example of bible study: observation, interpretation application

This video series demonstrates how to perform inductive Bible study using the Logos Bible app thats free for web, mobile, or desktop. All four of the Gospels begin differently, but they all come together at the baptism. 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 does it take to begin a relationship with God? Careless Observation ( Ro 12:2 - note) Application answers the question, 0000002043 00000 n Some passages will not have a clear application. Sow a habit, reap a character. Shows the way. By using the tools included inInductive Bible Study, youll approach Bible study with more depth and understanding. The adventure of following God's will takes on a whole new complexion when we stop to listen and then act upon what we hear. Our favorite strategy is to rationalize sin instead of repent. Christian author Jerry Bridges reminds us that. Memorization is the first step to meditation. Writing it down helps to remind you of God's consistent revelation and reinforces the truth He conveys to your heart. P Is there a Prayer to pray or a Priority to change? 1:20-21). Edward Louie (2011) The phrase "Bible study" can mean different things to different people. Bible studies include workbooks that help connect you to the ideas of Bible texts. But we are never just the same. (1 Sa 15:22) (cf Ps 51:16,17, Spurgeon note v16, note v 17), We learn Gods Word not to know but to grow by doing for "Obedience is the mother of true knowledge of God." Your grandmother translated the Bible?" May we all seek to so diligently apply what we observe and interpret that we see "the world turned upside down.". Apply yourself to the Scriptures Too much Bible study begins and ends in the wrong place: It begins with interpretation, and it also ends thereObservation plus interpretation without application equals abortion. Are we truly born of God and spiritually alive or are we deceiving ourselves and spiritually dead, no matter how orthodox our profession of faith might appear? (Col 1:28, 29-See notes Col 1:28; 1:29), The basis for application is 2 Timothy 3:16. Your goal in observing is to identify what the author was trying to communicate to his readers. 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. (Lk 11:28+, cp Jn 13:17), D. L. Moody quipped that "Our great problem is the problem of trafficking in unlived truth. And what did those things mean? When we have read the Bible, many passages may become "overfamiliar." We think that we know what they say and cease . But this is exactly what happens when we fail to apply what we have observed and interpreted. 119:160). Application takes place as you are confronted with the truth and you respond to that truth in obedience (in faith). 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. Here are 14 important reasons to read it. Maybe youre reading Matthew 5:13: You are the salt of the earth. If our interpretation is accurate, we at least have the potential to apply the truth appropriately. 2 Corinthians After making these connections, you should be able to identify some of the big truths that the passage offers every reader throughout time. Is it because of ignorance, rebellion or indifference? Haggai John kicks off with some critical theological points and then immediately launches into the baptism too. Its worth it. hb```vV^af`B@#g|3h Not to make us smarter sinners In the 13th century, Stephen Langton added chapters to Scripture, and in the late 16th century, Robert Stephanus added verses. Solicitation Disclosure Statement Follow it by personally doing what it bids thee. Part of this work is active: Youre wrestling with the text and learning to understand it. Ezra Job trailer 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. And what thou understandest well, thou canst not too well teach; Jesus emphasized this important truth again in John 17 declaring. And for this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me. Not just for knowledge, but much more-- When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word, Daniel And to do this, you need to look at the context (Logos Bible Software can be a great help with this). Inductive Bible study is a practical, relevant, and time-tested approach to interpreting Scripture. When we obey the Word we are demonstrating the reality of our love for the Lord (our obedience is motivated by love not legalism!) 0000060059 00000 n Answers to questions on donations, financial policies, Crus annual report and more. and O/uE 4l"iI.l#e \c@pZFi7lq?3@hv?7 Il` How is our desire for, time with, and practice of God's living Word growing? B. 8. Malachi Amos r2T4000F1h+JTqkR=9K'ZOH1{csjr3U 0aq^rD[ZZZFTRq:(3k @ 2c> )KI1.Ff~2cxq;c 0c`x@ ]^ Joshua Once you think youve done all you can here, its time to move on to the final phase: application. We are inclined to qualify and modify the precepts of Christ and His claim on the Christian disciple. Lay hold on the Bible until the Bible lays hold on you. 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. never loses his sense of direction. Practically speaking, when we study "the word of God" we sense ourselves pierced. Every time we encounter spiritual truth, we need to seek to apply that truth to our lives. 