Thoughts on Inductive Study

We'll let you in on a little secret. Naturally we want to just talk about Application. And we have heard many well-meaning, Bible-loving folks say, "we need more Application." But here-in lies the rub: When you do good Observation, you are able to build a main theme that you have confidence in. You are not making it up. You realize that this is what the Lord of the Universe is trying to get across with the passage. Once you get to that point, Application happens almost on it's own. OK, sure, you still need to do it. In a small group you need to ask good Application questions. But if you do the first two steps correctly, the Holy Spirit will grab your heart. By doing great Observation and letting it instruct your Interpretation, you will not be able to escape correct Application. And it is here that the method (and really the Bible) shows it's strength and effectiveness.

Today, many clever Bible studies and classes are taking place. And they may actually be clever: all the points starting with the same letter. But if it is not truly grounded in God's Word, most of it is washed out of the participants minds and hearts before they get to their cars. When Inductive Bible Study is done well, the Application sticks, and people grow and are transformed by the renewing of their minds. And that is ultimately the goal.

Keep going. The next few pages give more in-depth and technical information on the method. And the pages after that give a specific example.

If you have comments or ideas you wish we would add, contact us and let us know.