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

((this mirror = Gods Word = unique for it shows our inner nature as a regular mirror shows our exterior. In other words, every time you observe and interpret but fail to apply, you perform an abortion on the Scriptures in terms of their purpose. But as helpful as these tools are, theyre not always ideal for personal study. The heart that stands in awe of God's word is armed against the temptations that arise from persecution (A good application). (The blessing of God is integrally related to your response to the revelation of God. The religionists of Jesus' day had all of the data. This is a motivating truth that you can trust and which you should welcome and willingly acknowledge. Can abide while we trust and obey. It is packed with revelation, lessons, instruction, and theology. Get a roundup of new Word by Word articles in your inbox each Friday. 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. Youve observed the details in the text and drawn interpretive conclusions about what the author was saying to his original readers. Maybe youre reading Matthew 5:13: You are the salt of the earth. If you choose to consult a commentary during your study, try to do it toward the end. The only Bible the world reads is the one bound in shoe leather: you and me! After studying the importance of salt to first-century Judean people, you would have a clear picture of its significance to Jesus original audience. Sometimes youll be studying a passage that has a precise application. Use this guide to help you lead your small group to encounter Jesus through the three main parts of an inductive Bible study: Observation, Interpretation, Application. H. P. Barker has a graphic illustration emphasizing the importance of both knowing and doing the Bibles truths As I looked out into the garden one day, I saw three things. 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? How foolish to look in the mirror of God's word, see spiritual "dirt" and yet fail to respond). Jonah Janet Chismar Dont twist Scripturemeaning, dont manipulate the text to get it to say something youd like for it to say. 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. 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. Also we become more responsible to God. Have I overlooked anything or made any assumptions? 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?) Are we spiritual or are we natural? These divisions are incredibly convenient. Once you know what the passage means (interpretation), you are responsible to put it into practice in your own life. Luke gives us the most information about Jesus birth and even provides us with a glimpse of Jesus as a child (Luke 2:4150). 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, 2 Peter Resource links How to Perform A Greek Word Study on the Web, Multiple resources on Biblical Interpretation (Hermeneutics). ), 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. 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! John Calvin commenting on proper application wrote thatWe must observe that the knowledge of God which we are invited to cultivate is not that which, resting satisfied with empty speculation, only flutters in the brain; but a knowledge which will prove substantial and fruitful whenever it is duly perceived and rooted in the heart.. These might include Bible dictionaries, atlases, concordances and handbooks. 1 Peter Awe is a feeling of reverential respect mixed with fear or wonder. The word of God reveals to us our true selves. Romans 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. James Local: 704-401-2432 How does the truth of this passage apply to my life? Sources like these can give you vital information to help answer your questions. Read Online Inductive Bible Study Observation Interpretation And What is the key to applying the Bible to my life? EP !HOz Now that you have your list of observations, you can wrestle with the questions that arise from them and the things that youve seen. A lot of people have all sorts of news. Edward Louie (2011) The phrase "Bible study" can mean different things to different people. David Shepherd rightly exhorts us to leave out not "step" in study of God's Word but to be diligent to Read it to get the facts, study it to get the meaning, meditate on it to get the benefit. 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. 0000000016 00000 n Fourthly and this is very hard work Read And Practise. Bible Study Principles Again, our METHOD of reading, searching, and study must involve very precise OBSERVATION, which is absolutely necessary to accurate INTERPRETATION! For some of you there is very little in the Word of God except threatening. Bible study is meant not merely to inform but to transform and renew our mind. (Col 1:28, 29-See notes Col 1:28; 1:29), The basis for application is 2 Timothy 3:16. -- David Shepherd, Be alert for the following deceptive dangers regarding application. which then results in being and doing. the good hand of his God was upon him (which should prompt a "Why?" To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey. (Ro 12:2-note). This seems to be the process called inwardly digesting God's truth. 