When studying the Bible I like to use the Inductive Study Method that I learned from Kay Arthur and Precept Ministries International. It is one of the methods that is strictly Bible study where you have to dig deep. Even though I enjoy reading devotionals to receive nuggets from the Lord, the Inductive study requires that I rely solely on God for His spoken word to me about what the Bible is truly saying. This method does take time and can not be rushed to truly interpret correctly.
Before beginning any study, start with Prayer. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you as you read the scripture, because He will be the one to illuminate the Word for you.
The next step to Inductive study is Observation by reading and re-reading the text that is being study. This is when you need to read the entire book in one sitting if possible and then go back through chapter by chapter, then verse by verse. As you go through the reading, you want to answer the 5 W’s and H questions that you learned in grade school: Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How. These give you insight to what is taking place. Also keep in mind culture of those times; having a historical book of these times is a great help. For example when asking Who, the questions are who is writing this and to whom is it being written to or who is in this about. Next, look for key words. These are words that are repeating. These repetitive words will give you an awareness as to what the passage maybe about. It helps to mark the words with an underline or some type of symbol so that when you’re skimming over the text you can spot them quickly. Next look for any comparison or contrasting statements, followed by warnings, commands, instructions and even questions. Finally, identify the overall them of the passages that are being studied. All of this give you an understanding of the passage.
The next step is Interpretation, asking the question “What does this mean?” Looking over all of the observations there will be a theme or a main point that is being communicated in one fashion or another. This can be tricky; however, remember that God does not contradict himself. So the passage will be in line with God’s character and the overall context of the Bible.
Final step will be the Application, “What does this passage mean to me personally?” Once you interpret now you can ask how to apply what you read to your life. Is there a behavior that needs to be corrected? Is there something that you should begin to put into practice or something you need to stop? This step may come easy to you as the interpretation begins, but sometimes it may require a little more prayer for the Holy Spirit to reveal this to you.
If you would like more information and free resources about Inductive Studies, visit Precept Ministries International:
https://www.precept.org/discover-scripture-says/
Happy Studies!
Candy McKee 