Inductive Bible Study Literacy

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Inductive Bible Study Literacy EvangelismRev.
Bob Biederman
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Inductive

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

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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

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Deductive

• characterized by the inference of particular
  instances from a general law

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Inductive Bible Study uses

• Observation - what does the passage say?
• Interpretation - what does the passage mean?
• Application - what does the passage mean to me?

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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.

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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.

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Interpretation

• What does the passage mean?
• Remember the importance of context.
• Scripture always interprets Scripture.
• Is there any figurative language?
• Look for the authors intended meaning.

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Discover the authors 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.

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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?

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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.

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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.

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Homework

• Read How to Study your Bible pp. 7-26.
• Read Acts 16 (background to Philippians).
• Read the Epistle to the Philippians.
• For Philippians 112-21 write
• 10 Observation Questions
• 3 Interpretation Questions
• 2 Application Questions

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Lets get started...Philippians11-11