example of bible study: observation, interpretation applicationstorage wars guy dies of heart attack
S Is there Something to thank or praise God for? So people go to church, and enjoy the preaching, and yet do not do what God asks. Inductive Bible study is Why did Mark feel this title was necessary on top of calling Jesus the Messiah? Believe it to be safe the good hand of his God was upon him (which should prompt a "Why?" Psalms 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). Together, these observations help you think about the biblical authors purpose and what they are trying to communicate. A Silly yet Serious For the first question, you might think through your initial reading of Mark. mo!zZJ:%3EAOnaY`z)p%Vv"-H=m>!MX|ov:Hh7vNmm%pZCY&,Z&!#+SzdOP ]LQ)A3_V@UU@Gz @mC-+BvH4sbC}&3A{ BV_$hyr0>Kiw>B/'/,fWGv>o|%vEQ mU0b-rxOw2)5t^_^~~p- Step 2: InterpretationWhat does the passage mean? (John 7:17). ((this mirror = Gods Word = unique for it shows our inner nature as a regular mirror shows our exterior. Song of Solomon Home Saturate the study of Scripture with prayer. Numbers Ruth Bible studies include workbooks that help connect you to the ideas of Bible texts. No, even though the town of Bethlehem was only only five miles down the road from Jerusalem. (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." Some use the term to describe a discussion group, which may discuss the Bible or some other uplifting book. Youre attempting to get a sense of the whole before you begin to break down the parts. If there is a promise to be embraced, we claim it. To be sure our first goal should be to get into the Bible and then to allow the Bible to get into us. I shall be telling this with a sigh Many times a Bible passage is read only with eyes but not with the mind engaged. hb```vV^af`B@#g|3h It is packed with revelation, lessons, instruction, and theology. We try to communicate what weve never experienced in our own lives.". Mark says hes starting at the beginning. Zechariah (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! and then shall we find the benefit and advantage designed thereby, and shall at last attain the happiness therein promised and assured to us.". HLTkXw: The third rule for our guide should be Read And Apply. Just make sure it's the one based on careful observation and accurate interpretation! Toll Free: 1-877-247-2426. 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. There is something incredibly rewarding about mining those nuggets of truth for yourself. It comes from knowing more about the Bible and applying it to our spiritual needs. You might discover that salt was not only used to flavor food, but it helped keep it from spoiling. Logos is the largest developer of tools that empower Christians to go deeper in the Bible. 3:7f+, He 4:2+), (3) Response of obedience: Genuine faith will obey. Their righteousness was external, based on facts and devoid of personal response. (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. Through the inductive method you follow a process of studying the Bible one book at a time. 3 John Scripture interprets Scripture. But meditation is a matter of habit, and we can all be trained into it. is the result of When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word, Have I overlooked anything or made any assumptions? When people started complaining, he told the congregation, "I'll preach a new sermon when you act on this one. xref This typically involves reading a shorter Bible passage and doing less in-depth investigation of the text. ), A T Pierson said that "While other books inform, and some few reform, this one book transforms. This method makes observations on a passage of Scripture and then draws conclusions based on those observations. But then we must allow that Word to get into us, to make a permanent difference in our character and conduct. The mind delights in having the truth presented clearly; the imagination is gratified by its illustration; the feelings are stirred by its application. But His smile quickly drives it away; The better you know the Bibles teachings, the more grounded your faith becomes. All action presupposes prayer, and all prayer ought to lead on to action. A single revealed fact cherished in the heart and acted upon is more vital to our growth than a head filled with lofty ideas about God. How foolish to look in the mirror of God's word, see spiritual "dirt" and yet fail to respond). Jude Your goal in observing is to identify what the author was trying to communicate to his readers. Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies, Malachi Words repeated multiple times in a passage, Words that indicate a change in topic or time, Words that contrast one thing against another. 2 John If you're looking for the best Christian jobs and careers, check out Cru's ministry job openings for full- and part-time missionaries and professionals. Thus, interpretation flows out of observation. (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.) If not why not? Observation Tips What are some tips to help with observation? It will walk you through each step of inductive bible studies in details. Observe whats there, and document it. For one thing people mistake the pleasure they have in hearing the Word of God for Christianity and worship. 2. Let it not only inform you but inflame you. 