What is Inductive Bible Study (IBS) ?

This brief introduction is essential to understanding Walk with the Word’s perspective and approach to providing Bible studies and related materials to all levels of ministry. There are many books and web sites devoted to this topic that will provide much more detail (see reference section). 

The goal is to provide a framework by which we can hear God speaking through His Word and make personal application to our life. We can ask God's Holy Spirit to illuminate the Word of God to us. It’s how one becomes not just a listener but a doer of the Word. This method is applicable to every level from individual study even to the message given from the pulpit.

The Inductive Bible study method employs 3 basic techniques:
Observation 
Interpretation 
Application

---
Slow down and read the text with intentionality. Mark the “5 Ws and an H” (Who? What? When? Where? Why?How?); mark key words and repeated phrases. Build context. Discover what the text says by interrogating the text itself.  

Put the pieces together. Who is talking to whom? What does this passage tell me about God or who I am or what I can become? Discover what the text means in the context of the culture and the Author’s intent.

There is one interpretation of Scripture, but many applications. Are there promises to cling to, warnings to be heeded or commands to be obeyed? How do we need to adjust our individual lives to get on God’s plan? How can we glorify Him and be fully satisfied in Him in today’s world?
---

Observation :
·	WHO is speaking? Who is this about? Who are the main characters? To Whom is he speaking? 
·	WHAT is the subject or event covered in the chapter? What do you learn about the people, event, or teaching? 
·	WHEN do/will the events occur or did/will something happen to someone in particular? 
·	WHERE did or will this happen? Where was it said? 
·	WHY is something being said or mentioned? Why would/will this happen? Why at that time and/or to this person/people? 
·	HOW will it happen? How is it to be done? How is it illustrated?

Interpretation : 

2 Timothy 3:16-17, “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” Paul provides the activities involved in application: Teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness.
·	Teaching is what the Word of God has to say on any topic or subject and is always true. Once you discover what the Word of God teaches, you are obligated before God to accept that truth and to live by it, dropping any false beliefs or teachings you may have previously held.
·	Reproof is finding out where you have thought or behaved wrongly or have not been doing what God says is right according to His Word. It’s your personal acknowledgment that you were wrong in thought or behavior and now accept and agree with God’s truth, setting you free from sin and unbelief.
·	Correction is the step wherein the knowledge gained from teaching and reproof are placed into action resulting in changed behavior. It’s converting knowledge into obedience.
·	Training in righteousness can be thought of in terms of God’s Word as a handbook for living, for how we conduct ourselves. It’s continually returning to the source and consistently putting into practice the reproofs and corrections of His Word to build our character in Him. 


Interpretation answers the question, “What does the passage mean?” Tons of books and web sites are available on this topic–not to mention hundreds of institutions providing degrees in related fields–so these are the basic rules. But don’t let anyone intimidate you in following these steps; God makes His knowledge and will known to ANYONE who seeks. (There’s a good topic for you to keep track of throughout your studies.)
1.	Context ALWAYS rules first. Never take a Scripture out of its context to make it say what you want it to say. Look at context first from the perspective of the book being studied, the overall chapter, the paragraph, and the sentence. Try to stay away from giving individual words meanings that reinterpret sentences, paragraphs, and onward up.
2.	Always seek the FULL counsel of God’s Word. Never accept someone’s teaching based on one or two verses; ensure that they’re not taken out of context as they’re employed throughout the whole Bible.
3.	Scripture never contradicts Scripture. It’s amazing how the best interpreter of Scripture is other Scripture. One of the best study aids is a good Bible dictionary which will show words and concepts as they’re presented throughout ALL of Scripture. This is often the best use of footnotes in your Bible that indicate other verses utilizing the same words or phrases in other places so you can compare and contrast how it’s used in many passages.
4.	Never base a belief or conviction on an obscure passage of Scripture. You can always ask other Believers, go to Bible dictionaries or commentaries, or submit it to God in prayer and await His direction.
5.	Interpret Scripture literally. Obviously there are no dragons and the Bible uses it and other symbols. But these are far and away the exceptions in the Bible as the vast majority are very, very literal. Beware of false teachers who teach that all the Bible is but allegory, such as Jonah and the big fish, or the Garden of Eden, etc., etc. These and all events, places and things in the Bible are real and not allegory. God is very clear in Scripture when He uses allegory, parables, or other literary devices to communicate His Word. 



Application:
In seeking to apply Scripture to your life, ask the following questions in light of your observation and interpretation:
1.	What does the passage teach? 
2.	As I’ve studied this passage, do any errors in my belief or problems with my behavior come to mind? 
3.	Remembering that God is my Father and I am His child, what instruction is my Father trying to pass to me, His child?
Finally, in the process of applying Scripture, take note to beware of the following:
·	Applying cultural standards rather than biblical standards 
·	Attempting to strengthen a legitimate truth by using Scripture incorrectly 
·	Applying Scripture out of prejudice from past training or teaching. 

(to be continued...)

to top