Lesson 6: Principles of Biblical Interpretation | Bible.org 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. Inductive Bible study is a practical, relevant, and time-tested approach to interpreting Scripture. 2 Chronicles Reaching students and faculty in middle and high school. (John Calvin), Gods Word can only produce growth in soil "fertilized" by obedience. Jesus emphasized this important truth again in John 17 declaring. If there is a warning to be followed, we heed it. 0 And what thou readest well, thou canst not too well understand; There are great apps out there, like YouVersion, that allow you to set reminders for yourself to get into Gods Word. 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. Local: 704-401-2432 ", D. L. Moody - "I never saw a useful Christian who was not a student of the Bible.". Now that youve come up with questions, its time to do research. Click To Tweet Inductive Bible Study How to Study the Bible (part 2): Interpretation and Application The Pharisees set the standard for this superficial, hypocritical, self deluding approach. For the favor He shows, for the joy He bestows, Read Online Inductive Bible Study Observation Interpretation And It is one thing to know these truths, and even to fight for them with the zeal and bitterness of a controversialist, but it is quite another thing to enjoy them as our own heritage and our portion for ever. And the botanist had a big notebook under his arm and a great big magnifying glass. 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. Its about observing exactly what the text is saying. Is there any significance to the fact that Mark does not need to explain what that title means? Hebrews The main tool for each step is the Bible itself, meaning that when there is a question in my mind as to a passage's meaning, I first look to other scripture to provide the answer. startxref This is where secondary resources become really helpful. Take the next step in your faith journey with resources on prayer, devotionals and other tools for personal and spiritual growth. So before we can apply the truth as God intended, we need to be certain that our interpretation is accurate, which in turn hinges on careful observation. 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. ", Dr Martyn Lloyd-Jones wrote that "It is a good thing to be a student of the Word, but only in order to be a practiser and experiencer of the Word.". 3. However, interpretation can also involve separate actions or steps beyond merely observing the immediate text. Armed with that knowledge, youre ready to start thinking about how to apply what youve read. There is something incredibly rewarding about mining those nuggets of truth for yourself. Next, youll want to figure out what youre going to study. Philemon Lay hold on the Bible until the Bible lays hold on you. He pastored Calvary Baptist Church in New York City and later served as president of Chicagos Moody Bible Institute till his death in 1946. (Ezra 7:9, 10) (Click to read an in depth unpacking of this practical powerful principle - the "Ezra 7:10 Principle"). A person may study some branch of sciencesay electricityfor the enjoyment the knowledge gives him, without the least intention of applying it practically. If youve uncovered truth youve not known or understood before, what does it mean for your life, priorities, and decisions now that you do understand it? (John 17:3), Heart appropriation, not merely head apprehension, is the true goal of Bible study. For some of you there is very little in the Word of God except threatening. How does the truth of this passage apply to my life? We must meditate upon it. We need to be honest with ourselves at this point. Inductive Bible Study. 1 Chronicles Learn more 2. For instance, the New International Version a popular modern translation of the Bible breaks sections in Philippians 1 down like this: Pauls Chains Advance the Gospel (vv. Its what everything else is built upon. Who art thou that judgest another man? To his own master he stands or falls. Take the time to dive into the application step. You cannot expect to approach the Bible with the same level of investment that youd give your favorite novel. By Dont twist Scripturemeaning, dont manipulate the text to get it to say something youd like for it to say. 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). 2 Timothy Proverbs 2 Thessalonians So people go to church, and enjoy the preaching, and yet do not do what God asks. 0000000536 00000 n 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. <<6970513041DCB34C825DECB3781DD654>]/Prev 490707>> 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? We all have a story. 9. 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. Now that weve observed and interpreted what the passage has to say, its time to talk about what it means for us. Avoid the temptation to try to make the text mean anything just yet. and how much we really believe what we have observed. That seems important to delve into deeper. Here, you want to go back over the passage and your observations and ask as many questions as you can. When the attitude of our heart reflects a readiness to hear and respond, the text of the Bible comes alive. For the gate is small, and the way is narrow that leads to life, and few are those who find it. The records of human need and Divine generosity are not far-fetched ; they answer to our own case. Romans Application begins with belief 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. What I mean is just this. Isaiah Step 2: InterpretationWhat does the passage mean? For Inductive Bible study, we don't begin with a topic and then try to find specific verses that make a teaching point. If a Christian is careless in Bible reading, he will care less about Christian living. Your job at this stage is to discover what the author is trying to communicate. Joshua If a servant were to hear but not do, how quickly the judgment would be given. The Bible is divine in origin. Why did Mark feel this title was necessary on top of calling Jesus the Messiah? This is a motivating truth that you can trust and which you should welcome and willingly acknowledge. %PDF-1.4 % The Bible is the best prayer-book in the world, as it has been called the best story-book in the world. Used by cults. (The MacArthur Study Bible Nashville: Word), Jesus explains that relationship (and importance) between knowing God's Word and doing God's Word, declaringIf (If = 3rd class condition = possibility / probability but not a certainty! During the week he earnestly tried to apply them to his life. 