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Studying the Bible: How could I have possibly missed this?

  • Writer: mcguinnessjenna
    mcguinnessjenna
  • May 15, 2023
  • 3 min read

I have been reading my Bible since I was a small child. I've gone through countless devotionals and listened to hundreds of sermons but I've never really learned how to study the Scriptures.

Don't misunderstand me, I have had, and do still have, incredible Bible teachers speaking into my life. I've always known the importance of handling the Word of God accurately, but to be completely honest, I've never really known how it's done. Not in any way that's given me any real enthusiasm to learn more, or to give be the confidence and skills to show others because no-one had ever shown me. My perception has been more, read it and do what it says, if you want to learn more, read a commentary, ask a pastor or go to seminary.


During a sabbatical month several years ago I was introduced to Inductive Bible Study by my mum who'd been going through a study in the small group she attends. She asked me if I'd ever heard of it and said I should have a look, not only because colouring pens were involved but because it had opened up God's word to her in a way like never before.


I found a short study on Psalm 23, opened my Bible and cried through the entire thing. It was like someone had taken off my tinted glasses and I was seeing God's Word in glorious technicolour (and no, it wasn't the pens!). I couldn't believe how deeply this familiar passage was speaking to me in ways like never before. By slowing down and actually seeing what the Word was actually saying blew my mind. From there I joined several online studies and courses, not only to hone my skills but to develop the confidence to teach others also.


I've now been leading my own groups for a couple of years along with running some workshops on inductive study in Belgium and Germany. It has been amazing to sit and work through passages or studies with others and see how God's word comes alive to them. Lives have been changed, people have come to Christ and been baptised, new leaders have been raised and small group discussions have never been so rich.


So what is Inductive Bible Study?


***Warning: this will make you want to read your Bible more...***


Step #1: Pray

Ask the Spirit to guide your study.

Step #2: Observation: What does it SAY?

(not what you think it says)

  1. Identify the context

  2. Observe the obvious

  3. Deal with the Text objectively (let the text speak for itself)

  4. Read with a purpose - 5W’s & an H (who, what, when, where, why and how)

  5. Mark key words with a different colour/symbol

  6. List what you’ve learned about each word

  7. Look for contrasts, comparisons, terms of conclusion and expressions of time.


Step #3: Interpretation: What does it MEAN?

The basis for accurate interpretation is careful observation

  1. Context rules

  2. Always seek the full counsel of the Word of God

  3. Remember that Scripture will never contradict Scripture

  4. Don’t base your doctrine on an obscure passage of Scripture

  5. Interpret Scripture literally (remember the style of writing)

  6. Look at the author's intended meaning of the passage

  7. Check your conclusions with reliable commentaries


Step #4: Application: Now, what do I DO?

Application - Discover how it works (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

  1. How does the meaning of a passage apply to me?

  2. What truths am I to embrace, believe, or order my life by?

  3. What changes should I make in my belief, in my life?


I want to say a massive thank you to Molly and Nigel from Precepts UK for all the online studies and training they've provided over the past year. They've been a huge encouragement to so many.


Here are some resources I've found useful in learning how to study my Bible.




 
 
 

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