OIA Method of Bible Study - Iamnorthside Every time we encounter spiritual truth, we need to seek to apply that truth to our lives. This means youre going to start by reading the whole thing hopefully in one sitting before you begin to deal with smaller portions of it in greater depth. Galatians The real question is do I always want to hear God's voice? Not just for knowledge, but much more-- So people go to church, and enjoy the preaching, and yet do not do what God asks. It might be tempting to stop at the interpretation phase, but youll be selling yourself and Scripture short if you do. It is the supernatural, progressive revelation of who God is and man's relationship to God. in my business life ? The following steps follow the inductive method's process of observation, interpretation, and application. Haggai Study the Bible to be wise. This is the ultimate step: we submit to Scripture and let it transform our lives. Refrain, But we never can prove the delights of His love 2 Peter (Ro 10:17+). Be sure to visit the Precept Ministries International Web site to go deeper into inductive Bible study. Now, think about what the passage tells us that is always true not just in its original setting, but in any time and place. Based on what youve learned, what does this passage mean for you? There really arent any wrong questions, and sometimes what seems like a silly question can reveal critical insights. Sometimes youll be studying a passage that has a precise application. Just make sure it's the one based on careful observation and accurate interpretation! Interpretation is not necessarily a separate step from observation, for often, as you carefully observe the text, you begin to see what it means at that very moment. (Lk 11:28+, cp Jn 13:17), D. L. Moody quipped that "Our great problem is the problem of trafficking in unlived truth. They were the local authorities. ), 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. Head knowledge without heart change is not enough and in some ways is even worse than no knowledge. To be sure our first goal should be to get into the Bible and then to allow the Bible to get into us. As questions arise, they give you direction for further reading and study as you seek to answer those questions. 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. 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." Details of the OIA Method - Knowable Word He had put into practice (applied) passages from God's Word, proving that they work which of course they always do! But meditation is a matter of habit, and we can all be trained into it. If we continually learn what we ought to do, but do not do it, we become frustrated and callous. 0000003614 00000 n
It isn't enough just to be a Christian, if you aren't an obedient one. Learn the basics of what Christians believe. The more time and intentionality you put into understanding Gods Word, the more treasures you discover. A Is there an Attitude to change or guard against or an Action I need to take? Thus, interpretation flows out of observation. (Ps139:23, 24+; cf. This video series demonstrates how to perform inductive Bible study using the Logos Bible app thats free for web, mobile, or desktop. Once you think youve done all you can here, its time to move on to the final phase: application. Read Online Inductive Bible Study Observation Interpretation And What is awe? We need to be specific here. So before moving on to the crucial step of application, pause for a time of reflection. The Bible helps you understand God and His relationship with humanity. Your grandmother translated the Bible?" Yes, the Scripture (through your Teacher the Spirit) will bestow spiritual blessings, not by knowing but by doing! The purpose of exploring and connecting is to apply what the Bible teaches to your life. A key discipline for good study is not to be too quick to fall back on what you think you know. Philemon Or well walk by His side in the way. In many ways, observation is the base of the Bible study pyramid. The observation phase was all about observing what the text says, but the interpretation phase is the next step. If there is a warning to be followed, we heed it. The following books are a great place to learn more about this simple methodology: Kay Arthurs inductive method has helped millions of people learn how to study the Bible for themselves. And with all who will trust and obey. The first verse of Mark youve been studying does not have immediate actionable teachings, but you still need to be open to the Holy Spirit moving as you study. These three parts are observation, interpretation, and application. A person may study some branch of sciencesay electricityfor the enjoyment the knowledge gives him, without the least intention of applying it practically. 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. If a Christian is careless in Bible reading, he will care less about Christian living. The Bible is Gods way of making Himself known to us. 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. 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. We study to gain knowledge so we know how to live our lives in light of what weve learned. They do not seem very ancient. 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. If you want to discover what these authors have to tell you, youll have to do some work. xref
