Their righteousness was external, based on facts and devoid of personal response. King Edward VI of England would stand while the Word of God was read in worship service. One practical approach to Bible study is a four-part process of observation, interpretation, connection, and application. It is a trustworthy (pistos = faithful; cp Paul's 4 "faithful sayings" - 1Ti 1:15, 4:9, 2Ti 2:11+, Titus 3:8+) statement deserving full acceptanceit is for this (godliness) we labor (kopiao = to the point of exhaustion; present tense = continually) and strive (agonizomai = as when striving in an athletic contest emphasizing concentration, discipline, conviction, effort; present tense = continually)." He would take notes and later study them with great care. One of the best ways to study the Bible is through "inductive" study. Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear, Refrain, But we never can prove the delights of His love For the favor He shows, for the joy He bestows, We may find something in every passage which comes before us both to pray over and to thank God over. Note that the question is not"Is this truth relevant to my life?" Janet Chismar Apply yourself to the whole text, and apply the whole text to yourself. But then we must allow that Word to get into us, to make a permanent difference in our character and conduct. God's promises are not a substitute for prayer, but a stimulus to it. So people go to church, and enjoy the preaching, and yet do not do what God asks. The goal is to familiarize yourself with the work as a whole. 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. ", As William Temple said "Every revelation of God is a demand and the way to knowledge of God is by obedience. Some are always looking out for other peoples duty, and are great judges and critics for what others ought to do. Be careful not to simply amass the kind of knowledge that puffs up (1 Corinthians 8:1). 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. There is something incredibly rewarding about mining those nuggets of truth for yourself. Did they know where the Messiah was to be born? two roads diverged in a wood, and I -- 10 Questions the Internet Is Asking about the KJV. If the Bible seems dry and unexciting, check your attitude (Ed: Also do some personal inventory with 1 Pe 2:1+and then you'll be able to move on to 1 Pe 2:2+!). The Bible is the best prayer-book in the world, as it has been called the best story-book in the world. Turn Scripture into Prayer. When in a spirit of quiet thought we have thus resolved and revolved God's Word, we are prepared to pray over it. Bible study is meant not merely to inform but to transform and renew our mind. The ideal combination is to read the word and then heed it expeditiously and implicitly. If we study to know but never do, we like Chief Crowfoot will never fully tap into the blessing of, every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus. Its about observing exactly what the text is saying. Only in this way can believers grow spiritually. As mentioned earlier, its easy to become dependent on them. Why Are There Lament Psalms at the End of the Psalter? Your goal in observing is to identify what the author was trying to communicate to his readers. Lamentations This is likewise one of the factors by obtaining the soft documents of this Inductive Bible Study Observation Interpretation And Application Through The Lenses Of History . Your Teacher, the Holy Spirit, can give you insights at any point in your study, so that you need to be sensitive to His leading. Inductive Bible study is a practical, relevant, and time-tested approach to interpreting Scripture. It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot (NIV). 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. What other Scripture passages might help me better interpret this one? It is a means to an end, not an end in itself. 0000000536 00000 n
), A T Pierson said that "While other books inform, and some few reform, this one book transforms. In truth thou canst not read the Scriptures too much; Reaching students and faculty in middle and high school. For the first question, you might think through your initial reading of Mark. Whenever (every time) we read the Scriptures, the question we should always honestly seek to ask is How does the meaning of this text apply to me? 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. Click To Tweet Inductive Bible Study Avoid basing important doctrines on obscure passages. When we obey the Word we are demonstrating the reality of our love for the Lord (our obedience is motivated by love not legalism!) Take the time to dive into the application step. It consists primarily in picturing up the actual state of things brought before us in our reading, whether it be an incident, a prayer, an exhortation, a proverb, a prophecy. Shows the way. Its helpful to take a funnel approach to the book youre reading. 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." What does this passage teach that is still as true today as it was when it was written?
Sometimes its beneficial to ignore them and consider other ways you might divide the text. Will Graham Devotion: How Do You Know Whats True? (Galatians 4:1, New International Version). As we search the Scriptures, we must allow them to search us, to sit in judgement upon our character and conduct. (Ro 10:17+). But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? In other words every divine revelation demands a determinative response. For the gate is small, and the way is narrow that leads to life, and few are those who find it. 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. tie. H\j0z Romans Both of these; (Read the entire sermon - How to Read the Bible), "Our Masters field is full and rich. Amos 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.
