Observation Notes:
Inductive Bible Study Notes
The main requirement in learning to study the Bible inductively is the willingness to slow down and really look at what the scripture is saying.
Inductive Bible study uses the Bible itself as the primary source of information about the Bible.
Inductive Bible study draws you into personal interaction with the scripture.
Three Component Parts
a.)Observation: Discover what it says
It is the foundation which must be laid if you want to accurately interpret and properly apply God’s word.
b.) Interpretation: Discover what it means
What does the passage mean? The basis for accurate interpretation is always careful observation.
Careful observation helps me in interpretation by not solely focusing now what I think, or feel, or even what others have said, but by focusing on what God’s word says.
Interpretation can also involve separate actions or steps that go beyond merely observing the immediate text. Cross references, word studies, commenataries and dictionaries are also helpful in our journey of interpretation.
c..) Application: Discover How it Works
How does the meaning of this passage apply to me?
Proper application begins with belief which then results in being and doing.
The goal is a transformed life and a deep and abiding relationship with Jesus.
Accurate interpretation and correct application rest on the accuracy of your observations.
Inductive Bible Study Notes Part 2
The rule of context-context rules
Begin by observing the text as a whole. By the text we mean whatever portion of scripture you want to study. (Suggestion: study the Bible book by book, because each book is a complete message in and of itself that in turn relates in a special way to the whole word of God
Step 1
Begin with prayer
We need the Holy Spirit to help us in our study or what we will be studying is just a method.
John 16:13-15 tells us that the One who guides us into all truth, the One who takes the things of God and reveals them to us, is the Holy Spirit.
Step 2
Identify the context
The word context means “that which goes with the text”
In Bible study, context is the words, phrases, and sentences surrounding a particular word, phrase or sentence. This context gives meaning to the particular word, phrase, or sentence and helps you understand what the author is saying.
Step 3
Observe the obvious
Begin by looking for things that are obvious- in other words, things that are easy to see.
Facts about people, places, and events always capture our attention; therefore, people places and events are easy to see. Since these kinds of facts are often repeated, this also makes them easy to see.
When putting together a rectangular puzzle we work from the corners in, we create a framework. It is the same when we are studying context.
Step 4
Deal with the text objectively
In other words, let the text speak for itself.
God’s word will minister to you personally. It is the living word, but to discover the context, you must first look at the text objectively to discover the repeated emphasis of the the author. Then, when you personalize the Word, you’ll know you are applying it correctly.
Step 5
Read with Purpose
If you are going to read the Bible with purpose to get all the details you must ask the 5w’s and an H.
Who wrote it? Who said it? Who are the major characters? Who are the people mentioned? To whom is the author speaking? About whom is he speaking?
What are the main events? What are the major ideas? What are the major teachings? What are these people like? What does he talk about the most? What is the purpose in saying that?
When was it written? When did this event take place? When will it happen? When did he say it? When did he do it?
Where was this done? Where was this said? Where will it happen?
Why was there a need for this to be written? Why was this mentioned? Why was so much or so little space devoted to this particular event or teaching? Why was this reference mentioned?
How is it done? How did it happen? How is this truth illustrated?