Righteousness in simple terms is whatever God says is right on any subject. O/uE 4l"iI.l#e \c@pZFi7lq?3@hv?7 Il` For instance, as you explore the terms Messiah and Son of God, you might be moved to respond in prayer and worship. Isaiah Study the Bible to be wise. to my own life and destiny and relation to God? 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. Bible reading fits into the devotional category. Interpretation should build on observation and then lead into interpretation. In other words, am I applying this truth? 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! Your grandmother translated the Bible?" James Where similar words are used, explore the context of each of those instances. 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). Stout old Martin Luther used to say, All vital religion is in the personal and possessive pronouns. Is it not so? And for this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me. But His smile quickly drives it away; Marking them will help you see the sequence of events and lead to accurate interpretation of Scripture. I shall be telling this with a sigh Is your heart conditioned to listen and obey? For he set its foundation upon the seas, and established it upon the ocean currents. Used by cults. : an American History (Eric Foner) Civilization and its Discontents (Sigmund Freud) The Methodology of the Social Sciences (Max Weber) Interpersonal Communication (Kory Floyd) Chemistry: The Central Science (Theodore E. Brown; H. Eugene H LeMay; Bruce E. Bursten; Catherine Murphy; Patrick Woodward) (Read the entire sermon - How to Read the Bible), "Our Masters field is full and rich. Too much Bible study begins and ends in the wrong placewith interpretation. We all have a story. 2023 BGEA 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. 2 Peter Explore answers to life's biggest questions. This method makes observations on a passage of Scripture and then draws conclusions based on those observations. For example, Psalm 24 says, "The Lord owns the earth and all it contains, the world and all who live in it. 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). One of the best ways to study the Bible is through "inductive" study. Greater knowledge should always bring about greater obedience, enabled by grace not law, empowered by the indwelling Spirit as we learn to discard self effort and depend on the Spirit. 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. Ask yourself the five Ws and H: Its critical at this stage not to add anything to the text or take anything away. This is the ultimate step: we submit to Scripture and let it transform our lives. THE THREE COMPONENTS Again, we feel God's promises to be too high for us, we know He is perfect, and we are vile. 0000004523 00000 n 0000004118 00000 n and the Scriptures to yourself. In the third chapter, Matthew tells us about Jesus baptism by John. This is a dishonest way to interpret the text. 3:7f+, He 4:2+), (3) Response of obedience: Genuine faith will obey. In other words every divine revelation demands a determinative response. King Edward VI of England would stand while the Word of God was read in worship service. In truth thou canst not read the Scriptures too much; To love Him and obey. They had mastered the Old Testament, but they were never mastered by the truth itself. (Persevere!). If our interpretation is accurate, we at least have the potential to apply the truth appropriately. In the 13th century, Stephen Langton added chapters to Scripture, and in the late 16th century, Robert Stephanus added verses. To profess great love for Gods word or even to pose as a Bible student is a form of self-deception unless our increasing knowledge of the word is producing increasing likeness to the Lord Jesus. When thou passest through the river I will be with thee, the floods shall not overflow thee! Oh! 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. Not just for information It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot (NIV). Often, its helpful to put chapter and verse breakdowns out of your mind as you dive into Scripture. And this is eternal life, that they may know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent. To pick up the thread of Pauls argument, you need to go back and catch up. Reading the Bible without meditating on it is like eating without chewing. There are great apps out there, like YouVersion, that allow you to set reminders for yourself to get into Gods Word. In sum, acting on what God has said assumes that you understand what He has said as illustrated below. But if this conforming of their own souls unto the power of the Word be not fixed in the first place in their minds they do not strive lawfully, nor will they be crowned (!). Learn how you can know God personally. Practice it to be holy. (He 4:12, 13-see notes He 4:12; 13). The first step in studying a passage is to observe what it actually says. We must meditate upon it. Such a person is like the church who had a new pastor who preached the same sermon every Sunday. As youre reading along, you can check the commentary to gain insight into cultural, linguistic and interpretive considerations. Were so used to being exposed to chapters and verses that we lose sight of an authors intention for the whole