example of bible study: observation, interpretation application example of bible study: observation, interpretation application

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. I have known of some, too, who gloried in final perseverance, but who, if they had finally persevered would certainly have been in hell, for they were on the road there. Awe is a feeling of reverential respect mixed with fear or wonder. Inductive Bible study is a practical, relevant, and time-tested approach to interpreting Scripture. The more work you do during this part of your study, the better you will do in the rest. 2 Samuel (Jas 4:17+, cp Lk 12:47, 48+, Jn 9:41). Many times a Bible passage is read only with eyes but not with the mind engaged. Inductive Bible study students should strive to be men and women like Ezra whose pattern was to teach the truth that he had put into practice. Yogi Berra's advice is appropriate at this juncture -- When you arrive at a fork in the road, take it. hb```vV^af`B@#g|3h Righteousness in simple terms is whatever God says is right on any subject. Mark Observe whats there, and document it. In the third chapter, Matthew tells us about Jesus baptism by John. 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. How? 1:20-21). 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)? Start with the obvious. Not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross, Believe it to be safe Ezra It is packed with revelation, lessons, instruction, and theology. 0000002043 00000 n 0000060059 00000 n But meditation is a matter of habit, and we can all be trained into it. Esther Apply: How do I respond to what God is saying? 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." 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. my heart stands in awe of Thy words. Leave not off reading the Bible till you find your hearts warmed. Life Application: What joy is experienced when deliberate Bible study moves from a 'have to' to a 'want to!' 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. If there is a command to be obeyed, we obey it. What Is Application? We all have a story. 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. 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). m>YQ;^6dA`H^JETi.i I* >B 9KHc,:h0{c-I#d8#<9@F RJa2A*K-8PDSDdM@ $%Cc3s0L %!'VKKB$iUrmg:SP1~)7v`^P%V E406 H8 S4Ti0elV'jxu~ If we continually learn what we ought to do, but do not do it, we become frustrated and callous. Thus, interpretation flows out of observation. We must adjust ourselves to the Bible 2 Timothy The observation phase was all about observing what the text says, but the interpretation phase is the next step. Who may go up to his holy dwelling place?" ( Ps 24:1-3 ). Saturate the study of Scripture with prayer. Ezekiel God's Word is the flawless discerner, perfectly analyzing our every motive, intention, and belief. Once you think youve done all you can here, its time to move on to the final phase: application. Cults use the Bible to try to prove views they already have. One of the pastors startled the group with the declaration that "My grandmother's translation is the best I've ever read." Job There is something incredibly rewarding about mining those nuggets of truth for yourself. Sometimes its beneficial to ignore them and consider other ways you might divide the text. 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). He had the "truth" but never acted upon it. As a result, that man became a Christian. You can find the Inductive Bible Study Workflow (with five other Workflows and many other Bible Study tools) inLogos Starter. Let it not only inform you but inflame you. (Mt 7:13, 14+). Bible study is meant not merely to inform but to transform and renew our mind. 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. 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. The proper spirit for profitable Bible study is a tender, teachable heart willing to obey the truth and the fruit of this humble approach is an eternally changed life lived to glory of God. And what thou teachest well, thou canst not too well live. The young prophet Samuel's response to God is a good example. THE ERROR IN THE "FORK" IN THE ROAD 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). Christian author Jerry Bridges reminds us that. Memorization is the first step to meditation. 2 Kings One of the best ways to study the Bible is through "inductive" study. Inductive Bible Study Observation Interpretation And Application Through The Lenses Of History Literature And Theology is additionally useful. Inductive Bible study is one reliable way. Someone has rightly observed that it is possible to be full of Scripture and full of carnality. (Read the entire sermon - How to Read the Bible), "Our Masters field is full and rich. This is a dishonest way to interpret the text. (Ro 12:2-note). Ephesians If there is a promise to be embraced, we claim it. Observation 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? 