Inductive Bible Study Method

Robert Traina mentions practicing suspended judgment as we approach passages using inductive Bible Study methods.  In other words, don’t jump too quickly to conclusions we may later have to correct.  I think we have all done this at times, not only in Bible study but in other decisions calling for interpretation.

Romans 9-11 challenges every Bible student.  The inductive student has a strategy to address the passage.  I recommend asking the observation question “who?” of the passage.  This question opens it up.  You will find a surprisingly high number of people and people groups mentioned in this passage.  These numbers open it up.  The people discussed interpret the passage.

I have travelled the world over the last 25 years.  I ask groups, “How many of you have read the whole Bible?”  Usually, around 20% respond affirmatively.  Then I ask, “How many of you have read the whole New Testament?”  Usually the number doubles.

I think this is not acceptable for us in the evangelical/charismatic church.

A youth pastor friend called to tell me that his Lutheran seminary educated pastor believes everyone is saved and going to heaven.  I heard this before when I studied at a Methodist undergrad school.  His youth want to continue with Inductive Bible studies, the pastor has apparently been reading extreme later disciples of neo-orthodox patriarchs.  True Trinitarian theology demands, true Trinitarian adherence to the historic basics of the faith.

John Maxwell states that the teacher is responsible “to” his listeners and not “for” his listeners.  Likewise, each of us are responsible to apply the Bible however the Holy Spirit guides us.

Teachers are responsible “to” and “not” for their students.  I am responsible for my application and you are responsible for yours.

According to one education scholar, children [between the ages of 2 and 5 years old] learn 25 times as fast as adults. That is the time when kids are always pulling on their mother’s apron strings and asking “Why mom, but why?” The question “Why?” bridges the observation and and interpretation processes. We can learn something about Bible study from the 2 to 5 year olds.

Harold Ockenga stunned me during one of his sermons while I was a student at
Gordon-Conwell.  He stated that G.Campbell Morgan read Bible books 50 times aloud before attempting to teach them.  Imgaine that kind of diligent preparation.  He thoroughly observed before he taught.

Robert Traina wrote about practicing suspended judgment on a passage as we  inductively study through it.  I like that concept.  This also means that  I can be a better Berean as in Acts 17, when I hear someone else preaching.  I can evaluate it slowly, carefully and cautiously–hoping that what I have heard really is the truth of God

Look at the history of the Biblical Seminary in New York from the turn of the century until about 1965.  You will find that many contemporary leaders in the body of Christ went through that seminary.  What was the bedrock foundational course of study there?–A thorough grounding in Inductive Bible Study

I asked a friend who has led a Bible School in Canada for many years the following question: “So what does Inductive Bible Study mean to you?”  He responded, “It allows the Holy Spirit to minister to people without a human mediator.  It allows the Holy Spirit the direct right of forming a right relationship with God.”