book. Spiritual maturity, in which we become more like Christ, comes not just from knowing more about the Bible. And what thou readest, thou canst not read too well; (MacArthur, J.: The MacArthur Study Bible Nashville: Word), Andrew Murray writing about the discrepancy between knowing and doing, remarked. Next, youll want to figure out what youre going to study. And yet, so complete is the delusion, that Christians never realize they are not living good Christian lives. Observation 1ICR, hb```vV^af`B@#g|3h 0000000016 00000 n The world desperately needs to see the Word's miracle-working power at work in our own lives as living proof! Our Goal in Interpreting . How foolish to look in the mirror of God's word, see spiritual "dirt" and yet fail to respond). Thirdly, we seek to link the spirit of the passage with our own personal experience of things human and Divine. 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. --Hess, Robert Cook wisely advises that we should "Never leave a passage of Scripture until it has said something to you." For the favor He shows, for the joy He bestows, Yes, the Scripture (through your Teacher the Spirit) will bestow spiritual blessings, not by knowing but by doing! John MacArthur argues thatStudying Scripture without allowing it to penetrate to the depths of your soul would be like preparing a banquet without eating it. 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. You cannot expect to approach the Bible with the same level of investment that youd give your favorite novel. Once you think youve done all you can here, its time to move on to the final phase: application. Jonah 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. This seems to be the kickoff point of Jesus ministry. 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. To know and not to do is not to know at all. In view of this truth, what specific changes should I make in my life? You should desire to know Gods Word better so it can change you. Inductive Bible study is a practical, relevant, and time-tested approach to interpreting Scripture. ( Ro 12:2 - note) Application answers the question, There are three basic approaches to Bible interpretation: A. In Psalm 119:18, David said, "Open my eyes so I can truly see the marvelous things in your . Refrain, Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share, startxref 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. Can abide while we trust and obey. What Do We Lose When We Forget the Importance of Prayer? 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. in my business life ? (Ro 12:2-note). That seems important to delve into deeper. Key words and phrases are repeated in order to convey the author's point or purpose for writing. Have I overlooked anything or made any assumptions? Solicitation Disclosure Statement P Is there a Prayer to pray or a Priority to change? 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. We must adjust ourselves to the Bible After a few weeks, the detective was able to report to the man that Dr. Houghtons life matched his preaching. Not to make us smarter sinners Nevertheless our duty is clear. The more time and intentionality you put into understanding Gods Word, the more treasures you discover. We build up a reservoir of responses so that whenever the truth gets too convicting, weve got a multiplicity of reasons why it applies to everyone else but us! which then results in being and doing. I took the one less traveled by, All action presupposes prayer, and all prayer ought to lead on to action. So before we can apply the truth as God intended, we need to be certain that our interpretation is accurate, which in turn hinges on careful observation. The Word is both a glass to show us the spots of our soul and a laver to wash them away. Don't be deceived thinking that going to Precept inductive Bible study will make you more spiritual. Nehemiah Dr. Howard Hendricks remarks that Application is the most neglected yet the most needed stage in the process. How does he save or provide a way when people are unable? acquire the Inductive Bible Study Observation Interpretation And Application Through The Lenses Of History Literature And Theology join that we . The real question is do I always want to hear God's voice? It is not enough just to study the Bible. 1 Thessalonians Sources like these can give you vital information to help answer your questions. 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. When Gods Word points out something in us that needs correction, we need to respond. If there is a promise to be embraced, we claim it. You can help us reach children and their families to know Jesus. Now you know the three simple steps to running your own inductive Bible study. And what thou understandest well, thou canst not too well teach; In Gods mind, knowledge without obedience is sin. Just like Matthew, Luke gets to the baptism in the third chapter. 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. -- F. B. Meyer, Read it to get the facts, study it to get the meaning, meditate on it to get the benefit. Ezra 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. When God got his attention, Samuel responded appropriately: "Speak, for Your servant hears" (1 Sa 3:10). A key discipline for good study is not to be too quick to fall back on what you think you know. 