How does the truth of this passage apply to my life? Observation Pretend youre an investigator and youre just gathering the facts. But to make us more like our Savior. Helping students know Jesus, grow in their faith and go to the world to tell others. Allow the Bible to help you understand other passages of the Bible. Its worth it. 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. Connect: What is God saying (that is always true or that is true to all readers in all settings)? It isn't enough just to be a Christian, if you aren't an obedient one. Especially let this be so with the promises. It is God's will that we should read Look at Matthew 21:42-44 as an example. Some passages will not have a clear application. Every time we encounter spiritual truth, we need to seek to apply that truth to our lives. Life Application: What joy is experienced when deliberate Bible study moves from a 'have to' to a 'want to!' When the attitude of our heart reflects a readiness to hear and respond, the text of the Bible comes alive. 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. Theres an inherent danger in inductive Bible study -- it can degenerate into a process thats intellectually fascinating but spiritually frustrating. 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). Logos is the largest developer of tools that empower Christians to go deeper in the Bible. Do not read the Bible as a book for other people. Jesus warned that Bible study as the end in itself, can be deceptively dangerous declaring to the Jewish leaders You search the Scriptures, because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is these that bear witness of Me and you are unwilling to come to Me, that you may have life. 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. my heart stands in awe of Thy words. (How to Study the Bible and Enjoy It - see page 30). Practice it to be holy. Micah Erroneous interpretation can lead to aberrant application. ), Christian author Jerry Bridges writes that "As we search the Scriptures, we must allow them to search us, to sit in judgment upon our character and conduct. 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." 2 Chronicles Equipping families with practical approaches to parenting and marriage. 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. How we seek to journey together with everyone towards a relationship with Jesus. What other Scripture passages might help me better interpret this one? The truth of God's Word is always relevant to our life. 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). An Example of Interpretation Revelation 13:1-10. Have some fun taking various quizzes and assessments to learn about yourself and others. Then you might turn your attention to verses 18 in the first chapter. 6. who delude themselves. Its the shortest of the Gospels, and you might have noticed that Mark seems focused on the action and hitting all the significant points. What is the clearest meaning of this text? The inductive Bible study method is a time-tested way for the layperson to approach studying Scripture. THE ERROR IN THE "FORK" IN THE ROAD 0000004118 00000 n
Joshua The botanist would lean over a certain flower and he would look for a long time and then he would write notes in his notebook. Why did Mark feel this title was necessary on top of calling Jesus the Messiah? Edward Louie (2011) The phrase "Bible study" can mean different things to different people. The effect of this piercing is to reveal whether there is spirit or not. If not why not? When you begin to study a passage, your first step will be observing the text. Ask God not to let thy Bible be another mans Bible, but thine own Bible, Gods own mouth speaking to thy soul of the things which make for thy peace. 0e]y]ZU~P/^a53if5}Jk9$9t]ccc}.kw9H6`T5jN`=94jk:U>}a:P5p/]luu
D_Ek!*Vwii][S9}mB=J\ueJJkf3mm8]g#pbmw6[PP? Both reflect what is really there. 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 . In Psalm 119:18, David said, "Open my eyes so I can truly see the marvelous things in your . Explore answers to life's biggest questions. 2. Ephesians Volunteer abroad this year on a short term global missions trip offered by one of the best, most-reliable Christian missions organizations in the world. There is always something new to uncover in the Bible. 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? Mark This is always a powerful application of Scripture. If a servant were to hear but not do, how quickly the judgment would be given. 2 Peter The Bible is Gods way of making Himself known to us. For example, in a court of law, jurors are asked to reach a verdict based on the evidence presented to them. 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. Note that the question is not"Is this truth relevant to my life?" 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. Start with the obvious. Sow an action, reap a habit. Will Graham Devotion: Paralyzed by Uncertainty? If you want to study Scripture, youll need to carve out intentional time for it. The godly preacher F. B. Meyer wrote that Devout meditation on the Word is more important to soul-health even than prayer. 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? 1 Peter We study to gain knowledge so we know how to live our lives in light of what weve learned. So even though you might be familiar with the word Messiah, you might want to focus on Mark and his original audience. God's Word is the flawless discerner, perfectly analyzing our every motive, intention, and belief. Can abide while we trust and obey. But when the report came of His birth, did they go to check it out? In view of this truth, what specific changes should I make in my life? 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 (!). If the Bible seems dry and unexciting, check your attitude (Ed: Also do some personal inventory with 1 Pe 2:1+and then you'll be able to move on to 1 Pe 2:2+!). To go on gaining an intellectual knowledge of the Bible without obeying it can be a trap instead of a blessing. Ezra (He 4:12, 13-see notes He 4:12; 13). Stout old Martin Luther used to say, All vital religion is in the personal and possessive pronouns. Is it not so? If this were the only passage of the Bible you had access to, what would you learn from it about Gods character and actions? (John 17:3), Heart appropriation, not merely head apprehension, is the true goal of Bible study. 12-26). 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. ", Application is the most neglected yet the most needed stage in the process. Careless Observation Words repeated multiple times in a passage, Words that indicate a change in topic or time, Words that contrast one thing against another. Hebrews The reader through OBSERVATION discovers what a passage says which enables the reader to make an accurate INTERPRETATION, the discovery of what a passage means. Numbers There are three basic approaches to Bible interpretation: A. 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! And for this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me. Bibles today divide up the individual books within them with chapters and verses, but Bibles havent always done this. Nehemiah Many times a Bible passage is read only with eyes but not with the mind engaged. Internship opportunities with Cru's ministries. Pray God to help you to feel the solemnity even of the threatening, for if you feel deeply the threatening now, you may be delivered from the tragic fulfilment of it by-and-by. Explore resources to help you live out your life and relationships in a way that honors God. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? Ezekiel Permissions Get a roundup of new Word by Word articles in your inbox each Friday. 9. endstream