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. B. Yes, the Scripture (through your Teacher the Spirit) will bestow spiritual blessings, not by knowing but by doing! They were the local authorities. Joshua Sow a habit, reap a character. Where does your passage show how human beings or their world are broken? ::c\}oa\l#N/4!tGj;Mu}8Mmm3M^x_M=>l~m8n6vTk7.9Rm+s7mm1>7%cS,"W`!K[43!qCn66JVo[K^nE^ + It also becomes a source of support for you during difficult times. As someone has blunted phrased it "Interpretation without application is abortion.". and how much we really believe what we have observed. Here are a few questions to facilitate application of the truth you have observed How does this truth apply to my life in four spheres in my(a) personal life (b) my family (c) work (d) church (e) neighborhood? The precious promises lie in front of you. Believe that the text means what it says. How do you do that? Ask the Lord to show you your interest, in every truth, and; do not be satisfied until you have an assured personal interest therein. Matthew The first verse of Mark youve been studying does not have immediate actionable teachings, but you still need to be open to the Holy Spirit moving as you study. 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- Leviticus Thresh them by meditation. We dont study the Bible just to gain knowledge. (Galatians 4:1, New International Version). You haven't really learned the Word until you live the Word. A Is there an Attitude to change or guard against or an Action I need to take? Lamentations Learn about Cru's global leadership team. And for this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me. Be sure to visit the Precept Ministries International Web site to go deeper into inductive Bible study. We try to communicate what weve never experienced in our own lives.". He was there for hours writing notes, closed them, stuck them under his arm, tucked his magnifying glass in his pocket and walked away. If youre not careful, theyll do all the work of observation and interpretation for you. xref In Gods mind, knowledge without obedience is sin. Another addition to a lot of Bibles is a subheading before many passages or chapters. This fundamental step must be taken if one desires to accurately interpret and properly apply God's Word. About Gods redemptive plan? Writing it down helps to remind you of God's consistent revelation and reinforces the truth He conveys to your heart. Speak of bringing the Bible down into the vernacular! Let me ask you a serious question -- How often do you study the Word with no intention whatsoever of obeying it? If not why not? 0000004118 00000 n Nahum The ideal combination is to read the word and then heed it expeditiously and implicitly. Apply yourself to the Scriptures The goal is to familiarize yourself with the work as a whole. which then results in being and doing. We must meditate upon it. (1Ti 4:8+, 1Ti 4:9, 10+). Are for them who will trust and obey. Observation Its apowerful toolfor those who want to learn how to study Scripture well. Would you like to give your time to work with Cru? William MacDonald explains meditation as follows Christians should meditate on the Word of God (chew the cud) and have a separated walk (the cloven hoof). Develop your leadership skills and learn how to launch a ministry wherever you are. Find resources for personal or group Bible study. You want to focus on things like: Practice observation on the first verse of the Gospel of Mark. The godly preacher F. B. Meyer wrote that Devout meditation on the Word is more important to soul-health even than prayer. Home How foolish to look in the mirror of God's word, see spiritual "dirt" and yet fail to respond). Rather, an inductive study . Good Bible study does not happen by accident. (Col 1:28, 29-See notes Col 1:28; 1:29), The basis for application is 2 Timothy 3:16. Once we know what a passage means we are responsible to live it out. (MacArthur, J.: The MacArthur Study Bible Nashville: Word), Andrew Murray writing about the discrepancy between knowing and doing, remarked. Is there any significance to the fact that Mark does not need to explain what that title means? Lay hold on the Bible until the Bible lays hold on you. 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." +t8HL~Y,/0B_<7)K]JOSTx*=JOlgTx*=kp]un?VHk?Z,u-tglS What is awe? Proverbs Learn more 2. Bible study is about digging into the text and pulling out insights. 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. Before the Word of God can bring change to our world, it must first change our life. We all need to ask ourselves are we studying the Word that we might be more like Jesus or more like the Pharisees? By 119:160). (1 Sa 15:22, 23) Related resource: Relationship of faith and obedience. 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. This seems to be the process called inwardly digesting God's truth. Did they know where the Messiah was to be born? Again, we feel God's promises to be too high for us, we know He is perfect, and we are vile. 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. Reading the entire book in one or two sittings is part of the observation process. 