Bible Study 101 Lesson 4 Inductive Bible Study
INTRODUCTION:
One of the best ways to study the Bible is through inductive study. The inductive method is an INVESTIGATIVE way of studying Scripture. It makes OBSERVATIONS on a passage and draws CONCLUSIONS based on those observations. The inductive method basically employs three key thoughts: observation, interpretation, and application.
OBSERVATION or LOOK answers the question of, “What does the passage say?”
INTERPRETATION or LEARN answers the question of, “What does the passage mean?”
APPLICATION or LIVE answers the question of, “How must I respond?”
The end goal of the Inductive method is TRANSFORMATION!
Step #1 OBSERVATION
It’s about observing exactly what the text is saying. Pretend you’re an investigator and you’re just gathering the facts. It goes without saying but the first step in ANY Bible study is to pray! As you read…
A. Gather Information by Answering the W Questions (discovering context)
B. Look for Key Words:
REPEATED WORDS, LISTS, COMPARISONS & CONTRASTS, EXPRESSIONS OF TIME,
CONCLUSIONS
Step #2 INTERPRETATION
This is about understanding what the passage was meant to say to the original hearer. We must not “twist” Scripture—meaning, don’t manipulate the text to get it to say something you’d like for it to say. This is a dishonest way to interpret the text.
A. Remember CONTEXT: biblical, historical and cultural
B. Remember the Golden Rule: If the plain sense makes common sense then seek no other sense.
C. Check for Consistency—scripture NEVER contradicts scripture
D. One Verse Does NOT Determine Doctrine—seek the whole counsel of God
E. Connect Each Passage Back to the Gospel and Broad Message of the Bible
F. Research Other Helps for Additional Clarification
Step #3 APPLICATION
After accurate observation and correct interpretation, you are then obligated to before God to accept the truth and to live by it. We don’t study the Bible just to gain knowledge. We study to gain knowledge, so we know how to live our lives considering what we’ve learned.
A. Confrontation
B. Conversion
**HOMEWORK**
HAVE AN AWESOME WEEK AND ENJOY THE SERVICES SUNDAY!