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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. Inductive Bible Study is an ideal textbook for courses in biblical interpretation, and for anyone who desires to better understand and teach Scripture. Esther 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. 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. A Silly yet Serious Step 3: ApplicationWhat will I do about what the passage says and means? It would touch as many lovely blossoms as it could, but derived absolutely no benefit from it. In other words every divine revelation demands a determinative response. Here are 14 important reasons to read it. Practically speaking, when we study "the word of God" we sense ourselves pierced. See what precepts are binding upon thyself, and then, as a child of God, be thy feet swift to run in the way of his commandments. If there is a promise to be embraced, we claim it. The difference between studying and applying the Scriptures is somewhat like the difference between drifting in a boat and rowing toward a destination. Some sections make much more sense if you read them within the context of the surrounding chapters, like Matthew 23-25 or 1 Corinthians 12-14. In a very real sense we are giving our brain a bath; we are washing it in the purifying solution of Gods Word. Okay, so what is inductive Bible study, exactly? 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. The ideal combination is to read the word and then heed it expeditiously and implicitly. Get a roundup of new Word by Word articles in your inbox each Friday. Just make sure it's the one based on careful observation and accurate interpretation! J A Bengel wisely admonished "Apply yourself to the whole text, and apply the whole text to yourself.". The more time and intentionality you put into understanding Gods Word, the more treasures you discover. of precise observation, which is essential for accurate interpretation. Kay Arthur on Inductive Bible Study: Observation, Interpretation & Application,Christy Tennant - Read more about spiritual life growth, Christian living, and faith. 119:160). in my teaching, visiting or mission work? In view of this truth, what specific changes should I make in my life? This method makes observations on a passage of Scripture and then draws conclusions based on those observations. Bibles today divide up the individual books within them with chapters and verses, but Bibles havent always done this. 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. Who art thou that judgest another man? To his own master he stands or falls. 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)." 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. The Word is both a glass to show us the spots of our soul and a laver to wash them away. John The questions that might come out of your observations about Mark might include: Why does Mark not include the Christmas story in the beginning? Head knowledge without heart change is not enough and in some ways is even worse than no knowledge. 1 John 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. Again, we feel God's promises to be too high for us, we know He is perfect, and we are vile. How foolish to look in the mirror of God's word, see spiritual "dirt" and yet fail to respond). 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. Joel This typically involves reading a shorter Bible passage and doing less in-depth investigation of the text. The questions you raise in the interpretation phase might even push you back into the observation phase. 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. O/uE
4l"iI.l#e \c@pZFi7lq?3@hv?7 Il` Then I watched a little longer out my window and there came a botanist. Yes, the Scripture (through your Teacher the Spirit) will bestow spiritual blessings, not by knowing but by doing! This might make you wonder whether this is good news for Mark or if Mark thinks this good news applies to everyone. For the favor He shows, for the joy He bestows, (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. Maybe youre reading Matthew 5:13: You are the salt of the earth. Leave not off reading the Bible till you find your hearts warmed. This is the ultimate step: we submit to Scripture and let it transform our lives. Next, youll want to figure out what youre going to study. As you make it your practice to study God's Word, you will experience the joy of having Him directly unveil His truth and reveal His purpose in your life. Here are a few questions you can ask: There are a few essential rules to remember when attempting to interpret a passage: Make sure you spend a good chunk of time with this phase. Bible reading fits into the devotional category. --C H Spurgeon, Choose Book of Bible to Study Jude Reading the entire book in one or two sittings is part of the observation process. Bible study is meant not merely to inform but to transform and renew our mind. It is the supernatural, progressive revelation of who God is and man's relationship to God. Luke gives us the most information about Jesus birth and even provides us with a glimpse of Jesus as a child (Luke 2:4150). Many times a Bible passage is read only with eyes but not with the mind engaged. Apply: How do I respond to what God is saying? To which his colleagues exclaimed "What! But His smile quickly drives it away; James emphasizes the importance of follow through in inductive study exhorting us to "prove (ourselves) doers of the word, and not merely hearers (the Greek word was used of one who audited a class rather than taking it for credit -- are you just auditing the Bible or are you fully enrolled?) So people go to church, and enjoy the preaching, and yet do not do what God asks. Too much Bible study begins and ends in the wrong placewith interpretation. 63 12
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. yUew.7.J~rr9xn-j3Pv_Kp>.ow?oo^>]xgOqI| JSM.OQF=r%0'c[',(d2`\gNHbqsO&v>b[Wg7xr|*M R When youre first getting started with studying the Bible, its important to set some realistic goals for yourself. If there is a command to be obeyed, we obey it. The word of God reveals to us our true selves. For he set its foundation upon the seas, and established it upon the ocean currents. For the first question, you might think through your initial reading of Mark. If you do not this, you are reading to your own condemnation. Otherwise, its easy to become dependent on them. Proverbs Inaccurate Interpretation, Robert Frost in his poem "Road Not Taken" writes in his last stanza. We must align ourselves with the Bible, never the Bible with ourselves. The road prepared and paved by careful observation, proper interpretation and diligent application of the Scripture or the one wrought by a superficial, inaccurate, irreverent approach? Titus Inductive Bible study is a practical, relevant, and time-tested approach to interpreting Scripture. Luke is the result of For more on studying the Bible on your own or with others check out our Bible Studies resources. Joshua 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. This volume incorporates insights from contemporary evangelical hermeneutics into an. Though he draw them they will not come to him, and when he calls them they will give him no answer. A Primer on the Lost Art of Biblical Meditation Once you know what the passage means (interpretation), you are responsible to put it into practice in your own life. The only Bible the world reads is the one bound in shoe leather: you and me! 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. (3) substituting rationalization for repentance. There are great apps out there, like YouVersion, that allow you to set reminders for yourself to get into Gods Word. ::c\}oa\l#N/4!tGj;Mu}8Mmm3M^x_M=>l~m8n6vTk7.9Rm+s7mm1>7%cS,"W`!K[43!qCn66JVo[K^nE^ + We all have a story. It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot (NIV). In the 13th century, Stephen Langton added chapters to Scripture, and in the late 16th century, Robert Stephanus added verses. 74 0 obj
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But is blessed if we trust and obey. It might be tempting to stop at the interpretation phase, but youll be selling yourself and Scripture short if you do. Create an account or log in to get started. May we all seek to so diligently apply what we observe and interpret that we see "the world turned upside down.". %%EOF
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. Showing God in action in and through His people. Amos Philippians This is a dishonest way to interpret the text. When we obey the Word we are demonstrating the reality of our love for the Lord (our obedience is motivated by love not legalism!) and You have remained in right site to start getting this info. Connect: What is God saying (that is always true or that is true to all readers in all settings)? 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). What is the cultural and/or historical context of this passage? But then we must allow that Word to get into us, to make a permanent difference in our character and conduct. But this is exactly what happens when we fail to apply what we have observed and interpreted. 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. Your grandmother translated the Bible?" I took the one less traveled by, By using the tools included inInductive Bible Study, youll approach Bible study with more depth and understanding. 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. Ezra We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. So even though you might be familiar with the word Messiah, you might want to focus on Mark and his original audience. To pick up the thread of Pauls argument, you need to go back and catch up. The records of human need and Divine generosity are not far-fetched ; they answer to our own case. Application takes place as you are confronted with the truth and you respond to that truth in obedience (in faith). Inductive Bible study draws its conclusions from the text, not our assumptions. Commentaries can be incredibly useful and powerful tools, but be wise about how you incorporate them into your study. One practical approach to Bible study is a four-part process of observation, interpretation, connection, and application.