Shalem IPC NJ

Introduction:

We need a method to have effective Bible study.

Our intention is to develop an inductive method of study.

Though this method is effective in accomplishing many things in our study of the Bible, you are free to employ other methods like expository, topical, and exegetical, etc.

This method is simple to follow, but you will have to become disciplined in the method.

What is Inductive Bible Study Method?

• It is the verse by verse study of the Scripture.
• This method will help us to discover the facts of a text through careful observation.
• Then we will draw some interpretation of these facts to understand what the writer meant.
• We will also be able to make applications for practical Christian living. 
  

What are the advantages of this method? 

• You can study Bible without learning the original languages like Hebrew and Greek.
• You are able to interpret Bible without the help of commentaries and dictionaries.
• You will go through every minute detail of the Scripture by going through verse by verse.
• You will understand the whole truth of the Scripture systematically.

What type of study is this? 

• It is a scientific approach to the study of the Scripture: because it begins with what you see; follows with an interpretation of          what you see; and then it demands an application.
• It is analytical: because we examine the smallest details down to the punctuation. We analyze the structure of the literature.          We also learn where paragraphs, sentences, and topics begin and end.
• It is re-creative: because this implies a rediscovery of what the authors intended to say.

4 Principles: 

It is known, in short, as the OIIA

Before we study these 4 basic principles of the Inductive Bible Study Method in detail, we will look into the literary forms of the Bible.

Literary Forms of the Bible

The Bible is written in two literary forms:

1. Literal language – Plain language (language with subject, verb, and object. (80%)

1. Story Forms (Narratives)
   • The Pentateuch (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy)
   • The records of the Old Testament Kings (Joshua-Esther).
   • Historical account of Jesus (Matthew –Luke)
   • History of the early church (Acts)
     

Instructional and exhortive Forms (Epistles). 

Pauline Epistles 

Petrine Epistles

Johannine Epistles 

James, Jude and Some accounts of Jesus’ teachings

2. Figurative Language – Languages used with imagination and poetry (20%). 

1.  
   • Poetic & wisdom literature ((Job-Song of Songs)
   • Prophetic and Revelation Forms (Isaiah-Malachi &Revelation)
   • Parables
     

We have to deal differently with these forms

We will study in the coming lessons as to how to deal with each literary form.

Study Questions:

1.      Why Inductive Bible Study Method is simple and effective?

2.      Learn the names of the books of the Old Testament and New Testament and identify their literary forms.

3.      Memorize 2 Timothy 3:16