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- Janet Chismar It went in empty every time and came out full (A. Naismith, 1200 Notes, Quotes and Anecdotes [Chicago: Moody, 1962], p. If you are a leader (and most of us are leaders in some sphere of influence) remember that a good leader is one who Knows the way, Do not be afraid to ask hard or silly questions. EP !HOz Again, we feel God's promises to be too high for us, we know He is perfect, and we are vile. 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. Mark HhT=k&^-l (6WBbN~WPe4`!Mr`+^p!MO,LP/_n]aFBcp) Galatians Internship opportunities with Cru's ministries. When you become a Christian, you enter into an exciting, lifelong relationship with the Bible. These divisions are tools that help us read Scripture; theyre not an actual part of it. If youre not careful, theyll do all the work of observation and interpretation for you. But this is exactly what happens when we fail to apply what we have observed and interpreted. (MacArthur, J.: The MacArthur Study Bible Nashville: Word), Andrew Murray writing about the discrepancy between knowing and doing, remarked. Verse by Verse Ministry Its helpful to take a funnel approach to the book youre reading. 10 Questions the Internet Is Asking about the KJV. What He says we will do, where He sends we will go; yUew.7.J~rr9xn-j3Pv_Kp>.ow?oo^>]xgOqI| JSM.OQF=r%0'c[',(d2`\gNHbqsO&&#v>b[Wg7xr|*M R Our first duty is to meditate. 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. P Is there a Prayer to pray or a Priority to change? 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. 1 Jn 1:7, 8, 9; Pr 28:13), (2) Response of faith: One of our reasons for meditating on the Word is to develop and build our faith. What we believe about the gospel and our call to serve every nation. Is your heart conditioned to listen and obey? For more on studying the Bible on your own or with others check out our Bible Studies resources. Bible studies include workbooks that help connect you to the ideas of Bible texts. First, I saw a butterfly. 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. The older we are, the more experienced we become at rationalizing sin. When we obey the Word we are demonstrating the reality of our love for the Lord (our obedience is motivated by love not legalism!) Head knowledge without heart change is not enough and in some ways is even worse than no knowledge. Make them your own. Learn about Cru's global leadership team. 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. Observation There are several reasons for this . Permissions Speak of bringing the Bible down into the vernacular! -- F. B. Meyer, Read it to get the facts, study it to get the meaning, meditate on it to get the benefit. (Lk 11:28+, cp Jn 13:17), D. L. Moody quipped that "Our great problem is the problem of trafficking in unlived truth. Leading from values so others will walk passionately with God to grow and bear fruit. Not just for information Luke 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. Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams." A lot of people have all sorts of news. You should desire to know Gods Word better so it can change you. The purpose of exploring and connecting is to apply what the Bible teaches to your life. Youll also notice right out of the gate that Mark has introduced Jesus with two titles: Messiah and Son of God. 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. Inductive Bible Study: Observation, Interpretation, and Application Anyone can use the inductive Bible study method by following three simple steps: This phase isnt about interpretation. endstream endobj 71 0 obj <>stream Sometimes its beneficial to ignore them and consider other ways you might divide the text. I shall be telling this with a sigh Honest application of the text requires these kinds of questions and the wrestling of ideas when truth causes conflict. We must align ourselves with the Bible, never the Bible with ourselves. 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? Both reflect what is really there. When words or passages make an impression on you, stop and meditate on what God has shown you or as the great preacher C H Spurgeon advised Read the Bible carefully, The good hand of the LORD will be upon us even as it was upon Ezra the scribe! 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. (Ro 12:2-note). Is Your Interpretation Supernaturalistic, Naturalistic, Existentialistic, Dogmatic? Awe is a feeling of reverential respect mixed with fear or wonder. Stout old Martin Luther used to say, All vital religion is in the personal and possessive pronouns. Is it not so? Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies, (Mt 7:13, 14+). While there is only one valid interpretation of a passage, there can be many applications. We must meditate upon it. What does it take to begin a relationship with God? Feed on them with joy" Apply: How do I respond to what God is saying? Helping students know Jesus, grow in their faith and go to the world to tell others. Commentaries can be incredibly useful and powerful tools, but be wise about how you incorporate them into your study. 