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The person who knows the truth but doesn't act on it is not simply making a mistake or showing poor judgment but he is in sin. 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). Logos can be an incredible resource as you seek to make this a part of your daily routine. (Ro 12:2-note). Avoid the temptation to try to make the text mean anything just yet. Just like Matthew, Luke gets to the baptism in the third chapter. It is not enough just to study the Bible. Another addition to a lot of Bibles is a subheading before many passages or chapters. 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? When youre studying a book, youre going to end up reading it multiple times. of precise observation, which is essential for accurate interpretation. The Bible is the best prayer-book in the world, as it has been called the best story-book in the world. One practical approach to Bible study is a four-part process of observation, interpretation, connection, and application. 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. 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. Different Approaches to Interpretation 1. 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? Acts What a glory He sheds on our way! Follow it by personally doing what it bids thee. Look for the plainest interpretation first. S Is there Something to thank or praise God for? Now that youve come up with questions, its time to do research. Goes the way, The story is told of several pastors who were arguing over which Bible translation was the best. Our life ought to be and if Gods grace be much in it, it will be a new translation of the Bible. 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). Will Graham Devotion: How Do You Know Whats True? J A Bengel wisely admonished "Apply yourself to the whole text, and apply the whole text to yourself.". 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. 10 Questions the Internet Is Asking about the KJV. We must meditate upon it. at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man shall be blessed in what he does." These are the ideas that were true for the original audience and are equally true for you. Malachi Too often, people jump into the Bible and start connecting before theyve done the challenging work of examining all there is to see. to my own life and destiny and relation to God? We must adjust ourselves to the Bible How can we know what parts of the Bible apply to us today? Next, youll want to figure out what youre going to study. In the margin of many pages in D. L. Moody's Bible, he wrote the letters T and P, meaning "Tried and Proved." Then when you read descriptions of the human heart, and the fall, the corruption, and the depravity of our nature, look, and see yourselves as in a looking glass, and say of each man as you hear of his sin, I am such a man as this was, and if I do not fall into precisely the same sin, yet the possibility and peril of it is in my heart, and I should do so, but for Gods restraining grace. Take the very histories home to your heart, and find a point in them, either of encouragement or of warning for yourselves. Leave not off reading the Bible till you find your hearts warmed. Matthew This typically involves reading a shorter Bible passage and doing less in-depth investigation of the text. Read about individuals who have been transformed by faith. (Read the entire sermon - How to Read the Bible), "Our Masters field is full and rich. 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. acquire the Inductive Bible Study Observation Interpretation And Application Through The Lenses Of History Literature And Theology join that we . Its good to set aside time for both devotional reading and studying. The questions you raise in the interpretation phase might even push you back into the observation phase. He had the "truth" but never acted upon it. If a Christian is careless in Bible reading, he will care less about Christian living. Its helpful to take a funnel approach to the book youre reading. A Silly yet Serious When people started complaining, he told the congregation, "I'll preach a new sermon when you act on this one. Yogi Berra's advice is appropriate at this juncture -- When you arrive at a fork in the road, take it. Is it because of ignorance, rebellion or indifference? Awe is a feeling of reverential respect mixed with fear or wonder. When Dr. Houghton became pastor of the Baptist Tabernacle in Atlanta, a man in that city hired a private detective to follow Dr. Houghton and report on his conduct. Application brings us into this sphere of abundant life in the Spirit. 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 . 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." We all have a story. The New Testament gives us further teaching about the way of approach, and makes new demands on our spiritual life, whilst offering us a new standard to live up to. (Col 1:28, 29-See notes Col 1:28; 1:29), The basis for application is 2 Timothy 3:16. Accurate interpretation and correct application rest on the accuracy of your observations. Sources like these can give you vital information to help answer your questions. Reading the Bible without meditating on it is like eating without chewing. Not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross, In the third chapter, Matthew tells us about Jesus baptism by John. Someone has rightly observed that it is possible to be full of Scripture and full of carnality. How foolish to look in the mirror of God's word, see spiritual "dirt" and yet fail to respond). Also we become more responsible to God. tie. For the favor He shows, for the joy He bestows, 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. Are the "thoughts and intentions of our heart" spiritual thoughts and intentions or only natural thoughts and intentions? Refrain, Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share, 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. 0000000536 00000 n
(1Ti 4:8+, 1Ti 4:9, 10+). Fourthly, we seek to stir up our soul to notes of praise and thanksgiving, delighting ourselves in God's Word, rejoicing in the prospect it presents, yielding ourselves in joyful submission to its precepts, and at the same time searching ourselves in the light of its cautions, humbling ourselves over our past coldness or doubtsfor most of our failures come from doubting God. It is still as true today as when Martin Luther first said it that The world does not need a definition of religion as much as it needs a demonstration.. Galatians Apply yourself to the Scriptures BGEA is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. As a result, that man became a Christian. ", 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. What else do I know about the book, author, and broader context of the passage? You might see the word Messiah and think, I know what that means. But that can undermine your ability to discover new things. Ask the Lord to show you your interest, in every truth, and; do not be satisfied until you have an assured personal interest therein. One of the best ways to study the Bible is through "inductive" study. But as helpful as these tools are, theyre not always ideal for personal study.
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