All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work. (2 Tim 3:16-17 ESV)
How to Have an Inductive Bible Study
by Brenda Klemke
Inductive Bible study uses the Bible as the main source of information about the Bible. Here is a good illustration I heard about what this means.
If I decided that I wanted to learn about frogs, I could use one of two methods. One way would be to go to the library and check out all the books that had information about frogs. I could then read them and find out what each different author had to say about frogs. When their information conflicted, I would have to try and decide who was right. This could all be done without a lot of effort and I wouldn't even have to touch a frog.
The other way I could go about my research is to go down to the pond and find a frog. I'd observe the surroundings, which insects it ate, which it left behind, when it was awake, when it went to sleep, how it mated, where, when and how it laid its’ eggs, etc. When I was finished, I'd take the frog back with me to the lab and dissect it so that I could see the inner workings of a frog. I would then have first hand experience with the frog and would know for sure that my information was accurate. It would take more time and effort, but I would not quickly forget what I had seen for myself.
I'm sure you can see my point. If we study the Bible itself, asking the Holy Spirit to teach us, we will know it because we know it—not just because we heard someone else say it.
The Three Basic Steps
Observation: What does it say?Intrepretation: What does it mean?
Application: ...[What does it mean to me?]
Once we know what a portion of Scripture means, we are responsible for putting it into practice in our own lives. This, of course, is the goal of Bible study—to be transformed by the Word of God, developing a deeper more intimate relationship with God Himself.
It is of utmost importance that our observation is correct because our interpretation and then application will rest on it. Often these things will happen simultaneously as God gives you insight. When something you are studying makes an impression on you, stop and allow God to speak to you.
Observation
1. Pray, asking God to teach you (John 16:13-15).2. Find out the context—this is very important to accurate interpretation…
3. Look for the obvious—facts about people, places, events—often these will be repeated making them easy to see. This provides a framework for the text.
4. Be objective—let Scripture speak for itself. Don't try to make it say what you've always thought it said. Ask God to make His truth obvious to you and then adjust your life accordingly.
5. Read asking questions of the text.
Who
• Who wrote it?
• Who did he write it to?
• Who are the main characters?
What
• What are the main events?
• What is the meaning of the message?
• What are these people like?
• What is his purpose in saying this?
When
• When was it written?
• When did this event happen?
• When will this take place?
• When did he do or say this?
Where
• Where was this done?
• Where was this written?
• Where will it happen?
Why
• Why was this written?
• Why did the author say so much, or so little about this?
• Why should they do such and such?
How
• How did it happen?
• How did they do it?
• How do I do that?
Record your answers in a notebook. You will be amazed at how much you learn that you did not realize was there. It will be helpful if you use a Bible that you are willing to mark in.You can read the rest of this helpful article (which includes key words to watch for, and a quick analysis of Luke 7:36-50) at Christian Women Today.
Online Study Aids (Reader's Picks)
In case you missed it, the following resources were recommended by the readers of my article, How to Choose a Good Bible Translation. Thanks to all of you! If you would like to add another hot resource to this list, please be sure to leave a comment.
Bible.com (Tara)
Bible.org (e-Mom)
BibleGateway.com (Laura)
Bible Research (Heather)
Blue Letter Bible (Jana)
Crosswalk.com (AmyDeanne)
e-Sword.net (Jennifer)
ESV Bible Online (Eph2810)
HeartLight (Eph2810)
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (e-Mom)
LifeWay (Eph2810)
StudyLight.org (Eph2810)
Torreys.org (e-Mom)
Theopedia (Robin)
Have you tried the inductive Bible study method? Do you like it?Beside the Point... But Fun!
Polly over at Our Busy Family Life has tagged me for the "Five Things You didn't Know About Me" meme. Thanks Polly! Please visit Chrysalis Press to learn a few wild and unusual froggy facts about e-Mom. The super-smart commentors from the post above are now tagged: Laurie, Sarah, Lori, Tara, Laura, Heather, Jana, AmyDeanne, Jennifer, Eph2810, Robin. Please leave me a new comment if you decide to participate—I'll hippity hop right over!
Photo Credits: Frog by pbeens; Others by djking (Flickr).
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12 Comments:
I participated over at our blog ... I have been so busy, I need to catch up on your posts -- hopefully this weekend. Happy New Year to you and yours.
tara
Our church has changed to the Inductive Bible study method this year. I have to admit it started out very slow. We are having a big conference this summer to train people in it. I'll be honest I wasn't to keen on it in the being.
I have tried it-Precepts. I do like it. I don't always use it. Very good overview, eMom!
tara: Happy New Year to you too. Thanks for joining in!
lori: I understand that this method may seem difficult at first. I liken it to detective work; the old Who, What, When, Why and How. I once heard Ruth Bell Graham sum it up with three phrases: What does it say? What does it mean? What does it mean to me? (Easy to remember.) All the best to you this summer.
carol: Great, and thanks! (BTW, the original article for this post was written by a woman who was trained through Kay Arthur's Precepts.)
I guess I use inductive bible study, but without knowing. I do have a life application study Bible which is good for referring back to related scriptures and for historical background. I have used internet resources for my Bible Study blog, but I think it is much better and I have learned more just by it being me and my Bible or through the teaching at church - which is guided by the Holy Spirit, so I guess this is like inductive study?
Ha - you changed your comment - no longer pop-up...Like it :)...
Anyway, I think I like the style of Bible study you have recommended here. I think I will read the entire article soon :)...
One other resource which helped me it The Life - they have on-line Bible studies (with tutor)...
Thanks for the tag - you know - I think I need something light right now and will play. I will let you know when I have it up....
Oh - and you don't have moderation on anymore either :)...Cool!
when i was with ywam i know they had one school that taught that method. and everyone LOVED it.
sarah: Sounds like you have a good study method that works well for you!
eph2810: The Life is excellent, thanks. I'll add it to the list!
ruth: YWAM is a great ministry. We have missionary friends in Holland who've been with them for 20 years. Glad you went through their program!
I'll have to print this out. I've been wanting something for our ladies group to chew on. This looks like a simple and solid way to go. I was intrigued by the starting Scripture verse (2 Tim 3:16-17), it's one of my favourites! I so agree with all of it. Finding out the context is so key...
I'm so behind on reading & thinking & commenting.
Great overview of Bible Study!
I'm pointing a few people your way, especially for this one!
I've been trying to explain this to them & you did it so well.
thx
shash: Nice to see you here again! I'm glad this information was useful to you. I hope your ladies can use it too.
leftcoastonlooker: I've been out of town, so I'm behind with my blog visits too. I'll be by to visit you soon. I'm pleased you intend to pass this info on to others!
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