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. Your goal in observing is to identify what the author was trying to communicate to his readers. Your grandmother translated the Bible?" In truth thou canst not read the Scriptures too much; Will Graham Devotion: Paralyzed by Uncertainty? Honest application of the text requires these kinds of questions and the wrestling of ideas when truth causes conflict. Must you become a better person so that God will accept you? Lifting verses out of their immediate context is a sure way to find yourself in heresy land. While we do His good will, He abides with us still, Not just for information The questions you raise in the interpretation phase might even push you back into the observation phase. Logos can be an incredible resource as you seek to make this a part of your daily routine. Now that youve come up with questions, its time to do research. This guide is written for people of all levels who are looking for a deeper and richer study of Scripture. R4`:|ut\#jDAh]Y1]|{ >^*8"I+ +N-rjiSS-Q*c9eF,xyV]%^p]=dG- J&naSP 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. Could that be a clue about his intended audience? endstream endobj 71 0 obj <>stream A lot of people have all sorts of news. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Kay Arthur on Inductive Bible Study: Observation, Interpretation & Application,Christy Tennant - Read more about spiritual life growth, Christian living, and faith. Its easy to become reliant upon commentary to explain the text to you, and this circumvents many of the benefits of study. Get the answers to frequently asked questions on Christian beliefs and practices. As the devotional writer Matthew Henry prayerfully put it"O that we may love our Bibles more, and keep closer to them than ever! ", James warned that "to one who knows the right thing to do, and does not do it, to him it is sin." Just like Matthew, Luke gets to the baptism in the third chapter. J A Bengel wisely admonished "Apply yourself to the whole text, and apply the whole text to yourself.". 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. August 5, 2009. BGEA is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Practice it to be holy, Or as Skip Heitzig advises "A good perspective to adopt when reading the Bible is that of an obedient servant waiting for instruction from the master. How does he save or provide a way when people are unable? That's a frightening statement! (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.". An Example of Interpretation Revelation 13:1-10. There is always something new to uncover in the Bible. Okay, so what is inductive Bible study, exactly? 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. 2 Chronicles (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! Learn the basics of what Christians believe. (Keying into the term good news early will help you understand Marks Gospel, as its a critical term that he uses repeatedly.). 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? 2 Thessalonians (Ep 1:3-note). Solicitation Disclosure Statement Edward Louie (2011) The phrase "Bible study" can mean different things to different people. Identify chapter themes When thou passest through the river I will be with thee, the floods shall not overflow thee! Oh! 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. This is always a powerful application of Scripture. Absolutely. Avoid the temptation to try to make the text mean anything just yet. Scripture interprets Scripture. Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear, Acronym to Aid Application. ", The goal of Inductive Bible study is 10 Questions the Internet Is Asking about the KJV. You have remained in right site to start getting this info. 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. 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. You might discover that salt was not only used to flavor food, but it helped keep it from spoiling. The old saying regarding application is true that the same Word that afflicts the comfortable, also provides comfort for the afflicted! The more honest question is"Am I ready and willing believe this truth and to apply it in my life? 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. (John 17:3), Heart appropriation, not merely head apprehension, is the true goal of Bible study. The records of human need and Divine generosity are not far-fetched ; they answer to our own case. It is full of instances of prayer; it supplies us with those thoughts about God which stimulate our faith to approach Him expectantly, earnestly, confidently. However, interpretation can also involve separate actions or steps beyond merely observing the immediate text. (He 4:12, 13-see notes He 4:12; 13). As part of this step, take some time to identify where the beauty of the gospel comes into the passage. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? With Logos Fundamentals, youll find the truth for yourselfno matter what questions arise as you study the Word. Observation Tips What are some tips to help with observation? But to make us more like our Savior. When people started complaining, he told the congregation, "I'll preach a new sermon when you act on this one. Your next question should be, Hows my saltiness? 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? Inductive Bible study is Believe it to be safe Study the New Testament at your own pace in workable units of material that follow the inductive method of study. The Bible is Gods way of making Himself known to us. ), 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. In fact, Logos even has an Inductive Bible Study Workflow built right in to guide you through these steps. You can help us reach children and their families to know Jesus. (Ps 119:15, 23, 27, 48, 78, 97, 99, 148 - see A Primer On Biblical Meditation). 9. Unlike other forms of study, the ultimate goal of Bible study is not information its transformation. 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. 