This is not the fruit of slavish fear, but of holy love; it is not afraid of the Word, but delighting in it, as it discovers the mind of God to us; as in the next verse it is written, "I rejoice at Thy word." But when the report came of His birth, did they go to check it out? What other Scripture passages might help me better interpret this one? So even though you might be familiar with the word Messiah, you might want to focus on Mark and his original audience. But you may know that Luke and Matthew begin with Jesus birth story. Luke gives us the most information about Jesus birth and even provides us with a glimpse of Jesus as a child (Luke 2:4150). Learn about Cru's global leadership team. 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. Once you do that, you can start shining a light on smaller sections of Scripture. This can train you to be more of an explorer in the future. 1 Kings 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. 0000000016 00000 n
The story is told of several pastors who were arguing over which Bible translation was the best. In sum, acting on what God has said assumes that you understand what He has said as illustrated below. You want to be able to trace the authors argument all the way through. (He 4:12, 13-see notes He 4:12; 13). The old saying regarding application is true that the same Word that afflicts the comfortable, also provides comfort for the afflicted! who delude themselves. (Ps 119:161). Their righteousness was external, based on facts and devoid of personal response. 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. Feed on them with joy" The Bible is an inexhaustible mine of precious gems. Luke Equipping families with practical approaches to parenting and marriage. This might make you wonder whether this is good news for Mark or if Mark thinks this good news applies to everyone. And what thou understandest well, thou canst not too well teach; Too much Bible study begins and ends in the wrong placewith interpretation. If you do not this, you are reading to your own condemnation. But to make us more like our Savior. mo!zZJ:%3EAOnaY`z)p%Vv"-H=m>!MX|ov:Hh7vNmm%pZCY&,Z&!#+SzdOP ]LQ)A3_V@UU@Gz
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mU0b-rxOw2)5t^_^~~p- How to Study the Bible Using Observation - Billy Graham Evangelistic The Word is both a glass to show us the spots of our soul and a laver to wash them away. Sometimes there will be figurative language and confusing imagery, but dont start by looking for hidden meaning. J A Bengel wisely admonished "Apply yourself to the whole text, and apply the whole text to yourself.". Thresh them by meditation. Identify chapter themes Exodus We dont study the Bible just to gain knowledge. 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?) We must adjust ourselves to the Bible meditate and meditate and meditate, Devout meditation on the Word is more important to soul-health even than prayer. (MacDonald, W & Farstad, A. Believer's Bible Commentary: Thomas Nelson). Will Graham Devotion: Paralyzed by Uncertainty? He will be inquired of by us. Reading the Bible without meditating on it is like eating without chewing. Connect each passage back to the gospel and the broader message of the Bible. When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word, 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 (!). The third thing I noticed was a bee, just a little bee. This becomes extremely important when youre studying a book with a single prolonged argument, like the Book of Romans. Fourthly and this is very hard work Read And Practise. Okay, so what is inductive Bible study, exactly? Part of this work is active: Youre wrestling with the text and learning to understand it. (How to study the English Bible), SPACE PETS You haven't really learned the Word until you live the Word. 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. Obadiah Sow a habit, reap a character. In fact, Logos even has an Inductive Bible Study Workflow built right in to guide you through these steps. 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. Never fear, only trust and obey. 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. How does the truth of this passage apply to my life? BGEA is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Bible reading fits into the devotional category. 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. Believe that the text means what it says. Inductive Bible Study method is one of the most effective bible study methods for personal bible study, quiet time or small group bible studies. PDF 10 BIBLE STUDY OBSERVATION AND INTERPRETATION - Home Baptist Church One practical approach to Bible study is a four-part process of observation, interpretation, connection, and application. If this were the only passage of the Bible you had access to, what would you learn from it about Gods character and actions? And what thou teachest well, thou canst not too well live. Many times a Bible passage is read only with eyes but not with the mind engaged. 0000008074 00000 n