8. Interpretation, Illumination and Application | Bible.org Logos can be an incredible resource as you seek to make this a part of your daily routine. (Ps 119:15, 23, 27, 48, 78, 97, 99, 148 - see A Primer On Biblical Meditation). 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. 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. Learn to develop your skills, desire and ability to join others on their spiritual journeys and take them closer to Jesus. Learning to read andstudy Scriptureis an important part of the Christian life. This is the ultimate step: we submit to Scripture and let it transform our lives. 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. %%EOF
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. In a very real sense we are giving our brain a bath; we are washing it in the purifying solution of Gods Word. And the botanist had a big notebook under his arm and a great big magnifying glass. In the third chapter, Matthew tells us about Jesus baptism by John. Once we know what a passage means we are responsible to live it out. What distinguishes observation, interpretation, and application? +t8HL~Y,/0B_<7)K]JOSTx*=JOlgTx*=kp]un?VHk?Z,u-tglS If you choose to consult a commentary during your study, try to do it toward the end. Let it not only inform you but inflame you. Some passages will not have a clear application. Joel 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. 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. Thresh them by meditation. Refrain, Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet. It can provide you with answers you werent able to come up with on your own, and maybe give you some clues on interpretive techniques and tools in the future. 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. Jesus emphasized this important truth again in John 17 declaring. Hebrews As someone has blunted phrased it "Interpretation without application is abortion.". If youre new to studying, why not start with the Gospel of Mark? It's better to live one verse of the Bible than to recite an entire chapter. Start with the obvious. Study the New Testament at your own pace in workable units of material that follow the inductive method of study. Thats the kind of serious-minded response to truth application calls for. You cannot expect to approach the Bible with the same level of investment that youd give your favorite novel. The more work you do during this part of your study, the better you will do in the rest. 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. 119:160). xref
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Writing it down helps to remind you of God's consistent revelation and reinforces the truth He conveys to your heart. When we have read the Bible, many passages may become "overfamiliar." We think that we know what they say and cease . Matthew Henry adds: Every gracious soul stands in awe of the word of God, of the authority of its precepts and the terror of its threatenings; and to those that do so nothing appears, in the power and wrath of man, at all formidable. It is one thing to know these truths, and even to fight for them with the zeal and bitterness of a controversialist, but it is quite another thing to enjoy them as our own heritage and our portion for ever. Titus Often, the headings in modern Bible translations identify pericopes. Together, these observations help you think about the biblical authors purpose and what they are trying to communicate.
Details of the OIA Method - Knowable Word To pick up the thread of Pauls argument, you need to go back and catch up. Bible studies include workbooks that help connect you to the ideas of Bible texts. 0000000016 00000 n
How much influence is the Bible supposed to have on society? 0000001930 00000 n
eg'1{(yzJ*| Such a person is like the church who had a new pastor who preached the same sermon every Sunday.
Though he draw them they will not come to him, and when he calls them they will give him no answer. 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.
