Approach to Bible Study

A Bible study program can be done parallel to a Bible reading program and they need not relate to one another. Bible reading is a way of getting an overview of the Bible while Bible study requires a much more focused time.

Inductive Bible Study

   There are a number of approaches to Bible Study and each of them have their place and I would encourage all of them.  However, the one that I want to excite you about is called Inductive Bible study.

Inductive Bible study stands apart from the other approaches in that you don't come to the text with any pre-conceived ideas or outside opinion. And, in the end it can leave you fully convinced of what any book of the Bible is really about, rather than being influenced by your previous views or those of anyone else.

This will give you a greater confidence and authority on what was said, how it was understood and how you can apply and speak about the truths found.

Choosing a Book to Study

There are no rules here and perhaps you would like to study one of the books that you have read and enjoyed and want to know more about. Alternatively, the book of Philemon is a nice easy one to begin with and for getting used to the Inductive Bible study method. (If you have studied this book before, or any book, don't give up on the opportunity of studying it inductively).

It's my primary objective to be giving you the tools for inductive Bible study more than it is my aim to teach you a book.  These tools will be a huge benefit to you for all your further Bible study and I am sure that they will show themselves invaluable even for countless studies of the same book. 

(Note: We often struggle looking for a particular book in the Bible when we can find any book of the Bible by simply looking in the Contents section in the front of our Bibles for the page number). 

Steps to Inductive Bible Study

Step 1: Pray

Before you begin, ask God to give you an uncluttered mind and to help you to lay aside any pre-conceived ideas of the text. Also, remember to keep in touch throughout your study with the Author of the book, asking Him to help you to study diligently and not to miss what you need to see.

Step 2: Read

Read the book through in one sitting from beginning to end and out loud so that you take it in with your eyes and ears

Step 3: Observe

This is where you need to take a more methodical approach to what you have read. Without determining any meaning, become like an investigator on a crime scene and initially find out all that you can before deciding on anything.

For example you might note the use of unusual words or phrases.  You might note the use of a figure of speech, etc. For a list of things to look for see the page, Bible Study Helps.

Repeated reading of the text will show up more and more.  And, it is important to take note of and even research if necessary the historical background to the book as this will help when considering the context and the meaning of words, phrases, topics, etc.


Step 3: Observe cont'd.

For good observation you can ask the following of the text:
WHO questions:    
Who are the main characters?
Observe pronouns: I, my, he etc

HOW questions:
How did this happen?
How is this possible?

WHERE  questions:
Where are events taking place?
Look for places & locations mentioned.
Observe geographical locations on a map.

WHAT questions:
What events are taking place?
What is the order of events?
What is said?
What ATMOSPHERE, mood or emotion is seen?

WHEN questions:
Observe words that identify time sequence:
before, after, during, while, until, when, etc.
 
Also, look for connectors:
Words that indicate reason, result, conclusion, contrast, comparison, condition

Note the kind of  literature that is used:
Historical Narrative
Gospel           
Apocalyptic
Epistle
Prophetic

Observe:
Key words/repeated words/phrases
Themes
Ideas
Lists
Structure
Laws of composition
Figures of speech
Illustrations used by the author 
Quotations used by the author

Step 4: Interpret

Interpret the meaning of all that you have found by asking the what it meant to the original author or audience.

Step 5: Apply

Only now, having done good observation and interpretation, can you ask yourself what the text means to you and how you can apply it in your life.  Ultimately this is the most crucial part, as all Bible study means nothing if you don't allow God to use his word in and through your life.

Bible Study Helps

First do a complete study using the Inductive method to discover firsthand what the Bible is saying and then consider other peoples thoughts. Your own
discovery will make the truths surer for you.

When you do Inductive Study you must make the Bible text the main focus. Try to avoid commentaries and only supplement your study by discovering the historical background to the text.

Free Bible Study Program

www.e-sword.net is among many great resources available to supplement your Bible study. It is a free and very useful online Bible Study program.