Inductive Bible Study
Literacy & Evangelism
Rev. Bob Biederman
Inductive
adjective : characterized by the inference of
general laws from particular instances.
Inductive Bible Study
“observes Scripture directly in its context. It is the
same way we go about reading a book or a personal
letter. In this case, we begin with the Bible itself and
learn how to dig into a passage to discover the facts.
Then we relate and interpret those facts and finally
apply them to our lives.”
Marilyn Kunz & Catherine Schell
Deductive
characterized by the inference of particular
instances from a general law
Deductive Bible Study
An example would be a topical study on a doctrine or
subject.
This can be a very helpful way to study Scripture.
It starts with a doctrine and then looks up verses to
prove it, i.e., it starts with a conclusion and then works
backward.
Beware!
This approach can be used to prove just about
anything.
The cults use this method with great effectiveness,
quoting verses out of context while taking their
teachings from non-biblical sources.
Howard Hendricks
“Inductive study of the Bible is the best way to
discover scriptural truth... There is no jewel
more precious than that which you have mined
yourself.”
Inductive Bible Study uses:
Observation - what does the passage say?
Interpretation - what does the passage mean?
Application - what does the passage mean to
me?
Observation
What does the passage say?
Look carefully at the context of the verses.
“ WHAT WHERE WHEN HOW WHY WHO” to
probe for details.
Spend most of your time on careful observation.
Avoid the temptation to jump into application
without first digging into the text to see what it says.
Sherlock Holmes
Good observation is the key to self-discovery. The
difference between Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson
is that the former was a careful observer.
Dr. Watson, “I am baffled until you explain your
process.” Holmes, “quite so, Dr. Watson, you see but
you do not observe.”
Interpretation
What does the passage mean?
Remember the importance of context.
Scripture always interprets Scripture.
Is there any figurative language?
Look for the author’s intended meaning.
Discover the author’s
meaning
There is one meaning in any passage of Scripture,
that is the one intended by the author.
However, there are many applications of the truth or
principles stated.
Check the meanings of the words, phrases and
sentences.
Application
What does the passage mean to me?
Application is always based on thorough observation
and careful interpretation.
How does this passage apply to us in our day and age?
Application should be specific and practical.
Is there an example to follow, command to obey, sin to
avoid, promise to claim, or teaching to appropriate?
Rules for inductive study
Stick with the passage under discussion.
Avoid tangents and digressions.
The Bible is the authority.
The “leader” is a question asker.
Everyone participates by answering questions.
How to Study Your Bible - Kay
Arthur
“When you know what God says, what He
means, and how to put His truths into practice,
you will be equipped for every circumstance of
life.”
Homework:
Read How to Study your Bible pp. 7-26.
Read Acts 16 (background to Philippians).
Read the Epistle to the Philippians.
For Philippians 1:12-21 write:
10 Observation Questions
3 Interpretation Questions
2 Application Questions
Let’s get started...Philippians1:1-11