Create an account or log in to get started. Words repeated multiple times in a passage, Words that indicate a change in topic or time, Words that contrast one thing against another. Logos can be an incredible resource as you seek to make this a part of your daily routine. 2. yUew.7.J~rr9xn-j3Pv_Kp>.ow?oo^>]xgOqI| JSM.OQF=r%0'c[',(d2`\gNHbqsO&&#v>b[Wg7xr|*M R The questions that might come out of your observations about Mark might include: Why does Mark not include the Christmas story in the beginning? Joshua Believe it to be safe (Mt 7:13, 14+). Why did Mark feel this title was necessary on top of calling Jesus the Messiah? How? -EO{0iB d("o? Such a person is like the church who had a new pastor who preached the same sermon every Sunday. And its in this phase we start to look at what the text means. It can provide details and facts that you do not yet have the capacity or training to pick up on your own. Youve observed the details in the text and drawn interpretive conclusions about what the author was saying to his original readers. But His smile quickly drives it away; How to Study the Bible (part 2): Interpretation and Application Erroneous interpretation can lead to aberrant application. If you want to study Scripture, youll need to carve out intentional time for it. (MacArthur, J.: The MacArthur Study Bible Nashville: Word), Andrew Murray writing about the discrepancy between knowing and doing, remarked. Its apowerful toolfor those who want to learn how to study Scripture well. The young prophet Samuel's response to God is a good example. (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.) You have remained in right site to start getting this info. But for transformation. Using a trusted commentary can help in a few ways: It can help show you the details you missed in the observation phase. What Is Application? Instead of studying by chapter, its smart to look at pericopes. Puritan Thomas Manton comments thatThere is an awe of the Word, not that makes us shy of it, but tender of violating it, or doing anything contrary to it. See what precepts are binding upon thyself, and then, as a child of God, be thy feet swift to run in the way of his commandments. When youre first getting started with studying the Bible, its important to set some realistic goals for yourself. As someone has blunted phrased it "Interpretation without application is abortion.". 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? But one who looks intently (a picture of the man who meditates -- puritan Richard Baxter said "There must be inward practice by meditation and outward practice in true obedience.") Next, youll want to figure out what youre going to study. You cannot expect to approach the Bible with the same level of investment that youd give your favorite novel. Inductive Bible Study Observation Interpretation And Application Through The Lenses Of History Literature And Theology is additionally useful. Refrain Which road will you travel? This step is asking these questions: What are the biggest ideas and the important details? 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.". We try to communicate what weve never experienced in our own lives.". Thats the kind of serious-minded response to truth application calls for. 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. There is more to Christian growth than knowing what the Bible says; nobody is ever nourished by memorizing menus. (Read the entire sermon - How to Read the Bible), "Our Masters field is full and rich. Think of it as an appointment that you do not want to miss. How to Do an Inductive Bible Study - Logos Bible Software One of the best ways to study the Bible is through "inductive" study. How do you do that? The heart that stands in awe of God's word is armed against the temptations that arise from persecution (A good application). Inductive Bible Study | Bible Study Resources | The - The Navigators Its easy to become reliant upon commentary to explain the text to you, and this circumvents many of the benefits of study. By using the tools included inInductive Bible Study, youll approach Bible study with more depth and understanding. Bible study is about digging into the text and pulling out insights. Colossians Good Bible study does not happen by accident. Have I overlooked anything or made any assumptions? The Bible is the best prayer-book in the world, as it has been called the best story-book in the world. (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." 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. Get the answers to frequently asked questions on Christian beliefs and practices. When we have read the Bible, many passages may become "overfamiliar." We think that we know what they say and cease . In Gods mind, knowledge without obedience is sin. Why are we deluded in this way? 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. Dont twist Scripturemeaning, dont manipulate the text to get it to say something youd like for it to say. Ephesians Start with the obvious. Pastor Houghton assiduously applied what he preached. 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."