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. )R z9=_)\_`w0s3^xT{bhi ?%\hMKINZ>0!L ik0%kjDb V >{f NGaE"VU{Z}M-9Eik$oflK pA!~~?\sDNSUke 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). The Bible is a unique collection of sixty-six books written by men under the direction and influence of the Holy Spirit (2 Pet. Only in this way can believers grow spiritually. H\j0z Try (Ed: in the sense of to test or examine) what you hear; try what you profess; try what you read. Practice it to be holy. 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. Are the "thoughts and intentions of our heart" spiritual thoughts and intentions or only natural thoughts and intentions? Someone has rightly observed that it is possible to be full of Scripture and full of carnality. He will be inquired of by us. Learn to develop your skills, desire and ability to join others on their spiritual journeys and take them closer to Jesus. And how does it show God redeeming that brokenness? 1 John the good hand of his God was upon him (which should prompt a "Why?" If this were the only passage of the Bible you had access to, what would you learn from it about Gods character and actions? It isn't enough just to be a Christian, if you aren't an obedient one. 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. But to make us more like our Savior. This seems to be the process called inwardly digesting God's truth. Inaccurate Interpretation, Robert Frost in his poem "Road Not Taken" writes in his last stanza. Look at Matthew 21:42-44 as an example. truly, such a, promise is as a cluster of Eshcol, but it is in Eshcols valley and I cannot reach it there; but the promise applied is the cluster brought to me just where I am, and I can receive it, and delight myself in its luscious sweetness. Are we spiritual or are we natural? Identify chapter themes is the result of 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." Careless Observation 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. 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. Often, its helpful to put chapter and verse breakdowns out of your mind as you dive into Scripture. Once you have explored the passage, its time to make some connections. Luke gives us the most information about Jesus birth and even provides us with a glimpse of Jesus as a child (Luke 2:4150). You haven't really learned the Word until you live the Word. Develop your leadership skills and learn how to launch a ministry wherever you are. Home Eventually, if not immediately, these practices will reveal the meaning of the text (interpretation) and how to apply it (life application). Often, the headings in modern Bible translations identify pericopes. 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. In Gods mind, knowledge without obedience is sin. What can He have to do with such as we are He is faithful, but will He be so to us? If we fail to apply the Scriptures, we cut short the entire process and have not finished what God wants us to do. There is always something new to uncover in the Bible. After a few weeks, the detective was able to report to the man that Dr. Houghtons life matched his preaching. 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. (Ps 119:15, 23, 27, 48, 78, 97, 99, 148 - see A Primer On Biblical Meditation). (Josh 1:8-note). 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. (1 Sa 15:22, 23) Related resource: Relationship of faith and obedience. What distinguishes observation, interpretation, and application? How to Study the Bible | Cru - Cru.org Application brings us into this sphere of abundant life in the Spirit. Reading the entire book in one or two sittings is part of the observation process. But you may know that Luke and Matthew begin with Jesus birth story. If you want to discover what these authors have to tell you, youll have to do some work. The difference between studying and applying the Scriptures is somewhat like the difference between drifting in a boat and rowing toward a destination. Until all on the altar we lay; and then shall we find the benefit and advantage designed thereby, and shall at last attain the happiness therein promised and assured to us.". two roads diverged in a wood, and I -- The student has sought God's blessing on the Word, and has endeavored to find out its meaning and teaching; and it remains for him to ask, How does this passage apply to me? Neither are you to be "Bible botanists" (even good inductive students), who laboriously observe the Biblical text and derive accurate interpretation but fail to apply these truths. (MacDonald, W & Farstad, A. Believer's Bible Commentary: Thomas Nelson). Truth revealed brings responsibility to respond. They do not seem very ancient. Learn the basics of what Christians believe. 1 Thessalonians Observe whats there, and document it. He knoweth what we have need of before we ask, but He expects us to ask all the same. 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! Ask yourself all of the important questions above, and answer them as honestly as you are able. Where similar words are used, explore the context of each of those instances. Observation Tips What are some tips to help with observation? These three parts are observation, interpretation, and application. This seems to be the kickoff point of Jesus ministry. 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. What a terrible delusion to be content with, to delight in hearing the word, and yet not do it. Privacy Logos is the largest developer of tools that empower Christians to go deeper in the Bible. When Gods Word points out something in us that needs correction, we need to respond. In many ways, observation is the base of the Bible study pyramid. who delude themselves. MacArthur, J.: The MacArthur Study Bible Nashville: Word, MacDonald, W & Farstad, A. Believer's Bible Commentary: Thomas Nelson, Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth by Spurgeon. 