How to Do Inductive Bible Study in 3 Steps
Many of the simple study methods that we have looked at over the past several months shave been based on the indicative method of study. Traditional study, also called deductive, begins with a rule and then looks at information and examples to demonstrate it. The inductive method works backward, from the basic information and examples to then formulate the rule, definition, or lesson.
In Bible study, the common S.O.A.P. method is one example of inductive study. The S.O.A.P. method is often used for a light or quick study of a passage, whereas inductive study can go deep and be quite thorough. As with all Bible study methods, you can take as much time as you’d like to study using this method and with as many resources as you’d like – but the Bible is always the primary study resource.
Inductive study has one basic premise – we look to the text to understand the text. In other words, we read the Bible to understand the Bible. Any past lessons, studies or sermons that you may recall about the studied passage should be set aside as we lean on the Bible as our primary key to understanding God’s words in the passage.
As with all study, be sure to open with prayer, asking God’s guidance and the presence of the Holy Spirit. Bible study is beneficial when it is attempted in an organized manner, such as working through a single book of the Bible at a time, by passage or chapter.
Inductive Study in 3 Steps
Inductive study is made of three steps:
1. Gathering Data (observation),
2. Look for Patterns (interpretation),
3. Develop Principle then Practice (application).
Each of the steps is distinct, yet they build upon one another and even overlap. Let’s look more closely at each one to understand how this method of study unfolds.
Gathering Data – What does the passage say?
Begin by reading the passage, it can be helpful to review the passage in multiple translations. Once the passage is familiar, it is time to begin asking simple comprehension and ‘language’ questions: who, what, where, when, why, how are a good start.
We should also note any connecting words, repeated words, phrases and ideas, and sequences or cause-effect, action/consequence in the passage. You may also compare translations or consider the structure and literary type of the passage and the book.
Some people find it helpful to print a simple copy, double-spaced of the passage so they can indicate the data noted with highlighters or colored pencils. You may circle the references to God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, and the associated pronouns, or underline the verbs. The system is up to you. I find that a simple list helps me keep things separated and not too muddled on the page.
Example: Gen. 4:1-16 Cain and Abel
In this passage, you will find contrast between the brothers’ offerings and a sequence of Cain’s actions and God’s response.
Example: Col. 3
This New Testament passage offers a list of earthly nature and then contrasts that to a list of Christ-like characteristics that believers should ‘put on’. It continues with a discussion of relationships, where a diagram may best show the connections.
Once the passage text is clear, it might be good to look it over and check for any holes or new points. Going over it twice, or even three times, may take time, but the word is living and may reveal more to us at second glance.
Look for Patterns – What does the passage mean?
Now we begin to understand the purpose and main idea of the passage. Remember, we have set aside any previous knowledge of the passage and are basing meaning on the text and our observations. The Holy Spirit guides us in interpreting the passage, so don’t hesitate to ask for help from Spirit.
The Bible passage should be looked at in context, not verse by verse in interpretation. It is time to consider the audience, time period, and culture as well as the purpose of the book itself.
Take time to consider the various aspects that you have noted during your observations and what they mean. This is also the opportunity to cross reference the main keywords or theme with other places in the Bible it may be found.
Example: Gen. 4: 1-16 Cain and Abel
As we said above, the passage pivots on an offering. Since the context is Old Testament and before the law was given, we may look at the offerings in Gen. 8 and 22 to see more about offerings, man, and God in that context.
It may also be of benefit to define the word, despite it being one that we ‘already know’.
Example: Col. 3
Reviewing the contrasts offered in Colossians 3 will be of help in discerning the main message that God is delivering in the passage.
Take time to consider the observations made and their connections to each other as well as the rest of the Bible, in context. For example, we often quote Jer. 29:11 when we are going through hard times, or even when we are embarking on changes in career and schooling. However, the context of the verse reveals that God is saying that he never gives up on his people and he holds them in his hands, giving them hope. The passage refers to the Hebrew people and to salvation. It refers to the hope of Jesus Christ to come and his ultimate plan never being thwarted. Taking it to mean that God will prosper us in a stretch given the context.
Once we identify the meaning, it is helpful to jot down the main point or points of the passage. This may be a summary or a simple idea of the passage. This prepares us for the principle we develop.
Develop Principle then Practice – What truth does this reveal about God?
In this third part of the inductive study, we consider the meaning and the truth it reveals about God. It may also reveal a truth about God’s instructions or desires for his people, but studying our Bibles is a way to draw near to God, so that may well be our priority.
The application to the original audience and the general understanding of the main idea influence the general conclusion drawn in the development of the revelation from the passage. This is not yet a personal application, but rather the understanding of what God tells each or all of us as his children. Once we identify this principle about God, we should check it against the rest of the Bible and the whole arch of the story of God and his pursuit of his people.
Practice in this third step is applying the lesson to ourselves, our lives or spiritual walk. Once we affirm the principle to be truth about God, or his people, we can apply it to ourselves, or in practice.
Example: Gen. 4: 1-16 Cain and Abel
Principle: God is worthy of our highest gift or offering. He assesses its value and seeks to correct us when we fall short in our worship. He should receive the first fruits of my gift. In Practice: I assess my gift to God and ask him to guide me in understanding their value to him in prayer.
Example: Col. 3
Principle: The primary focus of a Christian life is Jesus Christ. Putting on the character of Christ and laying aside the old nature will guide in developing rewarding relationships with others. In Practice: Considering the consequences of the statements in Colossians 3, relationships may be uncomfortable, hostile, or discontent if my character is not in line with Christ’s. By considering this and my attitude and character, I will invite Christ to sanctify me in my thought, word, and deed; highlighting the characteristics that are missing in my relationships.
Inductive Study
You may have noted that the steps overlap, as the word study may be done in either the first or second steps to better understand what is said or what is meant in the passage. Additionally, it may become quite clear what the application is while just beginning the interpretation. All this means is that the Spirit has guided you to the truth about God and it will be affirmed as you continue in the processing of each step. Resist jumping to the application for ourselves until the very end. The impact of an incomplete principle in our lives may be more harmful than taking the time to see the whole context. While it is true that God wants us to be well, that meaning can be distorted when we view verses out of context, such as in Jer. 29:11. Instead let us embrace the Lord’s revelation about himself first, then what that does in my own life.
In the case of the verse from Jer. 29, I find hope in difficult circumstances, knowing that God is working a greater plan and is with me in my darkness. I find hope in Christ who prepares a place for me in heaven where there are many rooms.
The inductive study is an aid for those who wish to understand the Bible as written rather than depend on someone else’s understanding. It can be eye-opening. When it is, be sure to share with others and get their feedback, as the Spirit works within each of us, but also collectively to reveal God and his heart for you.