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. Click To Tweet Inductive Bible Study 1 Timothy -- David Shepherd, Be alert for the following deceptive dangers regarding application. And how prevalent the sight of multitudes of Christians listening to the Word of God most regularly and earnestly, and yet not doing it! The worldlings Bible is the Christian. When you become a Christian, you enter into an exciting, lifelong relationship with the Bible. (1Ti 4:8+, 1Ti 4:9, 10+). Sometimes there will be figurative language and confusing imagery, but dont start by looking for hidden meaning. Now that weve observed and interpreted what the passage has to say, its time to talk about what it means for us. But His smile quickly drives it away; There is something incredibly rewarding about mining those nuggets of truth for yourself. Everyone has distractions and responsibilities vying for their attention, so it helps if you have a set time when you will read your Bible. Reading the entire book in one or two sittings is part of the observation process. But you may know that Luke and Matthew begin with Jesus birth story. They are to leave behind their assumptions and make a ruling based on the facts alone. And the botanist had a big notebook under his arm and a great big magnifying glass. 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. The goal is that we live holy, in conformity to God's will in thought, purpose and action and that in so doing we are made adequate and equipped for every good ("God") work, which represents only those works He initiates and empowers. Its good to set aside time for both devotional reading and studying. What a glory He sheds on our way! It is not enough just to study the Bible. Resource links How to Perform A Greek Word Study on the Web, Multiple resources on Biblical Interpretation (Hermeneutics). Find resources for personal or group Bible study. THE THREE COMPONENTS What did that word mean to them, and what kinds of feelings and hopes did it invoke? 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." And how does it show God redeeming that brokenness? For the first question, you might think through your initial reading of Mark. As someone has blunted phrased it "Interpretation without application is abortion.". HWM5q0^5 !EJ8`vC ! Try (Ed: in the sense of to test or examine) what you hear; try what you profess; try what you read. 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.") One practical approach to Bible study is a four-part process of observation, interpretation, connection, and application. Bible study is intentionally digging into a passage of Scripture and using various interpretive techniques to understand what the author is saying. Lamentations He now teaches two courses: "Bible Study" and "Advanced Bible Study." "All of my courses are built on the basic pattern of observation, interpretation, application and correlation (or . 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. Home Then you could go back and look at how the other Gospels start: Matthew begins by giving us Jesus genealogy and then gives us a little glimpse into His birth. One of the best ways to study the Bible is through "inductive" study. The Pharisees set the standard for this superficial, hypocritical, self deluding approach. Words repeated multiple times in a passage, Words that indicate a change in topic or time, Words that contrast one thing against another. 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 . (Josh 1:8-note). Many of them include commentary at the bottom of the page or in the margins. 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." It is a means to an end, not an end in itself. 1 Chronicles As you carry out your inductive Bible study you will find that observation, interpretation, and application often occur simultaneously. And what thou teachest well, thou canst not too well live. Sometimes its beneficial to ignore them and consider other ways you might divide the text. (John 17:3), Heart appropriation, not merely head apprehension, is the true goal of Bible study. As youre reading along, you can check the commentary to gain insight into cultural, linguistic and interpretive considerations. 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. Colossians Mark says hes starting at the beginning. To love Him and obey. Partnering with urban churches to meet physical and spiritual needs. tie. Never fear, only trust and obey. So if youre studying Mark, start by reading the entire book. Thats the kind of serious-minded response to truth application calls for. 0000008074 00000 n Now that youve come up with questions, its time to do research. Comment: Don't be like the butterfly flitting from one Bible study [preacher, devotional, commentary, etc] to another, but failing to personally apply what you learn. There should never be a time when we go to the Scriptures without allowing them to change our lives for the better. 0000001930 00000 n Considering these things we receive the word with that trembling of heart which God so much respects. Which road will you travel? But for transformation. 