Hello friends!
Class has been wonderful this week! We were introduced to an inductive bible study method from Precept Ministries International. I have used the inductive method in a few bible studies prior to this and absolutely loved them. After listening to the speaker, David Lawson, I am so excited to further use this study method. It was so neat to hear the speaker explain ways to dig deeper into the word, the importance of being in the word, and he presented lots of tools to use in studying the Bible.
~ Why I am so excited about inductive bible study… ~
In learning more about inductive bible study I have gained a hunger and an excitement for discovering Truth from the living word of God. I have found that it is so important to learn God’s word for yourself; to personally discover it. Secondhand knowledge doesn’t change a person; hearing God changes a person. That’s why inductive bible study is just so great! Precept Studies give such sweet tools to study scripture! Studying the Word is the best way to know Truth. I want to discover it. I want to get to know God as I study His words. If our belief system determines our actions/deeds as it says in Titus (sound doctrine and good deeds are found paired throughout the book of Titus), then I want my belief system to be founded in what the Bible says is Truth. I have been challenged to back up what I believe with scripture. The only way I can know what is absolutely true is what is found in the Bible. The world is so confused about truth and the new generation believes in relative truth. I want to find solidity in Truth; being so careful not to simply believe in something because it’s tradition. I don’t want to base my beliefs on what my pastor has said or what was written by Christian authors (though these things can often be backed by scripture). I just want to know what the Bible, itself, says. God answers my questions through His word. It is designed so that anyone can discover it. It’s not only for pastors, theologians or “super” Christians. We ALL have access to the King and His Truth. God desires for ALL His children to know Him. God reveals more and more Truth that will rock our worlds each time we dive into scripture. Thirsty? Let’s drink it up!
~ Components of the Precepts bible study method… ~
Observation: The first step in the inductive bible study method is to read and examine what the text says. Remembering that context is so important, first the method directs us to read through the text (determining the author, audience, location, when it was written, making note of repeated words or phrases, making note of any themes observed. Big picture. etc.) Then… Oh! You guys, this is so cool… I get to use colored pencils! Yes! J It is suggested to mark key words in the bible with a different symbol and/or color every time it is mentioned in the passage. So you can mark every time the passage mentions “God”, “Holy Spirit”, “Jesus”, characters, places, etc. Then you can go back and make a list of everything you learn about each key word. The words are easy to find because you can just look for the designated symbol/color you’ve just marked in the passage. Then you can look at the context and the words surrounding each place that the key word is mentioned and write your observations down in a list form (which is perfect for list-lovers like me). Usually the observations are simple and obvious, yet incredibly powerful. For example if you were looking at Genesis 1:1 “in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth”, you would be able to observe that God is eternal (existing in the beginning) and that He is a creator. Cool! Who knew that the Bible said SO much and is SO accessible?
Interpretation: The next step is to interpret what the text means (taking great note of context). Here is a great place to look up cross references or do word studies for observations and themes found. Concordances are a good resource to use in searching for verses. Scripture has a great way of bringing clarity if we’ll just look for more. It also has a great way adding an extra layer of Truth with each discovery, peeling back layer by layer of depth with each discovery.
Application: The last step is applying the meaning of the text to our lives. How could merely having head knowledge without application ever satisfy? When we read the word we have an awesome opportunity to realize that the words on the page are God breathed and let them speak to us. We can… no, we WILL get to know our Lord, His character, and His love as we read the Bible. We are so blessed to get to have a relationship with such a mighty and holy God. Reading scripture will draw us closer to Him. Also, God cares about obedience. Reading the word would be ineffective if we didn’t apply it to our lives and live by according to God’s instruction. I want to live by God’s standards because I know that HE knows what is best for His creation. How will I know what those standards are if I don’t study what He says about it? We will know Christians by their fruit. I want to be a fruitful woman of the Lord.
Ah… We have SUCH a good Daddy. Thanks for letting me share with you, friends! Be blessed knowing you have access to the precious, precious words of our Heavenly Father.
Peace,
~ Mal