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). Bible study is intentionally digging into a passage of Scripture and using various interpretive techniques to understand what the author is saying. When youre first getting started with studying the Bible, its important to set some realistic goals for yourself. After making these connections, you should be able to identify some of the big truths that the passage offers every reader throughout time. PDF Simple Biblical Interpretation - Westminster Theological Seminary This awe is called by a proper name, reverence, or godly fear; when we consider Whose Word it is, namely, the Word of the Lord, Who is our God, and has a right to command what He pleases; to Whose will and word we have already yielded obedience, and devoted ourselves to walk worthy of Him in all well pleasing (Col 1:10-note, Ep 4:1-note, Php 3:17,18-note, 1Th 2:12-note); who can find us out in all our failings, as knowing our very thoughts afar of (Psalms 139:2), and having all our ways before Him, and being one of Whom we read, -- "He is a holy God; He is a jealous God; He will not forgive your transgressions nor your sins" (Joshua 24:19), that is to say, if we impenitently continue in them. Too much Bible study begins and ends in the wrong place: It begins with interpretation, and it also ends thereObservation plus interpretation without application equals abortion. The Power of Accurate Observation In Bible Study Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams." (MacArthur, J.: The MacArthur Study Bible Nashville: Word), Andrew Murray writing about the discrepancy between knowing and doing, remarked. 1. How do I propose to carry out these changes? Once we know what a passage means we are responsible to live it out. never the Bible to ourselves. Why did Mark feel this title was necessary on top of calling Jesus the Messiah? Now, think about what the passage tells us that is always true not just in its original setting, but in any time and place. Could that be a clue about his intended audience? 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. Colossians Reaching students and faculty in middle and high school. The Bible is Gods way of making Himself known to us. Unlike other forms of study, the ultimate goal of Bible study is not information its transformation. Who is allowed to ascend the mountain of the Lord? Both of these; So if youre studying Mark, start by reading the entire book. Let it not only inform you but inflame you. Part of this work is active: Youre wrestling with the text and learning to understand it. If our interpretation is accurate, we at least have the potential to apply the truth appropriately. 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? Apply: How do I respond to what God is saying? yUew.7.J~rr9xn-j3Pv_Kp>.ow?oo^>]xgOqI| JSM.OQF=r%0'c[',(d2`\gNHbqsO&&#v>b[Wg7xr|*M R 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. 9. Observe whats there, and document it. 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. P Is there a Promise to believe or condition to meet in order to partake of the promise? 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. When people started complaining, he told the congregation, "I'll preach a new sermon when you act on this one. 2 Timothy What is awe? But His smile quickly drives it away; Although the Bible tells one cohesive story, it does so through the work of many authors who wrote during times hundreds of years apart. 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. And how does it show God redeeming that brokenness? Everyone has distractions and responsibilities vying for their attention, so it helps if you have a set time when you will read your Bible. There are a lot of excellent study Bibles available. He never reads the book, but he reads the disciple of Christ, and he judges the Christian religion, by the lives of its professors. Learn about Cru's global leadership team. They do not seem very ancient. 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. Bibles today divide up the individual books within them with chapters and verses, but Bibles havent always done this. Here are 14 important reasons to read it. For more on studying the Bible on your own or with others check out our Bible Studies resources. Our Goal in Interpreting . And for this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me. The intercession of Abraham for Sodom, the prayer of Abraham's servant, the wrestling of Jacob, the pleadings of Moses, the strong crying of David, the spiritual conflicts of Elijah, Jonah and Jeremiah, the public and formal prayers of Solomon and Ezra, and the secret confessions of Danielall are the outpourings of hearts like our own. (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." Reading and studying the Bible are two different practices. When youre studying a book, youre going to end up reading it multiple times. They had mastered the Old Testament, but they were never mastered by the truth itself. Connect each passage back to the gospel and the broader message of the Bible. How to Study the Bible | Cru - Cru.org 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? 