Observation and Principles

The book How to Study Your Bible by Kay Arthur is a introduction into the inductive study method.

This study method lets the Bible speak for itself by using the Bible to interpret the Bible.

Three steps are used during inductive study:
1. Observation–What does it say? Do you know what to look for when you read the Bible?
2. Interpretation–What does it mean?
3. Application–How can I put it into practice in my life? Once you know what the Bible says, you will be confronted with an opportunity for obedience.

Accurate interpretation and correct application rest on the accuracy of your observations.

The hardest thing about following the inductive study method is slowing down enough to read, really read, what the Bible is saying.

This isn’t a race to see how many times you can read through the Bible in a year. Running to win means understanding and applying the Truth that the Bible teaches.

There are a two very good reasons to study the Bible for yourself rather than relying on commentaries:

• Bible commentaries are not the inspired Word of God and the conclusions in them are colored by the scholar’s background and present situation.
• You will remember the things you study and discover for yourself better than you will remember the things you are fed through a commentary.

Inductive study is developing firsthand knowledge of God and the Bible. A personal relationship with God can never be replaced with commentary. It’s like playing in the football game versus reading about it in the newspaper. The two just don’t compare.

Are you ready to experience the Bible for yourself?

Update:  You can now read Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, and Part 5 of this series.