Inductive Bible Study – At-a-glance
Book Overview
Read for:
- Answer / Keep these questions in mind:
- Within the book/chapter
- Relationship to other chapters
- In relationship to surrounding books
- In relationship to rest of Bible
- Cultural
- Political
- What happened in the past?
- What just happened?
- What happens next?
- Overall scenario
- Highlights
- Key Players
Book (Chapter-by-Chapter) Study
Observe
- Who, what, when, where, why, how
- Key words/phrases – DEFINITIONS!
- Lists
- Contrasts & Comparisons
- Expressions of time
- Note terms of conclusion
Interpret
- Determine “key verse” and “theme” of chapter
- Blend “Observations” with “Contexts”.
- Bring in other Scripture - Remember, Scripture never contradicts Scripture
- Develop “hypothesis”
- Bring in commentaries (?) - Are there other people/resources that confirm my belief?
Apply
- Dig with Questions
- What does the passage teach?
- Does this section of Scripture expose any error in my beliefs or in my behavior
- What is God’s instruction to me as His child?
- Teach > Reproof > Correct
- Understand
- Examine for errors in process or thinking
- Make changes
Book Review / Summary
- Determine “key verse” of book
- Determine “theme” of book
- Devise “title” of book
- Outline book divisions / themes