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. If this were the only passage of the Bible you had access to, what would you learn from it about Gods character and actions? S Is there a Sin to avoid, forsake or confess? Not just for information and then You can discuss this post and others in the Faithlife Today group. 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). Application of God's Word will not always be "pain free", but it will always be profitable. Christian author Jerry Bridges reminds us that. Memorization is the first step to meditation. How to Study Your Bible, Part 2 | Articles | Revive Our Hearts H\j0z If youre not careful, theyll do all the work of observation and interpretation for you. The best way to define application is to first determine what it is not. Used by cults. These three parts are observation, interpretation, and application. Identify chapter themes xref It is impossible to study the Scriptures diligently without running head-on into the need for application, "for the word of God is living and active (energetic, effective) and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge (sifting and analyzing) the thoughts and intentions of the heart and there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open (the bending back of the neck thoroughly exposing it to the eye of the skillful surgeon or the criminal on trial with a sharp dagger bound to his neck with the point just below the chin, so that he could not bow his head but had to face the court) and laid bare to the eyes of Him with Whom we must give account." The following steps follow the inductive method's process of observation, interpretation, and application. Once you think youve done all you can here, its time to move on to the final phase: application. In view of this truth, what specific changes should I make in my life? Your goal in observing is to identify what the author was trying to communicate to his readers. 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. 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. Not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross, 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. Our Lord taught that those who are, blessed (makarios [word study]) are those who hear the word of God and observe (phulasso [word study]) it. A (supernaturally charged and) changed life is the clearest testimony of genuine understanding of the Bible. Your Teacher, the Holy Spirit, can give you insights at any point in your study, so that you need to be sensitive to His leading. Refrain, Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet. But you may know that Luke and Matthew begin with Jesus birth story. This is always a powerful application of Scripture. In Gods mind, knowledge without obedience is sin. Anyone can use the inductive Bible study method by following three simple steps: This phase isnt about interpretation. Ask God that his threats may drive you out of your sins, and drive you to seek pardon in Christ. King Edward VI of England would stand while the Word of God was read in worship service. How? Verse by Verse Ministry To be sure our first goal should be to get into the Bible and then to allow the Bible to get into us. --C H Spurgeon, Choose Book of Bible to Study Read the Bible as a man reads his relations will, to find what legacy there is in it for himself. What a terrible delusion to be content with, to delight in hearing the word, and yet not do it. Must you become a better person so that God will accept you? Gather them. 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? 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. What can He have to do with such as we are He is faithful, but will He be so to us? (He 4:12, 13-see notes He 4:12; 13). If there is a command to be obeyed, we obey it. You might make a circle around those terms as a reminder to focus on those later. Our first duty is to meditate. Acronym to Aid Application. 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. who delude themselves. Instead of studying by chapter, its smart to look at pericopes. Saturate the study of Scripture with prayer. If there is a warning to be followed, we heed it. Look for the plainest interpretation first. The worldlings Bible is the Christian. And what thou readest well, thou canst not too well understand; Ask yourself all of the important questions above, and answer them as honestly as you are able. A key discipline for good study is not to be too quick to fall back on what you think you know. 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 . acquire the Inductive Bible Study Observation Interpretation And Application Through The Lenses Of History Literature And Theology join that we . 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? (Lk 11:28+, cp Jn 13:17), D. L. Moody quipped that "Our great problem is the problem of trafficking in unlived truth. Never fear, only trust and obey. 2 Thessalonians But this is exactly what happens when we fail to apply what we have observed and interpreted. 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. Lesson 6: Principles of Biblical Interpretation | Bible.org Inductive Bible study is a practical, relevant, and time-tested approach to interpreting Scripture. (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 there is a command to be obeyed, we obey it. Sow a character, reap a destiny! Now that weve observed and interpreted what the passage has to say, its time to talk about what it means for us. 