1 Corinthians The precious promises lie in front of you. Reflecting Jesus together for the good of the city. and Bible reading fits into the devotional category. We must adjust ourselves to the Bible What are its elements ? It isthe act of bringing something to bear; using it for a particular purpose. To which he responded "Yes, she translated the Bible into her life, and was the most powerful translation I've ever seen!" 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). But then we must allow that Word to get into us, to make a permanent difference in our character and conduct. %%EOF Not to make us smarter sinners But meditation is a matter of habit, and we can all be trained into it. to my own life and destiny and relation to God? 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 To an active mind knowledge gives pleasure. S Is there Something to thank or praise God for? We tone down unconsciously the vigor of St. Paul's remonstrances, the force of his figures, such as ' Death to sin,' the strictness of the law of retribution, and of judgment according to works ; the demand of absolute self-sacrifice, and of truth at any cost ; the need of meekness, forbearance, self-restraint and sympathy. + Ask the Lord to show you your interest, in every truth, and; do not be satisfied until you have an assured personal interest therein. 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. Here are 14 important reasons to read it. Both of these; The first step in studying a passage is to observe what it actually says. Give Me Liberty! About people or human nature? I took the one less traveled by, It might be tempting to stop at the interpretation phase, but youll be selling yourself and Scripture short if you do. Of course, there are a few steps involved during each of these components. Nevertheless our duty is clear. 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? 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. 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. The more time and intentionality you put into understanding Gods Word, the more treasures you discover. Step 3: ApplicationWhat will I do about what the passage says and means? The Bible is Gods way of making Himself known to us. Once you think youve done all you can here, its time to move on to the final phase: application. This video series demonstrates how to perform inductive Bible study using the Logos Bible app thats free for web, mobile, or desktop. THE THREE COMPONENTS And this is eternal life, that they may know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent. To go on gaining an intellectual knowledge of the Bible without obeying it can be a trap instead of a blessing. A sorry, sorry heart is that which so uses Gods Word as to make it an aggravation of its sin. (Jas 4:17+, cp Lk 12:47, 48+, Jn 9:41). 0000002043 00000 n Refrain, Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet. (Col 1:28, 29-See notes Col 1:28; 1:29), The basis for application is 2 Timothy 3:16. Yogi Berra's advice is appropriate at this juncture -- When you arrive at a fork in the road, take it. 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. When people started complaining, he told the congregation, "I'll preach a new sermon when you act on this one. Its worth it. T Is there a Truth to memorize and meditate upon (Click here)? Rather, an inductive study . Just make sure it's the one based on careful observation and accurate interpretation! Imagine trying to find a specific place in Scripture during a sermon without them. The OIA Bible study method consists of three parts. As questions arise, they give you direction for further reading and study as you seek to answer those questions. 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. This is the ultimate step: we submit to Scripture and let it transform our lives. Thirdly, we seek to link the spirit of the passage with our own personal experience of things human and Divine. Inductive Bible Study - Observation Inductive Bible Study - Interpretation Inductive Bible Study - Application Simple Study on the Power of God's Word Authority of God's Word - study on 2Timothy 3:16-17 Ezra 7:10 - Exposition of the "Ezra 7:10 Principle" Job's "Secret" of perseverance? 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). Turn Scripture into Prayer. When in a spirit of quiet thought we have thus resolved and revolved God's Word, we are prepared to pray over it. They are to leave behind their assumptions and make a ruling based on the facts alone. What does the term Messiah mean? Inductive Bible Study method is one of the most effective bible study methods for personal bible study, quiet time or small group bible studies. The best way to define application is to first determine what it is not. John Righteousness in simple terms is whatever God says is right on any subject. this Inductive Bible Study Observation Interpretation And Application Through The Lenses Of History Literature And Theology can be taken as competently as picked to act. Based on what youve learned, what does this passage mean for you? Sometimes there will be figurative language and confusing imagery, but dont start by looking for hidden meaning. The real question is do I always want to hear God's voice? Daniel And when we do, like the bee, we will find that we never go away from God's Word empty. 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. Not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross, eg'1{(yzJ*| 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. In this spirit of readiness we seek to turn God's truth into action.
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