Passionate Faith: Inductive Bible Study
Big Idea
God wants us to understand His Word, not just read it quickly. Inductive Bible study helps us discover what the Bible says, what it means, and how it changes our lives.
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved… correctly teaching the word of truth.” — 2 Timothy 2:15
I. Observation — What Does the Bible Say?
What to Look For:
•Repeated Words
•People
•Commands
•Emotions
•Cause and Effect
•Context
Helpful Questions
·Who?
·What?
·When?
·Where?
·Why?
·How?
II. Interpretation — What Does the Bible Mean?
Ask:
·What did this mean to the original audience?
·What does this teach about God?
·What truth is being communicated?
Identify the Type of Writing
·Narrative (story)
·Poetry
·Wisdom
·Gospel
·Letter
·Prophecy
Different genres should be read differently.
Common Mistakes
•Taking Verses Out of Context
Example:
“I can do all things…” doesn’t mean we automatically become amazing at everything.
•Reading Feelings Into the Text
III. Application — How Should This Change Me?
Application Questions
Head
·What truth do I need to believe?
Heart
·What attitude needs to change?
Hands
·What action should I take?
IV. What this looks like!
Step 1 — Pray
Ask God for wisdom and understanding.
Step 2 — Read the Passage Slowly and write it out.
Read it multiple times.
Step 3 — Observe
Write down:
·Repeated words
·Key themes
·Questions
·Important details
Step 4 — Interpret
Ask:
·What is the main point?
·What does this teach about God?
·What does this teach about people?
Step 5 — Apply
Ask:
·What should change in my life?
“10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned, in whatever situation I am, to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:10-13