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. It is impossible to study the Scriptures diligently without running head-on into the need for application, "for the word of God is living and active (energetic, effective) and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge (sifting and analyzing) the thoughts and intentions of the heart and there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open (the bending back of the neck thoroughly exposing it to the eye of the skillful surgeon or the criminal on trial with a sharp dagger bound to his neck with the point just below the chin, so that he could not bow his head but had to face the court) and laid bare to the eyes of Him with Whom we must give account." We dont study the Bible just to gain knowledge. But is blessed if we trust and obey. Allow the Bible to help you understand other passages of the Bible. Bible Study Observation Interpretation And Application Through The Lenses Of History Literature And Theology is universally compatible following any devices to read. Using a trusted commentary can help in a few ways: It can help show you the details you missed in the observation phase. Inductive Bible study is Observe whats there, and document it. I took the one less traveled by, How does he save or provide a way when people are unable? If there is a promise to be embraced, we claim it. Privacy (Jas 4:17+, cp Lk 12:47, 48+, Jn 9:41). About Gods redemptive plan? Often, its helpful to put chapter and verse breakdowns out of your mind as you dive into Scripture. Part of this work is supernatural: As you study the Bible, the Holy Spirit reveals truth from the text that applies to your life. And that has made all the difference. Some seem as if they read the Bible in order to know how not to do, and the more God commands the more they will not obey. (MacArthur, J.: The MacArthur Study Bible Nashville: Word), Andrew Murray writing about the discrepancy between knowing and doing, remarked. Some people say they cannot meditate; they do not know what it means, or they have no time, or they go to sleep when they begin. We need to be honest with ourselves at this point. He was there for hours writing notes, closed them, stuck them under his arm, tucked his magnifying glass in his pocket and walked away. (Skip Heitzig How to Study the Bible and Enjoy It), Puritan Thomas Manton adds that "What we take in by the Word we digest by meditation and let out by prayer.". which then results in being and doing. Would you like to give your time to work with Cru? The writer of Psalm 119+ (virtually every verse of which deals with some aspect of God's holy Word) speaks to the importance of one's attitude that should undergird and stimulate right and ready application of truth gleaned Princes persecute me without cause, but (what's being contrasted?) In sum, acting on what God has said assumes that you understand what He has said as illustrated below. Often, the headings in modern Bible translations identify pericopes. 2 Timothy You can discuss this post and others in the Faithlife Today group. 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). endstream endobj 71 0 obj <>stream Accurate interpretation and correct application rest on the accuracy of your observations. and then 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. Reading the Bible without meditating on it is like eating without chewing. Learn how you can know God personally. 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. Not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross, Striving to see Christ-followers on every team, in every sport and in every nation. Explore answers to life's biggest questions. The goal is to familiarize yourself with the work as a whole. Exodus The older we are, the more experienced we become at rationalizing sin. endstream endobj 68 0 obj <> endobj 69 0 obj <> endobj 70 0 obj <>stream Too much Bible study begins and ends in the wrong placewith interpretation. You can find the Inductive Bible Study Workflow (with five other Workflows and many other Bible Study tools) inLogos Starter. We must meditate upon it. 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. Inductive Bible Study - Observation Inductive Bible Study - Interpretation Inductive Bible Study - Application Simple Study on the Power of God's Word Authority of God's Word - study on 2Timothy 3:16-17 Ezra 7:10 - Exposition of the "Ezra 7:10 Principle" Job's "Secret" of perseverance? Only in this way can believers grow spiritually. Hebrews 2 Thessalonians So even though you might be familiar with the word Messiah, you might want to focus on Mark and his original audience. Leave not off reading the Bible till you find your hearts warmed. Pretend youre an investigator and youre just gathering the facts. Youre attempting to get a sense of the whole before you begin to break down the parts. 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. Nevertheless our duty is clear. It is the supernatural, progressive revelation of who God is and man's relationship to God. (Ezra 7:9, 10) (Click to read an in depth unpacking of this practical powerful principle - the "Ezra 7:10 Principle"). Next, youll want to figure out what youre going to study. (The MacArthur Study Bible Nashville: Word), Jesus explains that relationship (and importance) between knowing God's Word and doing God's Word, declaringIf (If = 3rd class condition = possibility / probability but not a certainty! A (supernaturally charged and) changed life is the clearest testimony of genuine understanding of the Bible. Reading and studying the Bible are two different practices. 