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. He was there for hours writing notes, closed them, stuck them under his arm, tucked his magnifying glass in his pocket and walked away. 0000002043 00000 n Avoid the temptation to try to make the text mean anything just yet. Unlike other forms of study, the ultimate goal of Bible study is not information its transformation. Refrain, But we never can prove the delights of His love 12-26). Mark says hes starting at the beginning. Reaching students and faculty in middle and high school. In fact, Logos even has an Inductive Bible Study Workflow built right in to guide you through these steps. 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. If there is a command to be obeyed, we obey it. Bringing hope and resources to military families worldwide. (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! Once you do that, you can start shining a light on smaller sections of Scripture. Honest application of the text requires these kinds of questions and the wrestling of ideas when truth causes conflict. 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). That's a frightening statement! Psalms But is blessed if we trust and obey. ", James warned that "to one who knows the right thing to do, and does not do it, to him it is sin." xref Its good to set aside time for both devotional reading and studying. Eventually, if not immediately, these practices will reveal the meaning of the text (interpretation) and how to apply it (life application). THE ERROR IN THE "FORK" IN THE ROAD What other Scripture passages might help me better interpret this one? 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. 1 Peter Live in another country building relationships and ministries with eternal impact. -- David Shepherd, Be alert for the following deceptive dangers regarding application. A Is there an Attitude to change or guard against or an Action I need to take? 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. Refrain, Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet. You may study it your whole life, and you will never be able to absorb all that it has to teach. (Ps 119:161). As the devotional writer Matthew Henry prayerfully put it"O that we may love our Bibles more, and keep closer to them than ever! (Self deception is the worst form of deception and occurs when we come to believe there is virtue in hearing the truth of God but failing to apply it.) EP !HOz trailer The third thing I noticed was a bee, just a little bee. Before the Word of God can bring change to our world, it must first change our life. Logos is the largest developer of tools that empower Christians to go deeper in the Bible. Its apowerful toolfor those who want to learn how to study Scripture well. OF INDUCTIVE BIBLE STUDY. never the Bible to ourselves. Look for the plainest interpretation first. Its easy to become reliant upon commentary to explain the text to you, and this circumvents many of the benefits of study. Writing it down helps to remind you of God's consistent revelation and reinforces the truth He conveys to your heart. He would take notes and later study them with great care. As you work through these steps regularly, you will get better at them and you will be transformed. 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. and Equipping families with practical approaches to parenting and marriage. What does the term Messiah mean? Thats the kind of serious-minded response to truth application calls for. To which he responded "Yes, she translated the Bible into her life, and was the most powerful translation I've ever seen!" If youre not careful, theyll do all the work of observation and interpretation for you. and then shall we find the benefit and advantage designed thereby, and shall at last attain the happiness therein promised and assured to us.". To be sure our first goal should be to get into the Bible and then to allow the Bible to get into us. Every precept in Scripture may be turned into prayer, and every promise into praise. (Mark 1:1, NIV), The purpose of this book is to tell the story of Jesus; its a historical narrative. 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. 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.. We need to be honest with ourselves at this point. Observation Tips What are some tips to help with observation? Goes the way, Will Graham Devotion: Paralyzed by Uncertainty? Part of this work is supernatural: As you study the Bible, the Holy Spirit reveals truth from the text that applies to your life. Mark key words and phrases (see figure on page five) A key word is one that is essential to the text. What is the clearest meaning of this text? Some of them can only be answered by examining the text again or even by looking at other parts of the Bible. 0000003614 00000 n The botanist would lean over a certain flower and he would look for a long time and then he would write notes in his notebook. ", As William Temple said "Every revelation of God is a demand and the way to knowledge of God is by obedience. 