example of bible study: observation, interpretation applicationfunny texts to get her attention
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 (!). Song of Solomon 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. 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.. A sorry, sorry heart is that which so uses Gods Word as to make it an aggravation of its sin. THE THREE COMPONENTS meditate and meditate and meditate, Devout meditation on the Word is more important to soul-health even than prayer. He would take notes and later study them with great care. A lot of people have all sorts of news. Theres an inherent danger in inductive Bible study -- it can degenerate into a process thats intellectually fascinating but spiritually frustrating. Truth revealed brings responsibility to respond. BGEA is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. This guide presents three basic steps of Inductive bible studies, Observation, Interpretation and Application. If you skip this step, you will never enjoy your Bible study and the Bible will never change your life. 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. There are three basic approaches to Bible interpretation: A. Nehemiah Why are we deluded in this way? Where similar words are used, explore the context of each of those instances. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. 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). How foolish to look in the mirror of God's word, see spiritual "dirt" and yet fail to respond). This is the ultimate step: we submit to Scripture and let it transform our lives. and This is always a powerful application of Scripture. OF INDUCTIVE BIBLE STUDY. Its worth it. Its an exciting, action-packed book, but its short enough to read front to back in about an hour. Ephesians 2 Timothy There is always something new to uncover in the Bible. What does the term Messiah mean? View our top Cru resources in more than 20 languages. Jude You haven't really learned the Word until you live the Word. Thats the kind of serious-minded response to truth application calls for. How is our desire for, time with, and practice of God's living Word growing? These divisions are incredibly convenient. The Bible is the best prayer-book in the world, as it has been called the best story-book in the world. 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. Inductive Bible study is a practical, relevant, and time-tested approach to interpreting Scripture. Toll Free: 1-877-247-2426. (Ps 119:15, 23, 27, 48, 78, 97, 99, 148 - see A Primer On Biblical Meditation). In the margin of many pages in D. L. Moody's Bible, he wrote the letters T and P, meaning "Tried and Proved." What distinguishes observation, interpretation, and application? Shows the way. Leading from values so others will walk passionately with God to grow and bear fruit. However, interpretation can also involve separate actions or steps beyond merely observing the immediate text. Inductive Bible study draws its conclusions from the text, not our assumptions. How about Son of God"? 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). 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. There are many ways we can study the Bible, but one of the most influential and simple approaches to reading and understanding God's Word involves three simple steps: Step 1: ObservationWhat does the passage say? A Silly yet Serious 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. For the gate is small, and the way is narrow that leads to life, and few are those who find it. Bible Study Principles Again, our METHOD of reading, searching, and study must involve very precise OBSERVATION, which is absolutely necessary to accurate INTERPRETATION! Eventually, if not immediately, these practices will reveal the meaning of the text (interpretation) and how to apply it (life application). Will Graham Devotion: Paralyzed by Uncertainty? Before the Word of God can bring change to our world, it must first change our life. Which road will you travel? What I mean is just this. These four steps help you to orient yourself to a passage, wrestle with what it's trying to communicate and examine your life in light of God's Word. which then results in being and doing. 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.". 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. When the attitude of our heart reflects a readiness to hear and respond, the text of the Bible comes alive. never the Bible to ourselves. Used by cults. Believe that the text means what it says. Its easy to become reliant upon commentary to explain the text to you, and this circumvents many of the benefits of study. Instead of studying by chapter, its smart to look at pericopes. 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? For some of you there is very little in the Word of God except threatening. He never reads the book, but he reads the disciple of Christ, and he judges the Christian religion, by the lives of its professors. For the favor He shows, for the joy He bestows, Some passages will not have a clear application. Just make sure it's the one based on careful observation and accurate interpretation! By 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." 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. About Gods redemptive plan? Too much Bible study begins and ends in the wrong placewith interpretation. Deuteronomy Then I watched a little longer out my window and there came a botanist. Don't be deceived thinking that going to Precept inductive Bible study will make you more spiritual. Every precept in Scripture may be turned into prayer, and every promise into praise. Psalms If a servant were to hear but not do, how quickly the judgment would be given. We will not fully comprehend the extent of the "return on our investment" until we enter Paradise and stand before our Lord at His bema (judgment) seat. You want to focus on things like: Practice observation on the first verse of the Gospel of Mark. I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee! Well, it is a very fine promise, but if it is read to me thus: I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee, what a transformed and glorified promise it then becomes! Leave not off reading the Bible till you find your hearts warmed. Create an account or log in to get started. This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night (this is the parallel of observation and interpretation), so that you may be careful to do (the application) according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous and then you will have success (the blessing of proper application). Bible study is intentionally digging into a passage of Scripture and using various interpretive techniques to understand what the author is saying. As someone has blunted phrased it "Interpretation without application is abortion.". In many ways, observation is the base of the Bible study pyramid. Bringing hope and resources to military families worldwide. in my business life ? 