Observation answers the question: What do I see? For example, notice that some form of the word suffering is used three . About people or human nature? The first step in studying a passage is to observe what it actually says. After making these connections, you should be able to identify some of the big truths that the passage offers every reader throughout time. In view of this truth, what specific changes should I make in my life? What else do I know about the book, author, and broader context of the passage? Mark key words and phrases (see figure on page five) A key word is one that is essential to the text. Then I watched a little longer out my window and there came a botanist. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? Its apowerful toolfor those who want to learn how to study Scripture well. 0 A Silly yet Serious my heart stands in awe of Thy words. This might make you wonder whether this is good news for Mark or if Mark thinks this good news applies to everyone. We must mix faith with what we read and hear. A (supernaturally charged and) changed life is the clearest testimony of genuine understanding of the Bible. Pretend youre an investigator and youre just gathering the facts. What He says we will do, where He sends we will go; His Word from day to day, 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. Just make sure it's the one based on careful observation and accurate interpretation! 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). 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. ), 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. 0000002043 00000 n --Hess, Robert Cook wisely advises that we should "Never leave a passage of Scripture until it has said something to you." HWM5q0^5 !EJ8`vC ! (Jas 4:17+, cp Lk 12:47, 48+, Jn 9:41). You may study it your whole life, and you will never be able to absorb all that it has to teach. You may start with reading a specific book of the Bible for five to 10 minutes every day and setting aside one day a week for a more intentional time of studying Scripture. 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. Sometimes the application will simply be deeper faith and firmer belief. Amos Application takes place as you are confronted with the truth and you respond to that truth in obedience (in faith). Scripture interprets Scripture. Study the Bible to be wise. 2 Kings Can abide while we trust and obey. In this spirit of readiness we seek to turn God's truth into action. Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams." Practice it to be holy. The observation phase was all about observing what the text says, but the interpretation phase is the next step. It comes from knowing more about the Bible and applying it to our spiritual needs. Song of Solomon Thus, we are called and encouraged to new labour in prayer, whilst we have a new example in Him Who prayed, and wept, and bled. 2 John This volume incorporates insights from contemporary evangelical hermeneutics into an. Here are 14 important reasons to read it. Let me ask you a serious question -- How often do you study the Word with no intention whatsoever of obeying it? If you skip this step, you will never enjoy your Bible study and the Bible will never change your life. Leave not off reading the Bible till you find your hearts warmed. Proverbs 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. Marking them will help you see the sequence of events and lead to accurate interpretation of Scripture. (MacArthur, J.: The MacArthur Study Bible Nashville: Word or Logos). 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. 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. This is where secondary resources become really helpful. Then you could go back and look at how the other Gospels start: Matthew begins by giving us Jesus genealogy and then gives us a little glimpse into His birth. 2. This fundamental step must be taken if one desires to accurately interpret and properly apply God's Word. Anyone can use the inductive Bible study method by following three simple steps: This phase isnt about interpretation. How can we know what parts of the Bible apply to us today? When it comes to reading the Bible, these boundaries can hinder your ability to observe what biblical authors are saying. Then you might turn your attention to verses 18 in the first chapter. Kay Arthur on Inductive Bible Study: Observation, Interpretation & Application,Christy Tennant - Read more about spiritual life growth, Christian living, and faith. Bible study is meant not merely to inform but to transform and renew our mind. 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. But this is exactly what happens when we fail to apply what we have observed and interpreted. In Observation and Interpretation we study God's Word, but in Application, God's Word "studies" us! 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. Philemon 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. 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. This is the ultimate step: we submit to Scripture and let it transform our lives. Acts What a terrible delusion to be content with, to delight in hearing the word, and yet not do it. When youre studying a book, youre going to end up reading it multiple times. (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.) in my dealings with the world ? And with all who will trust and obey. to my own life and destiny and relation to God? In truth thou canst not read the Scriptures too much; We build up a reservoir of responses so that whenever the truth gets too convicting, weve got a multiplicity of reasons why it applies to everyone else but us! 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. If there is a promise to be embraced, we claim it. Bible study is meant not merely to inform but to transform and renew our mind. Live in another country building relationships and ministries with eternal impact. Learn the basics of what Christians believe. There is something incredibly rewarding about mining those nuggets of truth for yourself. 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. 