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?" Through the inductive method you follow a process of studying the Bible one book at a time. What does it take to begin a relationship with God? Step 3: ApplicationWhat will I do about what the passage says and means? Bible Study Principles Again, our METHOD of reading, searching, and study must involve very precise OBSERVATION, which is absolutely necessary to accurate INTERPRETATION! Words repeated multiple times in a passage, Words that indicate a change in topic or time, Words that contrast one thing against another. It comes from knowing more about the Bible and applying it to our spiritual needs. ), 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. Be sure to visit the Precept Ministries International Web site to go deeper into inductive Bible study. Yogi Berra's advice is appropriate at this juncture -- When you arrive at a fork in the road, take it. ", 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. And what thou readest well, thou canst not too well understand; The precious promises lie in front of you. But this is exactly what happens when we fail to apply what we have observed and interpreted. John Blanchard underscores the crucial discipline of applying God's Word sounding the caution that "There is more to Christian growth than knowing what the Bible says; nobody is ever nourished by memorizing menus.". endstream endobj 68 0 obj <> endobj 69 0 obj <> endobj 70 0 obj <>stream Christian author Jerry Bridges reminds us that. Memorization is the first step to meditation. 1. 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. What we believe about the gospel and our call to serve every nation. Needless to say, the group of pastors got the point! By 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). They are to leave behind their assumptions and make a ruling based on the facts alone. And when we do, like the bee, we will find that we never go away from God's Word empty. Follow it by personally doing what it bids thee. Otherwise, its easy to become dependent on them. We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Proverbs You might make a circle around those terms as a reminder to focus on those later. Titus About people or human nature? Precept Ministries International was founded by internationally-known Bible teacher Kay Arthur, along with her husband, Jack, with the vision to establish people in Gods Word. In most respects they might have been written in our own life-time. 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. It would touch as many lovely blossoms as it could, but derived absolutely no benefit from it. Ask God that his threats may drive you out of your sins, and drive you to seek pardon in Christ. J A Bengel wisely admonished "Apply yourself to the whole text, and apply the whole text to yourself.". Deuteronomy I have known some rejoice greatly in the doctrine of election who never were elected, and some who were very pleased with the doctrine of justification by faith, but who had no faith by which to be justified. Step 2: InterpretationWhat does the passage mean? 1 Corinthians Do you need to devote yourself to unselfish religious deeds? Both of these; The Bible is Gods way of making Himself known to us. ((this mirror = Gods Word = unique for it shows our inner nature as a regular mirror shows our exterior. Woe! Learn the basics of what Christians believe. 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. What He says we will do, where He sends we will go; And what thou teachest well, thou canst not too well live. For example, notice that some form of the word suffering is used three . 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+). He had put into practice (applied) passages from God's Word, proving that they work which of course they always do! Bible study is meant not merely to inform but to transform and renew our mind. Get the answers to frequently asked questions on Christian beliefs and practices. Gather them. Like Ezra we should make every effort to handle it accurately and live it out assiduously (with perseverance and care)! In Observation and Interpretation we study God's Word, but in Application, God's Word "studies" us! 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? 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. If you feel the wrath to come now, you may never have to feel it in the next world. (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. Too often, people jump into the Bible and start connecting before theyve done the challenging work of examining all there is to see. 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." However, interpretation can also involve separate actions or steps beyond merely observing the immediate text. Striving to see Christ-followers on every team, in every sport and in every nation. But for your study time, its helpful to use them as secondary sources after youve done some preliminary work. You may start with reading a specific book of the Bible for five to 10 minutes every day and setting aside one day a week for a more intentional time of studying Scripture. Be careful not to simply amass the kind of knowledge that puffs up (1 Corinthians 8:1). is the result of 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. Once you know what the passage means (interpretation), you are responsible to put it into practice in your own life. 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.