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. Stout old Martin Luther used to say, All vital religion is in the personal and possessive pronouns. Is it not so? If youre not careful, theyll do all the work of observation and interpretation for you. Not just for information The Apostle Paul's great passion was transformed, Christ like lives as he explained to the saints at Colossae writing we proclaim Him (Christ in believers the hope of glory), admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, that we may present every man complete in Christ. Inductive Bible study is a practical, relevant, and time-tested approach to interpreting Scripture. And what did those things mean? 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). Get the answers to frequently asked questions on Christian beliefs and practices. If you do not this, you are reading to your own condemnation. This is a motivating truth that you can trust and which you should welcome and willingly acknowledge. Not only do the books come from unfamiliar cultures, but theyre also thousands of years old. He is a prayer-hearing God, but will He hear our prayers? Inductive Bible Study: Observation, Interpretation, and Application through the Lenses of History, Literature, and Theology (9781433684142) by Richard Alan Fuhr Jr., Andreas J. Kostenberger (The blessing of God is integrally related to your response to the revelation of God. It involves three steps: observation of the text, interpretation of the text, and application of the text. It is more focused on the immediate application of the passage to your life. 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? 2 Corinthians In Psalm 119:18, David said, "Open my eyes so I can truly see the marvelous things in your . (Jas 4:17+, cp Lk 12:47, 48+, Jn 9:41). Thirdly, we seek to link the spirit of the passage with our own personal experience of things human and Divine. 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. T Is there a Truth to memorize and meditate upon (Click here)? Then I watched a little longer out my window and there came a botanist. (John Calvin), Gods Word can only produce growth in soil "fertilized" by obedience. S Is there a Sin to avoid, forsake or confess? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams." Inductive Bible Study is an ideal textbook for courses in biblical interpretation, and for anyone who desires to better understand and teach Scripture. Where does your passage show how human beings or their world are broken? 2 Chronicles 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? 2 Samuel But when the report came of His birth, did they go to check it out? Application begins with belief Develop your leadership skills and learn how to launch a ministry wherever you are. The world desperately needs to see the Word's miracle-working power at work in our own lives as living proof! Solicitation Disclosure Statement 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. Youve observed the details in the text and drawn interpretive conclusions about what the author was saying to his original readers. The real question is do I always want to hear God's voice? H\j0z (Ed: And I would add that the Word of Truth ALWAYS has something to say to our heart! 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. The ideal combination is to read the word and then heed it expeditiously and implicitly. And what thou readest well, thou canst not too well understand; Take care, nonetheless, to seek for the application of precepts. One practical approach to Bible study is a four-part process of observation, interpretation, connection, and application. One of the best ways to study the Bible is through "inductive" study. In most respects they might have been written in our own life-time. 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! The Gospel opens by saying: The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God. Why are we deluded in this way? If we continually learn what we ought to do, but do not do it, we become frustrated and callous. Ezekiel 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. 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. 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)." Once you have explored the passage, its time to make some connections. two roads diverged in a wood, and I -- When you become a Christian, you enter into an exciting, lifelong relationship with the Bible. Permissions 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. Now that youve come up with questions, its time to do research. James Allow the Bible to help you understand other passages of the Bible. Especially let this be so with the promises. Is there any significance to the fact that Mark does not need to explain what that title means? Men may have in their study of the Scriptures other ends also, as the profit and edification of others. Inductive Bible study is a practical, relevant, and time-tested approach to interpreting Scripture. 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. 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. (He 4:12, 13-see notes He 4:12; 13). During the week he earnestly tried to apply them to his life. HhT=k&^-l (6WBbN~WPe4`!Mr`+^p!MO,LP/_n]aFBcp) Its an exciting, action-packed book, but its short enough to read front to back in about an hour. my heart stands in awe of Thy words. and the Scriptures to yourself. 