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. Theres an inherent danger in inductive Bible study -- it can degenerate into a process thats intellectually fascinating but spiritually frustrating. (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.) Learn more 2. P Is there a Promise to believe or condition to meet in order to partake of the promise? How do we apply what we just learned to everyday life? When you break the discipline of Bible study down to its simplest forms, its just a few steps: Explore: What did God say (to the original readers)? Scripture interprets Scripture. Its what everything else is built upon. This guide provokes you to read the Bible honestlyto let it surprise, challenge, and correct you as you apply the many steps of interpretation. Interpretation is not necessarily a separate step from observation, for often, as you carefully observe the text, you begin to see what it means at that very moment. This seems to be the kickoff point of Jesus ministry. As you work through these steps regularly, you will get better at them and you will be transformed. Of the three steps of Bible studyobservation, interpretation, and applicationthe middle one is often the most daunting. The questions that might come out of your observations about Mark might include: Why does Mark not include the Christmas story in the beginning? When you take a book like Romans one piece at a time, you can miss the forest for the trees. Remember that the more time spent in observation, the less time you will spend in interpretation, the more accurate the interpretation and the more appropriate the application. 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. If you do not this, you are reading to your own condemnation. never the Bible to ourselves. Give Me Liberty! Study the Bible to be wise. If there is a command to be obeyed, we obey it. in my teaching, visiting or mission work? The following steps follow the inductive method's process of observation, interpretation, and application. How about Son of God"? Once you have explored the passage, its time to make some connections. Some use the term to describe a discussion group, which may discuss the Bible or some other uplifting book. 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. 0000000016 00000 n 3 John For some of you there is very little in the Word of God except threatening. Where similar words are used, explore the context of each of those instances. 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?" Take care, nonetheless, to seek for the application of precepts. The inductive Bible study method is a time-tested way for the layperson to approach studying Scripture. Overview of Inductive Study with Observation Worksheet and example of how to mark a page, Click for Introduction to Inductive Bible Study using PowerPoint (2002), The MacArthur Study Bible Nashville: Word, How to Study the Bible and Enjoy It - see page 30, Skip Heitzig How to Study the Bible and Enjoy It, Chicago Statement on Biblical Hermeneutics, Chicago Statement on Biblical Application. Proverbs Commentaries are fantastic tools. Leading from values so others will walk passionately with God to grow and bear fruit. Read the Bible as a man reads his relations will, to find what legacy there is in it for himself. and then shall we find the benefit and advantage designed thereby, and shall at last attain the happiness therein promised and assured to us.". Therefore, it is vital that you develop observation skills which might, at first, seem difficult, laborious, and time-consuming. Once you know what the passage means (interpretation), you are responsible to put it into practice in your own life. Psalms Bible Study Principles Again, our METHOD of reading, searching, and study must involve very precise OBSERVATION, which is absolutely necessary to accurate INTERPRETATION! Application of God's Word will not always be "pain free", but it will always be profitable. 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. If there is a warning to be followed, we heed it. Do with the Bible as the sick man does with the doctors prescription. Titus This is a motivating truth that you can trust and which you should welcome and willingly acknowledge. to my own life and destiny and relation to God? Then I watched a little longer out my window and there came a botanist. 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. Inductive Bible study is a practical, relevant, and time-tested approach to interpreting Scripture. Showing God in action in and through His people. These three parts are observation, interpretation, and application. of precise observation, which is essential for accurate interpretation. Bibles today divide up the individual books within them with chapters and verses, but Bibles havent always done this. 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. Study the Bible to be wise Again, we feel God's promises to be too high for us, we know He is perfect, and we are vile. 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. 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+). Also we become more responsible to God. 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). Ask the Lord to show you your interest, in every truth, and; do not be satisfied until you have an assured personal interest therein. What kind of flavor and preserving qualities do I bring to my circle of influence? Maybe this question will lead you to pray for God to show you ways to help others and make some resolutions about things that youd like to change. You might see the word Messiah and think, I know what that means. But that can undermine your ability to discover new things. And yet, so complete is the delusion, that Christians never realize they are not living good Christian lives. 6. Ask God that his threats may drive you out of your sins, and drive you to seek pardon in Christ.

example of bible study: observation, interpretation application 2023