Stuck In a Devo Rut? Have an Inductive Bible Study
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Earlier last month we gave some ideas on switching up your Bible study routine. Changing things around can help break the monotony and gather a different aspect or view point. A fresh view at a common passage can spark a new level of understanding. One way to help study the Bible is called an inductive Bible study. So what’s an inductive Bible study? How is it different? How is it helpful? Who can do an inductive Bible study? Well, I’m glad I asked myself all these questions, because that really helped set me up for the following paragraph:
An inductive Bible study isn’t that much different than from what you’re probably doing already. You don’t need anything more than a Bible and notebook. No third party book with three easy payments of $9.95 required. It’s just a quiet time with just you, God, His word, and some writing utensils. An inductive Bible study can help make the Bible become personal. It brings the stories of others; people who lived thousands of years ago, into your life, today. One of the best things about an inductive Bible study, anyone can do it. You don’t have to go to seminary or even know a great history behind the Bible. It’s about a willingness and desire to learn, study, and meditate on God.
Awhile ago I did a look at InterVarsity, a ministry that focuses on college students and can be found on college campuses around the nation and world. (You may have missed it. It was before we officially launched. Make sure to check it out!) They have a great step by step guide on how to do an inductive Bible study. It’s simple, well described, and extremely helpful in understanding what exactly an inductive Bible study is (and its purpose).
Here is an overview of the four guidelines on how to have an inductive Bible study.
- Book Overview - read the book of the Bible you’re looking to study (you can skim it if it’s long). Try to focus on the big picture of the book. Find a topic or impressions left by the book. Write it down a few, and explain to yourself how that applies to your life.
- Map Out the Book – Group chapters together by stories or however they are most naturally grouped. Give each group a title. Find the main theme. How does that connect with your life?
- Chapter – Make a list of things of interest (people, places, things, ideas) from one of the chapters. Note repeated or contrasted words. Write down why these are of interest to you. What does this passage tell of God?
- Paragraph – Take the paragraphs in the chapter, and write a title for them, and see if there are any paragraphs that connect. Again, look for repeated, contrasted, or similar words. What are the meanings of those words? What are the connections to your life? Write the main truth or thought from the paragraphs. What is one thing that God is trying to show you in those paragraphs.
You don’t have to do all of these steps in one sitting. Only do as much as you’re comfortable with. If you’re thinking that you could use a little hot sauce in your quiet time, you should try doing an inductive Bible study for a few chapters in your reading. Let us know if you try it out, or if you’ve tried an inductive Bible study before, or if you check it out and find that that’s what you’ve been doing without knowing it. We’d love to chat about it!
Related posts:
My sister recently gave me a new perspective on studying the gospels…Her pastor encouraged the members of the deaf church to do a simple Bible Study through the book of John. They were to ask themselves 3 questions about each chapter.
Who is Jesus?
What does Jesus do?
What does Jesus offer?
I find that when I go into our bible reading time with questions and I’m looking for answers- I always get more out of it!
Hey Brett, Thnx for dropping by last week! And leaving a few words.
.. I am Inductive Bible Study Fan #1. I would be dead if it weren't for learning how to dig and mine the gems in the Word. So, I'm a super fan already of this post.
Coincidentally, I just posted on a new way of reading the Scriptures I got into this past year earlier this week on my blog:
http://www.faithbarista.com/2009/10/the-hand-of-l...
It's a good way to mix it up w/ Inductive – which you still want to do, to get the most out of this Movie Method.
Cool to connect, fellow Inductive B.S. fan!
Thank you for stopping by as well. I loved your thoughts on putting yourself as the character in the scenes of the Bible! With my moth-like attention span, I always need to change things up, otherwise I notice that I make things too routine. I will definitely be using your method too. Glad we could connect! God bless!