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." Janet Chismar Could that be a clue about his intended audience? Apply: How do I respond to what God is saying? Joshua Learn to develop your skills, desire and ability to join others on their spiritual journeys and take them closer to Jesus. Scripture reading and Bible study always represents (so to speak) a "God sighting" ("God speaking") and as such always applies to us as His creatures. 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. 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. Also we become more responsible to God. Its about observing exactly what the text is saying. Anyone can use the inductive Bible study method by following three simple steps: This phase isnt about interpretation. And yet, so complete is the delusion, that Christians never realize they are not living good Christian lives. Acronym to Aid Application. August 5, 2009. Job In the margin of many pages in D. L. Moody's Bible, he wrote the letters T and P, meaning "Tried and Proved." Try (Ed: in the sense of to test or examine) what you hear; try what you profess; try what you read. Bible reading fits into the devotional category. (1Ti 4:8+, 1Ti 4:9, 10+). Below I have written a simplified step-by-step guide . The precious promises lie in front of you. There are a lot of excellent study Bibles available. We must get into the Word of God for ourselves. We dont study the Bible just to gain knowledge. 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?) There is always something new to uncover in the Bible. 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. He pastored Calvary Baptist Church in New York City and later served as president of Chicagos Moody Bible Institute till his death in 1946. 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. Sources like these can give you vital information to help answer your questions. 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.". 0000005006 00000 n Some of them can only be answered by examining the text again or even by looking at other parts of the Bible. Colossians Nahum This is a dishonest way to interpret the text. Learn the basics of what Christians believe. The growing numbers of sermon-sippers and seminar-sitters who flit from one doctrinal dessert to another like so many busy, buzzing hummingbirds are most assuredly deceiving themselves unless they are also choosing to assimilate (heed) the truth ("honey" Ps 119:103-note) which they have tasted (cp Jas 1:22, 23, 24+, Jas 1:25+). ", 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. The butterfly was beautiful, and it would alight on a flower and then it would flutter to another flower and then to another, and only for a second or two it would sit and it would move on. These three parts are observation, interpretation, and application. 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. 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. Luke gives us the most information about Jesus birth and even provides us with a glimpse of Jesus as a child (Luke 2:4150). How? Apply yourself to the Scriptures 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 . To go on gaining an intellectual knowledge of the Bible without obeying it can be a trap instead of a blessing. Ezra Or well walk by His side in the way. We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Philippians Once you think youve done all you can here, its time to move on to the final phase: application. Observation answers the question: What do I see? And for this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me. Cults use the Bible to try to prove views they already have. The effect of this piercing is to reveal whether there is spirit or not. In sum, acting on what God has said assumes that you understand what He has said as illustrated below. This guide presents three basic steps of Inductive bible studies, Observation, Interpretation and Application. We must mix faith with what we read and hear. 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. In the 13th century, Stephen Langton added chapters to Scripture, and in the late 16th century, Robert Stephanus added verses. Goldsmiths keep bottles of acid by which they test everything that is offered them for sale, whether it is gold or merely tinsel, and the Christian should keep Gods word near at hand and treasured in the soul, to test thereby all that he hears. What we believe about the gospel and our call to serve every nation. The danger of Observation and Interpretation without application is that we become hypocrites like the Pharisees, filled to the brim with intellectual knowledge, but failing miserably to allow the truth to transform our hearts! As questions arise, they give you direction for further reading and study as you seek to answer those questions. This might make you wonder whether this is good news for Mark or if Mark thinks this good news applies to everyone. of precise observation, which is essential for accurate interpretation. HWM5q0^5 !EJ8`vC ! And while pastors and teachers are wonderful, individual Christians should also be able to pick up any passage and read it with basic understanding and application. Nevertheless our duty is clear. Resource links How to Perform A Greek Word Study on the Web, Multiple resources on Biblical Interpretation (Hermeneutics). It is not enough just to study the Bible. To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
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