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. 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. This is where secondary resources become really helpful. Not to make us smarter sinners There is something incredibly rewarding about mining those nuggets of truth for yourself. Now, think about what the passage tells us that is always true not just in its original setting, but in any time and place. One of the best things about studying Gods Word is that you can come back to a book youve already studied in the past and discover all-new insights. You can discuss this post and others in the Faithlife Today group. (Mt 7:13, 14+). 1 Samuel Write it all down (you can take notes directly in Logos), and once you feel like you have a good idea of whats happening in the text, its time to move on to the next step: interpretation. 2 Chronicles Is there any significance to the fact that Mark does not need to explain what that title means? No, even though the town of Bethlehem was only only five miles down the road from Jerusalem. Sometimes youll be studying a passage that has a precise application. Nahum 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. Read about individuals who have been transformed by faith. 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). The young prophet Samuel's response to God is a good example. 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. Edward Louie (2011) The phrase "Bible study" can mean different things to different people. (The blessing of God is integrally related to your response to the revelation of God. It is more needful for you to hear God's words than that God should hear yours, though the one will always lead to the other. 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. We all need to ask ourselves are we studying the Word that we might be more like Jesus or more like the Pharisees? Your grandmother translated the Bible?" Use your hobbies and interests to find the best place for you to serve. God's Word is the flawless discerner, perfectly analyzing our every motive, intention, and belief. 5 Basic Bible Study Techniques You Should Never Ignore, How to Study a Psalm: Essential Steps for Starting Right, How to Identify a Passages Repeated Words in Seconds, 10 Tips for Getting Started with Inductive Bible Study, Inductive Bible Study Is Not Just for Adults, The Laymans Bible Study Notebook: An Inductive Bible Study, Inductive Bible Study: A Comprehensive Guide to the Practices of Hermeneutics, Inductive Bible Study: Observation, Interpretation, and Application Through the Lenses of History, Literature, and Theology, The Definitive Guide to Bible Commentaries: Types, Perspectives, and Use. 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. Your goal in observation is to notice as much as possible. Bibles today divide up the individual books within them with chapters and verses, but Bibles havent always done this. Then we have mentally to adjust the picture thus formed with the pictures already in our mindto hang it, so to speak, in its right place, so that it may blend with the convictions of truth already attained. Will Graham Devotion: A Sacrifice That Costs Nothing Is Worth Nothing. After making these connections, you should be able to identify some of the big truths that the passage offers every reader throughout time. 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. eg'1{(yzJ*| And what did those things mean? And to do this, you need to look at the context (Logos Bible Software can be a great help with this). The godly preacher F. B. Meyer wrote that Devout meditation on the Word is more important to soul-health even than prayer. Search the Scriptures Chapter Analysis FormatBible study consists of Observation, Interpretation and Application.1.Observation is discovering what the author is saying looking specifically at Who, What, When, Where, Cause & Effect. Logos is the largest developer of tools that empower Christians to go deeper in the Bible. Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams." (1 Sa 15:22, 23) Related resource: Relationship of faith and obedience. And for this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me. Is your heart conditioned to listen and obey? Sow an action, reap a habit. Ecclesiastes What is the clearest meaning of this text? Of course, there are a few steps involved during each of these components. Sow a habit, reap a character. Bible study is about digging into the text and pulling out insights. (Lk 11:28+, cp Jn 13:17), D. L. Moody quipped that "Our great problem is the problem of trafficking in unlived truth. 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). This guide provokes you to read the Bible honestlyto let it surprise, challenge, and correct you as you apply the many steps of interpretation. But this is exactly what happens when we fail to apply what we have observed and interpreted. 1. 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. Many of them include commentary at the bottom of the page or in the margins. 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. They do not seem very ancient. Both reflect what is really there. So you might write that observation down: Marks beginning of the gospel story does not start at the very beginning., Youll also notice that Mark desires to tell you some good news, and this news is about Jesus. You 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. Accurate interpretation and correct application rest on the accuracy of your observations. Don't deceive yourself! Could that be a clue about his intended audience? It's better to live one verse of the Bible than to recite an entire chapter. Well, this is it. What was the result in his life and by way of application what will be the result in our life if we emulate his example? 