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. 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~ Each book is usually read 4 - 5 times, and with each step you are given a new tool for uncovering revelation within the pages. And how prevalent the sight of multitudes of Christians listening to the Word of God most regularly and earnestly, and yet not doing it! Apply yourself to the Scriptures Application brings us into this sphere of abundant life in the Spirit. 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. 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 . We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. When you take a book like Romans one piece at a time, you can miss the forest for the trees. Why are we deluded in this way? Inductive Bible study is T Is there a Truth to memorize and meditate upon (Click here)? We need to be specific here. How do you do that? Philippians Showing God in action in and through His people. When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word, Another addition to a lot of Bibles is a subheading before many passages or chapters. For instance, if you pick up the Book of Galatians at the beginning of chapter 4, youll find yourself in the middle of Pauls argument: What I am saying is that as long as an heir is underage, he is no different from a slave, although he owns the whole estate. You might see the word Messiah and think, I know what that means. But that can undermine your ability to discover new things. Connect: What is God saying (that is always true or that is true to all readers in all settings)? We must mix faith with what we read and hear. By using the tools included inInductive Bible Study, youll approach Bible study with more depth and understanding. Nehemiah He was there for hours writing notes, closed them, stuck them under his arm, tucked his magnifying glass in his pocket and walked away. Too often, people jump into the Bible and start connecting before theyve done the challenging work of examining all there is to see. But for transformation. He had put into practice (applied) passages from God's Word, proving that they work which of course they always do! You cannot expect to approach the Bible with the same level of investment that youd give your favorite novel. Just make sure it's the one based on careful observation and accurate interpretation! We need you. (Ed: And I would add that the Word of Truth ALWAYS has something to say to our heart! So how do we apply any of it, let alone enjoy it. So even though you might be familiar with the word Messiah, you might want to focus on Mark and his original audience. Then you might turn your attention to verses 18 in the first chapter. What Do We Lose When We Forget the Importance of Prayer? Start with the obvious. It is more focused on the immediate application of the passage to your life. How does he save or provide a way when people are unable? Where similar words are used, explore the context of each of those instances. (Read the entire sermon - How to Read the Bible), "Our Masters field is full and rich. Keeping some form of journal will allow you to go back and review what God has been teaching you. Be careful not to simply amass the kind of knowledge that puffs up (1 Corinthians 8:1). This seems to be the kickoff point of Jesus ministry. And what thou teachest well, thou canst not too well live. Until all on the altar we lay; It is thework of applying something (I like that -- it make take a little "holy sweat" to apply what we have learned, but it is worth the effort exerted! B. 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. -EO{0iB d("o? 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. eg'1{(yzJ*| There is always something new to uncover in the Bible. Feed on them with joy" Memorizing God's Word - Why? To profess great love for Gods word or even to pose as a Bible student is a form of self-deception unless our increasing knowledge of the word is producing increasing likeness to the Lord Jesus. That's a frightening statement! Theres an inherent danger in inductive Bible study -- it can degenerate into a process thats intellectually fascinating but spiritually frustrating. Once you decide how much time you want to commit to studying, put it on your calendar. Such a person is like the church who had a new pastor who preached the same sermon every Sunday. Comment: Sins of omission (failing to do what God wants us to do) are sins just as surely as sins of commission (doing what God has told us not to do). )R z9=_)\_`w0s3^xT{bhi ?%\hMKINZ>0!L ik0%kjDb V >{f NGaE"VU{Z}M-9Eik$oflK pA!~~?\sDNSUke Bible study is meant not merely to inform but to transform and renew our mind. It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot (NIV). Yogi Berra's advice is appropriate at this juncture -- When you arrive at a fork in the road, take it. (Galatians 4:1, New International Version). Observation This is a dishonest way to interpret the text. 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.". Goes the way, HhT=k&^-l (6WBbN~WPe4`!Mr`+^p!MO,LP/_n]aFBcp) meditate and meditate and meditate, Devout meditation on the Word is more important to soul-health even than prayer.