1 Tim. 4:12-16, How to Study the Bible: Inductive Study (1)

I believe that “inductive Bible Study” is an approach to the Bible that is common sense.  It is the way we read any book that was written centuries ago, in a different time and originally in different languages.  The key to “inductive” study is to ask the right questions.  If you do this you will discover what the Bible says rather than reading into it what you think it says or should say.

Some basic tools for IBS would include a Bible with cross references, a concordance (a tool that tells you where to look in the Bible for the uses of a particular word you are studying), a Bible dictionary and perhaps a dictionary in your language.

Now, let us begin.

1.     Select a Bible book to study.  If you are new to the Bible find one that is short but rich.  I often mention 1 Thessalonians or 2 Timothy.  Ask the Lord to lead you.

2.     Master the general contents of the book you have chosen.  Read, reread, and then re-reread the book as often as you can.  Read each time in one sitting.  We suggest that the first couple of time take no notes; just enjoy the reading.  Then begin recording your impressions and information for your introduction (Step 3).

3.     Prepare an introduction.  As you read the book begin answering these question.

a.     Who wrote the book?

b.     To whom did he write?

c.     Where was the author when he wrote the book?

d.     When did he write the book?

e.     What was the immediate occasion for writing?  Was there a problem he was addressing?  Was someone in trouble?

                        i.      What were the circumstances of the author?

                     ii.      What were the circumstances of the people to whom he wrote?

f.      What was the more general purpose for writing?  In other words, how did he deal with the issue? 

g.     What were the leading ideas in the book?

h.     What is the theme of the book?

i.       What are some characteristics of the book?

4.     Outline the book.  This is an important step in getting a good grip on the flow of the message contained in the book.  How does one develop an outline?

a.     Divide the book into paragraphs.

b.     Give a descriptive title to each paragraph.

c.     Group the paragraphs together.

d.     Give each group a title that fits with the theme you discovered earlier.

These steps have helped us to map out the mine where we are working.  Now the fun starts, the joy of word by word study.