example of bible study: observation, interpretation application

2 Peter For example, notice that some form of the word suffering is used three . Some people say they cannot meditate; they do not know what it means, or they have no time, or they go to sleep when they begin. You haven't completed your Bible study until you've allowed the Bible to "study' you and you respond accordingly to it's teaching (which tells us what is true and right and so structures our thinking), reproof ( tells us when we are out of bounds), correction (reveals sin and provides the dynamic whereby you can conform to Gods will) and training in righteous living (Gods means of showing you how to live), all in order that we as men and women of God might be complete or whole and what we were created to be so that we might be thoroughly equipped for good work (2Ti 3:16, 17-note). 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. Application of God's Word will not always be "pain free", but it will always be profitable. Step 3: ApplicationWhat will I do about what the passage says and means? How? 2. in my teaching, visiting or mission work? 0000000925 00000 n Give Me Liberty! For more on studying the Bible on your own or with others check out our Bible Studies resources. When you begin to study a passage, your first step will be observing the text. The old saying regarding application is true that the same Word that afflicts the comfortable, also provides comfort for the afflicted! We must mix faith with what we read and hear. Joel It is not enough just to study the Bible. If you do not this, you are reading to your own condemnation. Do not read it merely to say, Yes, it is true; very true; I believe its doctrines to be the revelation of the infallible mind of God himself. But endeavour also in reading a page of the Scriptures, always to see how much it belongs to you. Learn how you can know God personally. )R z9=_)\_`w0s3^xT{bhi ?%\hMKINZ>0!L ik0%kjDb V >{f NGaE"VU{Z}M-9Eik$oflK pA!~~?\sDNSUke Once you do that, you can start shining a light on smaller sections of Scripture. If you choose to consult a commentary during your study, try to do it toward the end. Find resources for personal or group Bible study. ", Oswald Chambers in his typical "no nonsense" style reminds us that"One step forward in obedience is worth years of study about it", We have to be careful not to deceive ourselves. Inductive Bible study is a practical, relevant, and time-tested approach to interpreting Scripture. The older we are, the more experienced we become at rationalizing sin. 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. John Leading from values so others will walk passionately with God to grow and bear fruit. This might make you wonder whether this is good news for Mark or if Mark thinks this good news applies to everyone. %PDF-1.4 % 1. It is the supernatural, progressive revelation of who God is and man's relationship to God. We study to gain knowledge so we know how to live our lives in light of what weve learned. ", The goal of Inductive Bible study is Inaccurate Interpretation, Robert Frost in his poem "Road Not Taken" writes in his last stanza. For the first question, you might think through your initial reading of Mark. God make us holy; sanctify us, spirit, soul, and body, and then we shall be made finely serviceable both to the Church and to the world. If you want to discover what these authors have to tell you, youll have to do some work. In short, as John MacArthur says "Bible study is not complete until we ask ourselves, What does this mean for my life and how can I practically apply it?, We must take the knowledge we have gained from our reading and interpretation and draw out the practical principles that apply to our personal lives. Titus (Ro 10:17+). Otherwise, its easy to become dependent on them. You might see the word Messiah and think, I know what that means. But that can undermine your ability to discover new things. Don't be like the man who boasted "I go through the entire Bible once every year".Application instead confronts us face to face with the question "How many times has the Bible gone through you?" ), A T Pierson said that "While other books inform, and some few reform, this one book transforms. But our toil He doth richly repay; Answers to questions on donations, financial policies, Crus annual report and more. Inductive Bible study is a practical, relevant, and time-tested approach to interpreting Scripture. Not just for knowledge, but much more-- (Lk 11:28+, cp Jn 13:17), D. L. Moody quipped that "Our great problem is the problem of trafficking in unlived truth. Ruth While we do His good will, He abides with us still, P Is there a Prayer to pray or a Priority to change? John MacArthur argues thatStudying Scripture without allowing it to penetrate to the depths of your soul would be like preparing a banquet without eating it. 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? If a servant were to hear but not do, how quickly the judgment would be given. 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. Youll also notice right out of the gate that Mark has introduced Jesus with two titles: Messiah and Son of God. Then you might turn your attention to verses 18 in the first chapter. : an American History (Eric Foner) Civilization and its Discontents (Sigmund Freud) The Methodology of the Social Sciences (Max Weber) Interpersonal Communication (Kory Floyd) Chemistry: The Central Science (Theodore E. Brown; H. Eugene H LeMay; Bruce E. Bursten; Catherine Murphy; Patrick Woodward) (1Ti 4:8+, 1Ti 4:9, 10+). In many ways, observation is the base of the Bible study pyramid. 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). And while pastors and teachers are wonderful, individual Christians should also be able to pick up any passage and read it with basic understanding and application. 