text. 0000002043 00000 n The tireless runner is a picture of what Application should look like in each of our livessobrethren, beloved of God, chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world for so great a salvation, filled with His Spirit and controlled by the love of Christ "let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us fixing our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of faith" (He 12:1-note, He 12:2-note) pressing "on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" (Php 3:14-note) disciplining ourselves "for the purpose of godliness for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come." These divisions are tools that help us read Scripture; theyre not an actual part of it. Romans HWM5q0^5 !EJ8`vC ! But you may know that Luke and Matthew begin with Jesus birth story. 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." It is God's will that we should read Youve observed the details in the text and drawn interpretive conclusions about what the author was saying to his original readers. R4`:|ut\#jDAh]Y1]|{ >^*8"I+ +N-rjiSS-Q*c9eF,xyV]%^p]=dG- J&naSP The questions that might come out of your observations about Mark might include: Why does Mark not include the Christmas story in the beginning? Reaching students and faculty in middle and high school. Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide, and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and many are those who enter by it. When you become a Christian, you enter into an exciting, lifelong relationship with the Bible. (3) substituting rationalization for repentance. This seems to be the kickoff point of Jesus ministry. Galatians 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. 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. For more on studying the Bible on your own or with others check out our Bible Studies resources. Pretend youre an investigator and youre just gathering the facts. Rather, an inductive study . Reading and studying the Bible are two different practices. The difference between studying and applying the Scriptures is somewhat like the difference between drifting in a boat and rowing toward a destination. Is Your Interpretation Supernaturalistic, Naturalistic, Existentialistic, Dogmatic? How much influence is the Bible supposed to have on society? Absolutely. meditate and meditate and meditate, Devout meditation on the Word is more important to soul-health even than prayer. Life Application: What joy is experienced when deliberate Bible study moves from a 'have to' to a 'want to!' Let me ask you a serious question -- How often do you study the Word with no intention whatsoever of obeying it? Can abide while we trust and obey. When the attitude of our heart reflects a readiness to hear and respond, the text of the Bible comes alive. 63 0 obj <> endobj Commentaries are fantastic tools. Acts The Pharisees set the standard for this superficial, hypocritical, self deluding approach. Don't deceive yourself! ::c\}oa\l#N/4!tGj;Mu}8Mmm3M^x_M=>l~m8n6vTk7.9Rm+s7mm1>7%cS,"W`!K[43!qCn66JVo[K^nE^ + 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. As youre reading along, you can check the commentary to gain insight into cultural, linguistic and interpretive considerations. 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. Every precept in Scripture may be turned into prayer, and every promise into praise. 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. 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." Mark it down -- You can measure the eternal effectiveness of your inductive Bible study by the temporal effect it has on your behavior and attitudes. He will be inquired of by us. The Bible is an inexhaustible mine of precious gems. The inductive method is an investigative way of studying Scripture that can be used by both new and seasoned students alike. If there is a promise to be embraced, we claim it. These might include Bible dictionaries, atlases, concordances and handbooks. We need to be honest with ourselves at this point. r2T4000F1h+JTqkR=9K'ZOH1{csjr3U 0aq^rD[ZZZFTRq:(3k @ 2c> )KI1.Ff~2cxq;c 0c`x@ ]^ Leading from values so others will walk passionately with God to grow and bear fruit. Thus, interpretation flows out of observation. Would you like to give your time to work with Cru? ((this mirror = Gods Word = unique for it shows our inner nature as a regular mirror shows our exterior. +t8HL~Y,/0B_<7)K]JOSTx*=JOlgTx*=kp]un?VHk?Z,u-tglS Needless to say, the group of pastors got the point! Toll Free: 1-877-247-2426. Bible Study Observation Interpretation And Application Through The Lenses Of History Literature And Theology is universally compatible following any devices to read. Be sure to visit the Precept Ministries International Web site to go deeper into inductive Bible study. Leave not off reading the Bible till you find your hearts warmed. 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. You cannot expect to approach the Bible with the same level of investment that youd give your favorite novel. Develop your leadership skills and learn how to launch a ministry wherever you are. ), A T Pierson said that "While other books inform, and some few reform, this one book transforms. xref In Psalm 119:18, David said, "Open my eyes so I can truly see the marvelous things in your . Philemon Strip the passage of all the jewels you can find on your own, and then come back through with a commentary. 