0000004523 00000 n 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. Learning to read andstudy Scriptureis an important part of the Christian life. We study to gain knowledge so we know how to live our lives in light of what weve learned. The mind delights in having the truth presented clearly; the imagination is gratified by its illustration; the feelings are stirred by its application. 15.). Words repeated multiple times in a passage, Words that indicate a change in topic or time, Words that contrast one thing against another. Practice it to be holy. It is unified in all its parts and will never contradict itself (Ps. For one thing people mistake the pleasure they have in hearing the Word of God for Christianity and worship. Joel 1 Samuel If this were the only passage of the Bible you had access to, what would you learn from it about Gods character and actions? <<6970513041DCB34C825DECB3781DD654>]/Prev 490707>> James Shows the way. To be sure our first goal should be to get into the Bible and then to allow the Bible to get into us. Bible study is meant not merely to inform but to transform and renew our mind. 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? Both of these; Many of them include commentary at the bottom of the page or in the margins. Live in another country building relationships and ministries with eternal impact. Also we become more responsible to God. Isaiah In short, as John MacArthur says "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. (Mark 1:1, NIV), The purpose of this book is to tell the story of Jesus; its a historical narrative. Trust and obey, for theres no other way It isthe act of bringing something to bear; using it for a particular purpose. When we have read the Bible, many passages may become "overfamiliar." We think that we know what they say and cease . (Persevere!). But when the report came of His birth, did they go to check it out? Using a trusted commentary can help in a few ways: It can help show you the details you missed in the observation phase. As mentioned earlier, its easy to become dependent on them. Its the shortest of the Gospels, and you might have noticed that Mark seems focused on the action and hitting all the significant points. Then you might turn your attention to verses 18 in the first chapter. Leading from values so others will walk passionately with God to grow and bear fruit. How much influence is the Bible supposed to have on society? What does it take to begin a relationship with God? Eventually, if not immediately, these practices will reveal the meaning of the text (interpretation) and how to apply it (life application). 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. -- David Shepherd, Be alert for the following deceptive dangers regarding application. Gather them. (John 7:17). Our favorite strategy is to rationalize sin instead of repent. This is the ultimate step: we submit to Scripture and let it transform our lives. To go on gaining an intellectual knowledge of the Bible without obeying it can be a trap instead of a blessing. 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. Observation. 1ICR, tie. He knoweth what we have need of before we ask, but He expects us to ask all the same. 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! You can discuss this post and others in the Faithlife Today group. In His Words: What Billy Graham Once Said About Eternity. (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." 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. 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?" Deuteronomy 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? ((this mirror = Gods Word = unique for it shows our inner nature as a regular mirror shows our exterior. (Basic Bible Interpretation). 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. Jude Such a person is like the church who had a new pastor who preached the same sermon every Sunday. The effect of this piercing is to reveal whether there is spirit or not. When the global church comes together then powerful things can happen. Of course, there are a few steps involved during each of these components. Its worth it. Just make sure it's the one based on careful observation and accurate interpretation! 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. If a servant were to hear but not do, how quickly the judgment would be given. It's better to live one verse of the Bible than to recite an entire chapter. 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. 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). Philippians 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. and then Why did Mark feel this title was necessary on top of calling Jesus the Messiah? You might make a circle around those terms as a reminder to focus on those later. Strip the passage of all the jewels you can find on your own, and then come back through with a commentary. 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. To which he responded "Yes, she translated the Bible into her life, and was the most powerful translation I've ever seen!" Reading and studying the Bible are two different practices. Considering these things we receive the word with that trembling of heart which God so much respects. Thirdly, we seek to link the spirit of the passage with our own personal experience of things human and Divine.