63 0 obj <> endobj (3) substituting rationalization for repentance. This speak of a personal choice that must be made) any man is willing (thelo = desires, wishes, delights [cp Ps 1:2-note], takes pleasure, is inclined to; the present tense - speaks of one's general direction of their life) to do (present tense - again speaks of one's general habit of practice = toward obedience not toward disobedience) His will, he shall know (ginosko = speaks not just of "head" knowing but of an experiential knowledge, a more intimate knowledge) of the teaching (didache - word study), whether it is of God, or whether I speak from Myself. (Read the entire sermon - How to Read the Bible), "Our Masters field is full and rich. Refrain, Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet. But His smile quickly drives it away; To go on gaining an intellectual knowledge of the Bible without obeying it can be a trap instead of a blessing. Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide, and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and many are those who enter by it. Scripture interprets Scripture. Now that youve come up with questions, its time to do research. Then we have mentally to adjust the picture thus formed with the pictures already in our mindto hang it, so to speak, in its right place, so that it may blend with the convictions of truth already attained. 0 :L How much influence is the Bible supposed to have on society? (Persevere!). 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. What does it take to begin a relationship with God? 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." This step is asking these questions: What are the biggest ideas and the important details? Practice it to be holy, Or as Skip Heitzig advises "A good perspective to adopt when reading the Bible is that of an obedient servant waiting for instruction from the master. 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. Malachi It is unified in all its parts and will never contradict itself (Ps. Often, its helpful to put chapter and verse breakdowns out of your mind as you dive into Scripture. 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. You haven't really learned the Word until you live the Word. (How to study the English Bible), SPACE PETS That's a frightening statement! (Mt 7:13, 14+). 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. But when the report came of His birth, did they go to check it out? H\j0z Next, youll want to figure out what youre going to study. 2 John Why did Mark feel this title was necessary on top of calling Jesus the Messiah? Learn the basics of what Christians believe. ", James warned that "to one who knows the right thing to do, and does not do it, to him it is sin." Here, you want to go back over the passage and your observations and ask as many questions as you can. 1 Timothy The Bible is Gods way of making Himself known to us. However, interpretation can also involve separate actions or steps beyond merely observing the immediate text. 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. You can find the Inductive Bible Study Workflow (with five other Workflows and many other Bible Study tools) inLogos Starter. Application begins with belief Note that the question is not"Is this truth relevant to my life?" And this is eternal life, that they may know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent. 0000001036 00000 n Where similar words are used, explore the context of each of those instances. 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. The goal is that we live holy, in conformity to God's will in thought, purpose and action and that in so doing we are made adequate and equipped for every good ("God") work, which represents only those works He initiates and empowers. And when we do, like the bee, we will find that we never go away from God's Word empty. Righteousness in simple terms is whatever God says is right on any subject. + About people or human nature? 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? Step 2: InterpretationWhat does the passage mean? Help others in their faith journey through discipleship and mentoring. What distinguishes observation, interpretation, and application? Apply: How do I respond to what God is saying? And the botanist had a big notebook under his arm and a great big magnifying glass. 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. (Basic Bible Interpretation). James It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot (NIV). 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). Absolutely. (1) Substituting interpretation for application as did the Pharisees; (2) substituting superficial obedience for substantial life-change and. For example, Philippians 4:13, in context, isn't about being the greatest and most famous basketball player, but about being content and having joy in any and every circumstance ( Phil 4:10-13 ). never the Bible to ourselves. Study the New Testament at your own pace in workable units of material that follow the inductive method of study. Saturate the study of Scripture with prayer. A Silly yet Serious Connect each passage back to the gospel and the broader message of the Bible. It might be tempting to stop at the interpretation phase, but youll be selling yourself and Scripture short if you do. So if youre studying Mark, start by reading the entire book. When applied properly, the inductive method will provide a better overall understanding of a passagewhat it says, what it meant to its original audience, and what it means today. 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. 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. Yes, the Scripture (through your Teacher the Spirit) will bestow spiritual blessings, not by knowing but by doing! OF INDUCTIVE BIBLE STUDY. So how do we apply any of it, let alone enjoy it. 0000004523 00000 n One practical approach to Bible study is a four-part process of observation, interpretation, connection, and application. When you become a Christian, you enter into an exciting, lifelong relationship with the Bible. When people started complaining, he told the congregation, "I'll preach a new sermon when you act on this one. We are either a little more sweetened or a little more hardened. The Word is both a glass to show us the spots of our soul and a laver to wash them away. The best way to define application is to first determine what it is not. 