0000003614 00000 n Sometimes youll be studying a passage that has a precise application. Then you might turn your attention to verses 18 in the first chapter. Deuteronomy Its good to set aside time for both devotional reading and studying. This guide provokes you to read the Bible honestlyto let it surprise, challenge, and correct you as you apply the many steps of interpretation. It is a means to an end, not an end in itself. They are to leave behind their assumptions and make a ruling based on the facts alone. For the first question, you might think through your initial reading of Mark. Observation. Why did Mark feel this title was necessary on top of calling Jesus the Messiah? Learn how you can know God personally. Ruth Learn the basics of what Christians believe. 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.. Judges And that has made all the difference. %PDF-1.4 % 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). This fundamental step must be taken if one desires to accurately interpret and properly apply God's Word. Daniel All action presupposes prayer, and all prayer ought to lead on to action. What is the clearest meaning of this text? B. 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. If this were the only passage of the Bible you had access to, what would you learn from it about Gods character and actions? Joshua is the result of You can find the Inductive Bible Study Workflow (with five other Workflows and many other Bible Study tools) inLogos Starter. They do not seem very ancient. Somewhere ages and ages hence: 2 Chronicles 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. H\j0z Resources Bible Study Inductive Bible Study. To pick up the thread of Pauls argument, you need to go back and catch up. Ask yourself the five Ws and H: Its critical at this stage not to add anything to the text or take anything away. John kicks off with some critical theological points and then immediately launches into the baptism too. Now, think about what the passage tells us that is always true not just in its original setting, but in any time and place. And to do this, you need to look at the context (Logos Bible Software can be a great help with this). Each book is usually read 4 - 5 times, and with each step you are given a new tool for uncovering revelation within the pages. 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. The Power of Accurate Observation In Bible Study By Anna Wishart 07/31/2017 Details Bring Meaning God's Word has a lot to communicate. 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. Believe that the text means what it says. Look at Matthew 21:42-44 as an example. That seems important to delve into deeper. Lay hold on the Bible until the Bible lays hold on you. 1 Timothy -- F. B. Meyer, Read it to get the facts, study it to get the meaning, meditate on it to get the benefit. To love Him and obey. Your job at this stage is to discover what the author is trying to communicate. Therefore, it is vital that you develop observation skills which might, at first, seem difficult, laborious, and time-consuming. This is where secondary resources become really helpful. For one thing people mistake the pleasure they have in hearing the Word of God for Christianity and worship. 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. 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. 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. Jesus emphasized this important truth again in John 17 declaring. So people go to church, and enjoy the preaching, and yet do not do what God asks. They were the local authorities. King Edward VI of England would stand while the Word of God was read in worship service. Theres an inherent danger in inductive Bible study -- it can degenerate into a process thats intellectually fascinating but spiritually frustrating. Resource links How to Perform A Greek Word Study on the Web, Multiple resources on Biblical Interpretation (Hermeneutics). Habakkuk The godly preacher F. B. Meyer wrote that Devout meditation on the Word is more important to soul-health even than prayer. And the botanist had a big notebook under his arm and a great big magnifying glass. Think of it as an appointment that you do not want to miss. Amos 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. S Is there a Sin to avoid, forsake or confess? Why Are There Lament Psalms at the End of the Psalter? When youre first getting started with studying the Bible, its important to set some realistic goals for yourself. 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. God's promises are not a substitute for prayer, but a stimulus to it. Fourthly, we seek to stir up our soul to notes of praise and thanksgiving, delighting ourselves in God's Word, rejoicing in the prospect it presents, yielding ourselves in joyful submission to its precepts, and at the same time searching ourselves in the light of its cautions, humbling ourselves over our past coldness or doubtsfor most of our failures come from doubting God. For example, Psalm 24 says, "The Lord owns the earth and all it contains, the world and all who live in it. Okay, so what is inductive Bible study, exactly? Of course, there are a few steps involved during each of these components. Hebrews Permissions A pericope is a section of the text that forms a complete thought. 