Bible Study: Traditional Method (Observation, Interpretation MacArthur, J.: The MacArthur Study Bible Nashville: Word, MacDonald, W & Farstad, A. Believer's Bible Commentary: Thomas Nelson, Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth by Spurgeon. The more honest question is"Am I ready and willing believe this truth and to apply it in my life? 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. Its apowerful toolfor those who want to learn how to study Scripture well. Sometimes youll be studying a passage that has a precise application. This is a motivating truth that you can trust and which you should welcome and willingly acknowledge. Step 2: InterpretationWhat does the passage mean? Micah These are the ideas that were true for the original audience and are equally true for you. Psalms Sometimes the application will simply be deeper faith and firmer belief. Not just for knowledge, but much more-- What we believe about the gospel and our call to serve every nation. If youre not careful, theyll do all the work of observation and interpretation for you. Don't be deceived thinking that going to Precept inductive Bible study will make you more spiritual. They are to leave behind their assumptions and make a ruling based on the facts alone. How foolish to look in the mirror of God's word, see spiritual "dirt" and yet fail to respond). R4`:|ut\#jDAh]Y1]|{ >^*8"I+
+N-rjiSS-Q*c9eF,xyV]%^p]=dG- J&naSP Get the answers to frequently asked questions on Christian beliefs and practices. Develop your leadership skills and learn how to launch a ministry wherever you are. In other words, we must act by faith in what God has shown us from His Word or our hearts can become hardened (cf. Don't be like Crowfoot, the chief of the Blackfoot nation in southern Alberta, who gave the Canadian Pacific Railway permission to lay track from Medicine Hat to Calgary, and in exchange received a lifetime railroad pass. 1 Samuel Observation The Word is both a glass to show us the spots of our soul and a laver to wash them away. Its good to set aside time for both devotional reading and studying. Gather them. Don't deceive yourself! Just like Matthew, Luke gets to the baptism in the third chapter. To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey. We all need to ask ourselves are we studying the Word that we might be more like Jesus or more like the Pharisees? +
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L%#GS`Kj)|%2laZxe"$[1Gf9pnY$,sfP.( +EelPEC_JjN bbBwa7$}%I$UO8 % Its the shortest of the Gospels, and you might have noticed that Mark seems focused on the action and hitting all the significant points. By Observation involves reading the text to make simple statements that are true . They do not seem very ancient. Think of it as an appointment that you do not want to miss. Apply yourself to the Scriptures 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. The observation phase was all about observing what the text says, but the interpretation phase is the next step. A pericope is a section of the text that forms a complete thought. After a few weeks, the detective was able to report to the man that Dr. Houghtons life matched his preaching. Armed with that knowledge, youre ready to start thinking about how to apply what youve read. Don't be deceived -- Every time we hear the Word of God, we are either a little closer to heaven or a little further away. Head knowledge without heart change is not enough and in some ways is even worse than no knowledge. 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. His Word from day to day, Is your heart conditioned to listen and obey? Reading the entire book in one or two sittings is part of the observation process. 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. Identify chapter themes But we are never just the same. We must align ourselves with the Bible, never the Bible with ourselves. Exodus The records of human need and Divine generosity are not far-fetched ; they answer to our own case. Sow an action, reap a habit. Believe it to be safe Life Application: What joy is experienced when deliberate Bible study moves from a 'have to' to a 'want to!' The worldlings Bible is the Christian. The third rule for our guide should be Read And Apply. Or well walk by His side in the way. (Ed: And I would add that the Word of Truth ALWAYS has something to say to our heart! Bible study is intentionally digging into a passage of Scripture and using various interpretive techniques to understand what the author is saying. 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. What Do We Lose When We Forget the Importance of Prayer? 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." Sow a thought, reap an action. Skip Heitzig writes that "The great evangelist Dwight L. Moody made a habit of carrying a notebook to record what he learned as he read the Bible or listened to a sermon.
Why OIA (Observation, Interpretation, Application) is the Best Bible Philippians Read the Bible as a man reads his relations will, to find what legacy there is in it for himself. Take the next step in your faith journey with resources on prayer, devotionals and other tools for personal and spiritual growth. Are we spiritual or are we natural? Once you do that, you can start shining a light on smaller sections of Scripture. And for this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me. 12-26). Like Ezra we should make every effort to handle it accurately and live it out assiduously (with perseverance and care)! 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 (!). How can we know what parts of the Bible apply to us today? This becomes extremely important when youre studying a book with a single prolonged argument, like the Book of Romans. Okay, so what is inductive Bible study, exactly? This typically involves reading a shorter Bible passage and doing less in-depth investigation of the text. 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. (Mark 1:1, NIV), The purpose of this book is to tell the story of Jesus; its a historical narrative. The story is told of several pastors who were arguing over which Bible translation was the best. (1Ti 4:8+, 1Ti 4:9, 10+). The Bible is a unique collection of sixty-six books written by men under the direction and influence of the Holy Spirit (2 Pet. One who uses the Bible as his guide T Is there a Truth to memorize and meditate upon (Click here)? And that has made all the difference.
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