Inductive Bible Study: An Introduction by Alberto Valenzuela Definition of terms Merriam-Webster defines inductive as an “inference of a generalized conclusion from particular instances.” We could define an inductive Bible study as a process that enables us to study the Bible for more impact, value, and meaning. The process involves examining the concepts and words in a given Bible text, followed by an examination of meanings and interpretations to lead us to a conclusion and, better yet, a practical application. Methodical Bible study is concerned with the proper path to be taken in order to arrive at Scriptural truth. More specifically, it involves the discovery of those steps necessary for achieving its goals and their arrangement in a logical and effective manner.1 A theological term associated with Bible study is exegesis. Exegesis is a Greek word (ἐξήγησις) that literally means “to lead out.” Merriam-Webster defines the use of the word in English as “an explanation or critical interpretation of a text.” In practice it means to extract objectively what a given Bible text says. It means to find the message of a Bible passage based on the meaning of the words and its context. A term that is a source of contention among theologians and Bible scholars is eisegesis. Eisegesis is a Greek word (εἰςγησις) that literally means “to lead in.” Eisegesis is often used to prove a previously held concept or notion. While exegesis tries to find the meaning of a given Bible passage, to get something out of it, eisegesis puts meaning into a given Bible passage.
Robert A. Traina, Methodical Bible Study, p. 5.
1
Inductive Bible Study | Alberto Valenzuela
1
Three basic components of an inductive Bible study Observation Observation answers the question, “What does it say?” What is the actual context in the text? Observation always comes first. Before we consider what a text means, we must ask what it says. This means reading and rereading a text until we become acquainted with it.2 The questions a serious Bible student will ask are the basic six: Who? Who was writing? Who was the intended audience of the document? Who are the characters in the passage? What? What’s going on? What’s being said? What is the purpose of the document? What is the crux of the message or story presented? What is the context? What’s the literary style? Is it a story, parable, prophecy, poetry, letter, sermon? When? When did the passage take place? Are the words in present or past tense? Where? Is the location mentioned? Where does it physically take place? Why? Do we have a clue as to why the things said or done are said or done? How? Does the text include an explanation of what’s going on? Can we infer it? Interpretation Interpretation answers the question, “What does it mean?” The task is to discover the original intent and meaning of the author. Interpretation involves precisely and specifically ascertaining the sense of the text and identifying, on the basis of the evidence within and surrounding the Robert M. West, How to Study the Bible, p. 86.
2
Inductive Bible Study | Alberto Valenzuela
2
text itself, the communicative intent of the implied author toward the implied reader, that is, the reader that the text itself assumes. This determinative role of textual guidance in interpreting requires that students understand interpretation as the answering of questions raised in the observation phase.3 The interpretation of a Bible passage should be considered as a serious and delicate endeavor. After having raised the questions presented in the observation stage, and having obtained the proper answers, the Bible student needs to be prepared spiritually. These five steps are basic: • Submit to God while reading and studying the Scriptures. • Seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit to open your mind. • Trust in the promise that the Holy Spirit will guide us to the truth. • Express a desire to understand the truth. • Show willingness to accept the truth revealed by God and to model your actions accordingly. It should be kept in mind at all times that Bible study is more than the accumulation of information or knowledge. Many teachers of God’s Word need to become learners before they can truly teach the Scriptures to others. Were Christ on earth, He would say to them, Ye teach for doctrine the commandments of men; ye are ignorant both of the Scriptures and of the power of God. They know little of true moral and religious science, and less of the Word of God. A knowledge of the Scriptures would make them wise unto salvation, but they stand only on the threshold of knowledge. They have never entered in to obtain true spiritual understanding. Because of the simplicity of the truth, David R. Bauer and Robert A. Traina, Inductive Bible Study: A Comprehensive Guide to the Practice of Hermeneutics, p. 177. 3
Inductive Bible Study | Alberto Valenzuela
3
they think it necessary to clothe it with their far-fetched explanations. But did they do no more than read the Scriptures, the common people would understand God’s Word far better. The Scriptures are made intricate by the way in which they are interpreted. Better would it be for the student to compare scripture with scripture, using one passage to unlock another. Scripture can be correctly interpreted only by Scripture.4 Application Application answers the question, “What does it mean to me?” And how does it apply to my life? In Bible study, application is putting the truth you have discovered in the process of observation and interpretation to a practical use in your own life, with the ultimate goal of renewal or transformation. The purpose of Bible study is more than the accumulation of information or data—it is the renewal and the transformation of the mind. The question is not, “Is this truth relevant to me, to my life?” The truth of God is always relevant to our lives. The real question is, “Am I ready and willing to accept this truth and apply it to my life?” To stop without having applied what you have learned in your Bible study would be like cooking a sumptuous meal, serving it on fine china, and then walking away from the table without taking a bite! Just as eating is the goal of cooking, application, or obedience is the goal of Bible study. It is the culmination of all your research. During the observation and interpretation stages, you study the Word of God; in application, the Word of God studies you!5 To make an honest application, these guidelines are useful: E. G. White, Signs of the Times, January 11, 1899. Hans Finzel, Unlocking the Scriptures, p. 57.
4 5
Inductive Bible Study | Alberto Valenzuela
4
• Know yourself. Armed with the knowledge of your strengths and weaknesses, you will be more sensitive towards allowing the Scriptures to talk to you. • Relate the passage to the everyday life. Look for areas in your life where the discoveries you make apply the most. • Meditate on the passage. Daily reflection on the Scriptures provides strength and wisdom as you seek God’s guidance. • Practice what you have learned. You must discipline yourself to put the principles you have learned into practice. The truth of the Bible may be no truth to us if these words of God are not brought into actual contact with the soul. It is not enough that we have a knowledge of the truth. Our faith must grasp its deep principles. We must perceive the truth and weave it into our practical everyday life.6 Three basic questions These questions may be used as the basis for a personal selfevaluation or as conversation starters for a group. • How does this apply to me, and what will I do about it?
• What can I model and teach?
• How can I share this with someone?
E. G. White, Manuscript 48, 1897.
6
Inductive Bible Study | Alberto Valenzuela
5