There are three areas to the inductive bible study method, Observation, Interpretation and Application.
The area we will be looking at is Interpretation which is answering the question, “What does the text mean?” Remember the inductive study bible method is allowing scripture to interpret scripture.
When reading a passage to understand what it is saying, remember that context is the most important aspect. How does the passage fit in with the passages above and below it? This is a natural question to ask and is an outgrowth of observation. Context can be the immediate passages around the one you are reading and can go out from there. How does it fit within the chapter, book and ultimately the entire bible. Knowing the context allows you to start letting other passage shed light on the one you are reading.
Read the passage literally. Now there are a lot of things in the bible that are symbols, Jesus saying he is a door for example. We know he is not a literal door but is the way to the Father. Again this goes back to context of the passage, what is being said. The bible is clear and it is not difficult to tell when symbols are being used or parables for that matter.
Look for the plain meaning of the passage you are reading. Don’t get wrapped up into secret meanings or read something into the text that is not there. This is how false teachers can twist the scripture to fit their beliefs. We should be allowing God’s word to change are minds to what he is telling us. We should be conforming to the bible not the other way around.
Inductive Bible Study Method – Interpretation
There are three areas to the inductive bible study method, Observation, Interpretation and Application.
The area we will be looking at is Interpretation which is answering the question, “What does the text mean?” Remember the inductive study bible method is allowing scripture to interpret scripture.
When reading a passage to understand what it is saying, remember that context is the most important aspect. How does the passage fit in with the passages above and below it? This is a natural question to ask and is an outgrowth of observation. Context can be the immediate passages around the one you are reading and can go out from there. How does it fit within the chapter, book and ultimately the entire bible. Knowing the context allows you to start letting other passage shed light on the one you are reading.
Read the passage literally. Now there are a lot of things in the bible that are symbols, Jesus saying he is a door for example. We know he is not a literal door but is the way to the Father. Again this goes back to context of the passage, what is being said. The bible is clear and it is not difficult to tell when symbols are being used or parables for that matter.
Look for the plain meaning of the passage you are reading. Don’t get wrapped up into secret meanings or read something into the text that is not there. This is how false teachers can twist the scripture to fit their beliefs. We should be allowing God’s word to change are minds to what he is telling us. We should be conforming to the bible not the other way around.