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). endstream endobj 71 0 obj <>stream Logos is the largest developer of tools that empower Christians to go deeper in the Bible. and how much we really believe what we have observed. Often, its helpful to put chapter and verse breakdowns out of your mind as you dive into Scripture. The more honest question is"Am I ready and willing believe this truth and to apply it in my life? It went in empty every time and came out full (A. Naismith, 1200 Notes, Quotes and Anecdotes [Chicago: Moody, 1962], p. Jonah Once you do that, you can start shining a light on smaller sections of Scripture. It is not enough just to study the Bible. two roads diverged in a wood, and I -- hb```vV^af`B@#g|3h Micah Its helpful to take a funnel approach to the book youre reading. 3 John 2. Now that you have your list of observations, you can wrestle with the questions that arise from them and the things that youve seen. The precious promises lie in front of you. 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. ), 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. (Ro 12:2-note). What did that word mean to them, and what kinds of feelings and hopes did it invoke? 1 Peter He had put into practice (applied) passages from God's Word, proving that they work which of course they always do! Marking them will help you see the sequence of events and lead to accurate interpretation of Scripture. Nehemiah First, I saw a butterfly. It might be tempting to stop at the interpretation phase, but youll be selling yourself and Scripture short if you do. Application takes place as you are confronted with the truth and you respond to that truth in obedience (in faith). We must get into the Word of God for ourselves. )R z9=_)\_`w0s3^xT{bhi ?%\hMKINZ>0!L ik0%kjDb V >{f NGaE"VU{Z}M-9Eik$oflK pA!~~?\sDNSUke Luke gives us the most information about Jesus birth and even provides us with a glimpse of Jesus as a child (Luke 2:4150). Proverbs This is the ultimate step: we submit to Scripture and let it transform our lives. If there is a promise to be embraced, we claim it. How about Son of God"? The more time and intentionality you put into understanding Gods Word, the more treasures you discover. Do not be afraid to ask hard or silly questions. He had the "truth" but never acted upon it. Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams." 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. Truth revealed brings responsibility to respond. Genesis (Mt 7:13, 14+). 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. 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. We ought to obey God rather than men, and to make sure of God's favour, though we throw ourselves under the frowns of all the world, Lk 12:4, 5. BGEA is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. It will walk you through each step of inductive bible studies in details. Will Graham Devotion: Paralyzed by Uncertainty? 2 John Thresh them by meditation. There is always something new to uncover in the Bible. Keeping some form of journal will allow you to go back and review what God has been teaching you. 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. To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey. William MacDonald explains meditation as follows Christians should meditate on the Word of God (chew the cud) and have a separated walk (the cloven hoof). Maybe youre reading Matthew 5:13: You are the salt of the earth. of precise observation, which is essential for accurate interpretation. If youre new to studying, why not start with the Gospel of Mark? These divisions are incredibly convenient. And what thou readest, thou canst not read too well; It's an emotion variously combining dread, veneration, and wonder inspired here by the absolute authority of the Words of God compared to all words of men. (1 Sa 15:22, 23) Related resource: Relationship of faith and obedience. Observation answers the question: What do I see? This can train you to be more of an explorer in the future. 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. The intercession of Abraham for Sodom, the prayer of Abraham's servant, the wrestling of Jacob, the pleadings of Moses, the strong crying of David, the spiritual conflicts of Elijah, Jonah and Jeremiah, the public and formal prayers of Solomon and Ezra, and the secret confessions of Danielall are the outpourings of hearts like our own. 3. 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. 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. What we believe about the gospel and our call to serve every nation. J@GD0Q0rqD@!QTTXF1ID>IgIyy;GABp_8;.7_0?\h*4z/Bzc`S!zJP2[VgVM52,6.*0.199QP1T`}G/I(tSE)BQF*jE()*RMq>&}P* (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. For some of you there is very little in the Word of God except threatening. Bible Study Principles Again, our METHOD of reading, searching, and study must involve very precise OBSERVATION, which is absolutely necessary to accurate INTERPRETATION!