basic inductive bible study

this is an outline based on the inductive bible study method as taught in the school of biblical studies at the university of nations in kona. we will begin using this procedure for the book of Titus series as a tutorial... it is not necessary to use all of these steps every time you read the bible, but you may find techniques and approaches to add new depth and dimension to your bible adventures...gambate!

1. PRAY!

remember that the Holy Spirit is our teacher and we want to learn from Him

2. Read through the book.

read through the entire book in sitting, out loud if possible

3. Context and big picture.

a) write down the main idea or "big picture" of the book
b) write out the main idea of each paragraph in one phrase or sentence
c) write an outline or "table of contents" for each book
d) consider the type of literature: poetry, letter, historical, narrative, etc.

4. Observe the text.

go through the text and look for key information or ask observation questions such as:

repeated words / phrases / ideas / themes

key words

who is it written to / for?

who: main characters, people groups, pronouns

when: time elements, verb tenses

where: geographical locations, general locations

commands (include advice, promises, warnings, predictions)

lists

contrasts

comparisons

conditional statements

connectives

atmosphere, mood, emotion

figures of speech

illustrations

emphatic statements

progression: events, thought, author's logic

5. Historical background.

find out information about the people, places, or events. find out as much as you can about the original audience. use internal information (from the book), and external information (other books of the bible, bible dictionaries, other cultural or historical sources)

what did the original audience think or believe?

what was their culture like?

what was happening in their church?

what problems were the audience facing?

was the audience struggling with something?

who wrote the book?

to whom was the book written?

6. Interpret the text.

use many "why?" questions to interpret the text. start with an observation and ask an interpretation question:

repeated words...why?

key words...why?

who...why is this person mentioned?

commands...why are they given? what so they mean?

contrasts...why is the comparison made? what is the importance?

...why, why, why?

7. Apply what you have learned.

spend time reflecting on what you learned from the text

why does the writer say this?

what does this mean to the readers?

what does this mean?

pick out the "timeless truths"

to which situations of life today do they apply?

how can they be applied practically?


Creative Processing:

• write a story or poem to reflect


• write a song


• draw a picture


• keep a journal


• be creative!