Inductive Bible Study Inductive Bible Study Literacy & EvangelismLiteracy & EvangelismRev. Bob BiedermanRev. Bob Biederman

InductiveInductive

adjective : characterized by the adjective : characterized by the inference of general laws from inference of general laws from particular instances. particular instances.

Inductive Bible Study Inductive Bible Study

““observes Scripture directly in its context. It is observes Scripture directly in its context. It is the same way we go about reading a book or a the same way we go about reading a book or a personal letter. In this case, we begin with the personal letter. In this case, we begin with the Bible itself and learn how to dig into a passage Bible itself and learn how to dig into a passage to discover the facts. Then we relate and to discover the facts. Then we relate and interpret those facts and finally apply them to interpret those facts and finally apply them to our lives.” our lives.”

Marilyn Kunz & Catherine SchellMarilyn Kunz & Catherine Schell

DeductiveDeductive

characterized by the inference of characterized by the inference of particular instances from a general particular instances from a general lawlaw

Deductive Bible StudyDeductive Bible Study

An example would be a topical study on a An example would be a topical study on a doctrine or subject. doctrine or subject.

This can be a very helpful way to study This can be a very helpful way to study Scripture.Scripture.

It starts with a doctrine and then looks up It starts with a doctrine and then looks up verses to prove it, i.e., it starts with a verses to prove it, i.e., it starts with a conclusion and then works backward.conclusion and then works backward.

Beware!Beware!

This approach can be used to prove just about This approach can be used to prove just about anything. anything.

The cults use this method with great The cults use this method with great effectiveness, quoting verses out of context effectiveness, quoting verses out of context while taking their teachings from non-biblical while taking their teachings from non-biblical sources.sources.

Howard HendricksHoward Hendricks

““Inductive study of the Bible is the best Inductive study of the Bible is the best way to discover scriptural truth... There way to discover scriptural truth... There is no jewel more precious than that is no jewel more precious than that which you have mined yourself.”which you have mined yourself.”

Inductive Bible Study Inductive Bible Study uses:uses:

Observation - Observation - what does the passage what does the passage saysay??

Interpretation - Interpretation - what does the passage what does the passage meanmean??

Application - Application - what does the passage mean what does the passage mean to meto me??

ObservationObservation

What does the passage What does the passage saysay??

Look carefully at the context of the verses.Look carefully at the context of the verses.

“ “ WHAT WHERE WHEN HOW WHY WHO” to WHAT WHERE WHEN HOW WHY WHO” to probe for details.probe for details.

Spend most of your time on careful observation.Spend most of your time on careful observation.

Avoid the temptation to jump into application Avoid the temptation to jump into application without first digging into the text to see what it without first digging into the text to see what it says.says.

Sherlock HolmesSherlock Holmes

Good observation is the key to self-discovery. Good observation is the key to self-discovery. The difference between Sherlock Holmes and The difference between Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson is that the former was a careful Dr. Watson is that the former was a careful observer. observer.

Dr. Watson, Dr. Watson, “I am baffled until you explain your “I am baffled until you explain your process.”process.” Holmes, Holmes, “quite so, Dr. Watson, you “quite so, Dr. Watson, you see but you do see but you do not observenot observe.”.”

InterpretationInterpretation

What does the passage What does the passage meanmean??

Remember the importance of context.Remember the importance of context.

Scripture always interprets Scripture.Scripture always interprets Scripture.

Is there any figurative language?Is there any figurative language?

Look for the author’s intended meaning.Look for the author’s intended meaning.

Discover the author’s Discover the author’s meaningmeaning

There is There is one meaningone meaning in any passage of in any passage of Scripture, that is the one intended by the Scripture, that is the one intended by the author. author.

However, there are many However, there are many applicationsapplications of the of the truth or principles stated.truth or principles stated.

Check the meanings of the words, phrases and Check the meanings of the words, phrases and sentences.sentences.

ApplicationApplication

What does the passage mean What does the passage mean to meto me??

Application is always based on thorough Application is always based on thorough observation and careful interpretation.observation and careful interpretation.

How does this passage apply to us in our day How does this passage apply to us in our day and age?and age?

Application should be specific and practical.Application should be specific and practical.

Is there an example to follow, command to obey, Is there an example to follow, command to obey, sin to avoid, promise to claim, or teaching to sin to avoid, promise to claim, or teaching to appropriate?appropriate?

Rules for inductive Rules for inductive studystudy

Stick with the passage under discussion.Stick with the passage under discussion.

Avoid tangents and digressions.Avoid tangents and digressions.

The Bible is the authority. The Bible is the authority.

The “leader” is a The “leader” is a question asker.question asker.

Everyone participates by answering questions.Everyone participates by answering questions.

How to Study Your Bible How to Study Your Bible - Kay - Kay ArthurArthur

““When you know what God says, what He When you know what God says, what He means, and how to put His truths into means, and how to put His truths into practice, you will be equipped for every practice, you will be equipped for every circumstance of life.”circumstance of life.”

Homework: Homework: Read Read How to Study your BibleHow to Study your Bible pp. 7-26. pp. 7-26.

Read Acts 16 (background to Philippians).Read Acts 16 (background to Philippians).

Read the Epistle to the Philippians.Read the Epistle to the Philippians.

For Philippians 1:12-21 write:For Philippians 1:12-21 write:

10 Observation Questions 10 Observation Questions

3 Interpretation Questions 3 Interpretation Questions

2 Application Questions 2 Application Questions

Let’s get Let’s get started...Philippians1:1-11started...Philippians1:1-11