6. In fact, it has become the benchmark of Bible study for many people. Now that weve observed and interpreted what the passage has to say, its time to talk about what it means for us. This step is asking these questions: What are the biggest ideas and the important details? When youre studying a book, youre going to end up reading it multiple times. The bottom-line question to ask is, How do the divine truths and principles contained in any passage apply to me in terms of my attitude and actions? Jesus made this promise to those who would carry their personal Bible study through to this point: If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them (John 13:17, cp Jn 15:14, 14:15, Lk 11:28, Jas 1:22+, Jas 1:25+, Rev 1:3+) 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. ", The goal of Inductive Bible study is When God got his attention, Samuel responded appropriately: "Speak, for Your servant hears" (1 Sa 3:10). Titus Your next question should be, Hows my saltiness? Bible study is meant not merely to inform but to transform and renew our mind. Take the time to dive into the application step. 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. Permissions Absolutely. 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. Application begins with belief I shall be telling this with a sigh Not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross, Inaccurate Interpretation, Robert Frost in his poem "Road Not Taken" writes in his last stanza. Observation Tips What are some tips to help with observation? How do you do that? O/uE 4l"iI.l#e \c@pZFi7lq?3@hv?7 Il` First, I saw a butterfly. Read and practice; but we shall only be able to do this, as God the Holy Spirit shall help us. ", As William Temple said "Every revelation of God is a demand and the way to knowledge of God is by obedience. So how do we apply any of it, let alone enjoy it. An Example of Interpretation Revelation 13:1-10. It also becomes a source of support for you during difficult times. Let me ask you a serious question -- How often do you study the Word with no intention whatsoever of obeying it? John Were so used to being exposed to chapters and verses that we lose sight of an authors intention for the whole book. xref 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. If there is a command to be obeyed, we obey it. In other words, am I applying this truth? Observation involves reading the text to make simple statements that are true . The third rule for our guide should be Read And Apply. You should desire to know Gods Word better so it can change you. The difference between studying and applying the Scriptures is somewhat like the difference between drifting in a boat and rowing toward a destination. Below I have written a simplified step-by-step guide . 0000001036 00000 n 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. This is always the most challengingportion of Bible study, which most people give only cursory attention to (unfortunately).The key to doing Bible study is . 15.). The world desperately needs to see the Word's miracle-working power at work in our own lives as living proof! You can help us reach children and their families to know Jesus. The Bible is a unique collection of sixty-six books written by men under the direction and influence of the Holy Spirit (2 Pet. Many of us struggle to wade through the dense lists of commands, genealogies and prophecies in the Old Testament. Such a person is like the church who had a new pastor who preached the same sermon every Sunday. Bible Study Observation Interpretation And Application Through The Lenses Of History Literature And Theology is universally compatible following any devices to read. One who uses the Bible as his guide 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? Lay hold on the Bible until the Bible lays hold on you. is the result of These divisions are tools that help us read Scripture; theyre not an actual part of it. It might be tempting to stop at the interpretation phase, but youll be selling yourself and Scripture short if you do. Careless Observation 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. 1 Timothy Maybe youre reading Matthew 5:13: You are the salt of the earth. Believe it to be safe ), 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. When the global church comes together then powerful things can happen. Many times a Bible passage is read only with eyes but not with the mind engaged. Esther When people started complaining, he told the congregation, "I'll preach a new sermon when you act on this one. But His smile quickly drives it away; Everyone has distractions and responsibilities vying for their attention, so it helps if you have a set time when you will read your Bible. endstream endobj 64 0 obj <>>> endobj 65 0 obj >/PageWidthList<0 612.0>>>>>>/Resources<>/Font<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text]/Properties<>>>/Rotate 0/TrimBox[0.0 0.0 612.0 792.0]/Type/Page>> endobj 66 0 obj <> endobj 67 0 obj <>stream (Ezra 7:9, 10) (Click to read an in depth unpacking of this practical powerful principle - the "Ezra 7:10 Principle"). Girdlestone in his 1887 classic "How to Study the English Bible" has a chapter on application that speaks to "THE PRACTICAL AND DEVOTIONAL USE OF THE BIBLE" - We have now come to the last and most important stage of our subject. For the first question, you might think through your initial reading of Mark. (1Ti 4:8+, 1Ti 4:9, 10+). <<6970513041DCB34C825DECB3781DD654>]/Prev 490707>> 119:160). This is the ultimate step: we submit to Scripture and let it transform our lives. Refrain, Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet. But we are never just the same. Your job at this stage is to discover what the author is trying to communicate. Inductive Bible Study Observation Interpretation And Application Through The Lenses Of History Literature And Theology is additionally useful. One practical approach to Bible study is a four-part process of observation, interpretation, connection, and application. Apply yourself to the Scriptures We need to be honest with ourselves at this point. Zechariah Colossians Now that youve come up with questions, its time to do research. When thou passest through the river I will be with thee, the floods shall not overflow thee! Oh! Develop your leadership skills and learn how to launch a ministry wherever you are. 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. Our favorite strategy is to rationalize sin instead of repent. In Gods mind, knowledge without obedience is sin. Have some fun taking various quizzes and assessments to learn about yourself and others. A pericope is a section of the text that forms a complete thought. Let it not only inform you but inflame you. (MacArthur, J.: The MacArthur Study Bible Nashville: Word or Logos). Because ethnicity is part of the good of creation, we seek to honor and celebrate the ethnic identity of those with whom we serve as well as those we seek to reach. in my teaching, visiting or mission work? It will walk you through each step of inductive bible studies in details. Start with the obvious. There really arent any wrong questions, and sometimes what seems like a silly question can reveal critical insights.