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. Go back to your questions from the beginning and ask them again in light of what youve learned, and apply it to our context today. In observation, you were asking the question, What did I see? In interpretation, you ask, What does it mean? If you have not done a thorough job in the exploration phase, the interpretation phase can be difficult. It is not enough just to study the Bible. These are the ideas that were true for the original audience and are equally true for you. If you're looking for the best Christian jobs and careers, check out Cru's ministry job openings for full- and part-time missionaries and professionals. two roads diverged in a wood, and I -- Not only do the books come from unfamiliar cultures, but theyre also thousands of years old. What I mean is just this. Jonah O/uE 4l"iI.l#e \c@pZFi7lq?3@hv?7 Il` When youre first getting started with studying the Bible, its important to set some realistic goals for yourself. Who art thou that judgest another man? To his own master he stands or falls. There is always something new to uncover in the Bible. For more on studying the Bible on your own or with others check out our Bible Studies resources. 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. Its good to set aside time for both devotional reading and studying. Have I overlooked anything or made any assumptions? /+X$!acR\Y[/EC%D @2ADk0uHha3j^ And how does it show God redeeming that brokenness? Observation. in my teaching, visiting or mission work? What Is Application? However, interpretation can also involve separate actions or steps beyond merely observing the immediate text. Help others in their faith journey through discipleship and mentoring. Are you ready and willing for Gods Word to cut deeply into your own life (reproof), to lay bare the hidden places of your heart, and to do its work of convicting, convincing, and converting your mind in any and every area? Be sure to visit the Precept Ministries International Web site to go deeper into inductive Bible study. What distinguishes observation, interpretation, and application? Zechariah It went in empty every time and came out full (A. Naismith, 1200 Notes, Quotes and Anecdotes [Chicago: Moody, 1962], p. Therefore, it is vital that you develop observation skills which might, at first, seem difficult, laborious, and time-consuming. Have some fun taking various quizzes and assessments to learn about yourself and others. It's better to live one verse of the Bible than to recite an entire chapter. Ask yourself all of the important questions above, and answer them as honestly as you are able. 8. 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. -- David Shepherd, Be alert for the following deceptive dangers regarding application. Be careful not to simply amass the kind of knowledge that puffs up (1 Corinthians 8:1). 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. Well, this is it. Observation Tips What are some tips to help with observation? BGEA is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. 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. 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.. Exodus Until all on the altar we lay; (1Ti 4:7, 8-notes), The dictionary defines application as the act of putting to use or putting into operation especially for some practical purpose. acquire the Inductive Bible Study Observation Interpretation And Application Through The Lenses Of History Literature And Theology join that we . Just like Matthew, Luke gets to the baptism in the third chapter. 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? After studying the importance of salt to first-century Judean people, you would have a clear picture of its significance to Jesus original audience. P Is there a Prayer to pray or a Priority to change? How much influence is the Bible supposed to have on society? 3 John Reaching students and faculty in middle and high school. There are several reasons for this . Refrain 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. (Col 1:28, 29-See notes Col 1:28; 1:29), The basis for application is 2 Timothy 3:16. (John 17:3), Heart appropriation, not merely head apprehension, is the true goal of Bible study. Learn about Cru's global leadership team. Allow the Bible to help you understand other passages of the Bible. 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. But for your study time, its helpful to use them as secondary sources after youve done some preliminary work. 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. Ruth The records of human need and Divine generosity are not far-fetched ; they answer to our own case. Galatians 1. This becomes extremely important when youre studying a book with a single prolonged argument, like the Book of Romans. Reading the entire book in one or two sittings is part of the observation process. What we believe about the gospel and our call to serve every nation. 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+!). Each book is usually read 4 - 5 times, and with each step you are given a new tool for uncovering revelation within the pages. The writer of Psalm 119+ (virtually every verse of which deals with some aspect of God's holy Word) speaks to the importance of one's attitude that should undergird and stimulate right and ready application of truth gleaned Princes persecute me without cause, but (what's being contrasted?) He knoweth what we have need of before we ask, but He expects us to ask all the same. Connect: What is God saying (that is always true or that is true to all readers in all settings)? 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. Many times a Bible passage is read only with eyes but not with the mind engaged. Hebrews And what thou readest well, thou canst not too well understand; Truth revealed brings responsibility to respond. Leviticus Look at Matthew 21:42-44 as an example. To which his colleagues exclaimed "What! They do not seem very ancient. Some are always looking out for other peoples duty, and are great judges and critics for what others ought to do. The ideal combination is to read the word and then heed it expeditiously and implicitly. Our first duty is to meditate. What does this passage teach that is still as true today as it was when it was written?
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