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. Do not be afraid to ask hard or silly questions. Used by cults. Luke the good hand of his God was upon him (which should prompt a "Why?" Would you like to give your time to work with Cru? (Col 1:28, 29-See notes Col 1:28; 1:29), The basis for application is 2 Timothy 3:16. J@GD0Q0rqD@!QTTXF1ID>IgIyy;GABp_8;.7_0?\h*4z/Bzc`S!zJP2[VgVM52,6.*0.199QP1T`}G/I(tSE)BQF*jE()*RMq>&}P* Showing God in action in and through His people. To know and not to do is not to know at all. 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. If a Christian is careless in Bible reading, he will care less about Christian living. This is always the most challengingportion of Bible study, which most people give only cursory attention to (unfortunately).The key to doing Bible study is . Once you decide how much time you want to commit to studying, put it on your calendar. Learn more 2. Practically speaking, when we study "the word of God" we sense ourselves pierced. If youre not careful, theyll do all the work of observation and interpretation for you. It is still as true today as when Martin Luther first said it that The world does not need a definition of religion as much as it needs a demonstration.. The world desperately needs to see the Word's miracle-working power at work in our own lives as living proof! ::c\}oa\l#N/4!tGj;Mu}8Mmm3M^x_M=>l~m8n6vTk7.9Rm+s7mm1>7%cS,"W`!K[43!qCn66JVo[K^nE^ + Avoid basing important doctrines on obscure passages. By using the tools included inInductive Bible Study, youll approach Bible study with more depth and understanding. 2 Samuel If not why not? ", D. L. Moody - "I never saw a useful Christian who was not a student of the Bible.". The reader through OBSERVATION discovers what a passage says which enables the reader to make an accurate INTERPRETATION, the discovery of what a passage means. After making these connections, you should be able to identify some of the big truths that the passage offers every reader throughout time. (Ps139:23, 24+; cf. Isaiah Accurate interpretation and correct application rest on the accuracy of your observations. r2T4000F1h+JTqkR=9K'ZOH1{csjr3U 0aq^rD[ZZZFTRq:(3k @ 2c> )KI1.Ff~2cxq;c 0c`x@ ]^ Exodus Resource links How to Perform A Greek Word Study on the Web, Multiple resources on Biblical Interpretation (Hermeneutics). Nevertheless our duty is clear. And how prevalent the sight of multitudes of Christians listening to the Word of God most regularly and earnestly, and yet not doing it! Is Your Interpretation Supernaturalistic, Naturalistic, Existentialistic, Dogmatic? 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. What Do We Lose When We Forget the Importance of Prayer? 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? You might make a circle around those terms as a reminder to focus on those later. Using a trusted commentary can help in a few ways: It can help show you the details you missed in the observation phase. It involves three steps: observation of the text, interpretation of the text, and application of the text. 9. Observation. (Ps 119:15, 23, 27, 48, 78, 97, 99, 148 - see A Primer On Biblical Meditation). Their righteousness was external, based on facts and devoid of personal response. 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. Proverbs The Bible is an inexhaustible mine of precious gems. And with all who will trust and obey. Reflecting Jesus together for the good of the city. 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.. THE ERROR IN THE "FORK" IN THE ROAD Have I overlooked anything or made any assumptions? 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 (!). These are the ideas that were true for the original audience and are equally true for you. Bible reading fits into the devotional category. How does the truth of this passage apply to my life? Mark says hes starting at the beginning. Once we know what a passage means we are responsible to live it out. Will Graham Devotion: Paralyzed by Uncertainty? King Edward VI of England would stand while the Word of God was read in worship service. Part of this work is active: Youre wrestling with the text and learning to understand it. Both reflect what is really there. Why Are There Lament Psalms at the End of the Psalter? Mark Fourthly, we seek to stir up our soul to notes of praise and thanksgiving, delighting ourselves in God's Word, rejoicing in the prospect it presents, yielding ourselves in joyful submission to its precepts, and at the same time searching ourselves in the light of its cautions, humbling ourselves over our past coldness or doubtsfor most of our failures come from doubting God. Life Application: What joy is experienced when deliberate Bible study moves from a 'have to' to a 'want to!' Of course, there are a few steps involved during each of these components. Like Ezra we should make every effort to handle it accurately and live it out assiduously (with perseverance and care)! 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. Have some fun taking various quizzes and assessments to learn about yourself and others. You want to focus on things like: Practice observation on the first verse of the Gospel of Mark. to my own life and destiny and relation to God? 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! Your goal in observing is to identify what the author was trying to communicate to his readers. (The blessing of God is integrally related to your response to the revelation of God. meditate and meditate and meditate, Devout meditation on the Word is more important to soul-health even than prayer. 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.

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