THE THREE COMPONENTS
OF INDUCTIVE BIBLE STUDY
Disclaimer
RELATED INDUCTIVE BIBLE STUDY TOPICS
OBSERVATION: What does it say?
INTERPRETATION: What does it mean?
APPLICATION: How do I respond?
BIBLE VERSIONS How Literal is your translation?
INTRODUCTION TO
INDUCTIVE BIBLE STUDY
WHAT IS IT?
(Click to skip the intro and go directly to OBSERVATION)
Do you long for a relationship with God, but feel lost when you open your Bible, not even knowing where to begin?
Or perhaps you begin each year with a resolution to read through the Bible, only to give up in frustration, wandering about somewhere in the "wilderness" of the book of Numbers?
Or do you read passages of Scripture and find that only moments later you can't even remember what you just read?
Are you frustrated that there are so many different opinions about what the Bible says on a given subject and you wonder which one is true?
Or do you doubt whether it's even possible for you to understand God's Word, since you're not a pastor, an elder or a degreed theologian?
If any or all of these questions describe you, then take heart, beloved, for you are about to embark on a journey called "Inductive Bible Study" (IBS), one that has the potential to radically transform your life as you study God's Word in a way you heretofore never thought possible. Inductive Bible Study will expose you to an approach that can be applied to any Scripture, any time, any place, by any one. All that is required is the Holy Book, the Holy Spirit and a humble, teachable heart.
As you begin this journey, remember that the Bible will be your primary resource "for no (spoken) word from God (is) void of power (a more literal rendering of Luke 1:37 ASV then other translations) and "His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness (read that phrase again - do you believe this is true?), through the true knowledge of Him (found in His Word) Who called us by His own glory and excellence. For by these (His "glory and excellence") He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, in order that by them (we) might become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust." (2Pe 1:3,4-notes)
Beloved, if you are not convinced on the sufficiency and power of the Bible as your guidebook for abundant, supernatural life, you might consider performing a simple study on the inherent Power of God's Word. You must understand and believe that the Word of God not only is sufficient for every need but that it is a "love letter" from God, because it is! "God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life." (John 3:16) Your objective is to learn to read the Bible as if God were personally speaking to you. Why? Because He is! B. B. Warfield was absolutely correct when he said
The Bible is the Word of God in such a way that when the Bible speaks, God speaks.
Allow the Author to speak directly, personally and powerfully to your mind but also to your heart. Remember that the Bible is the only book whose Author is always present when it is read.
Knowing the Incarnate Word
is the key to understanding the written Word
And in growing in grace and knowledge of the Incarnate Word
