How To Study The Bible Inductively
Guest post, written by:
Ronda Rayl
- Write the Word out – you may even want to make your own copy of the Bible – Deuteronomy 17: 18 – 19
- Meditate on the Word – Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:2; 1 Timothy 4:15
- Memorize the Word – Psalm 119:11; Proverbs 2:1, 3:1, 4:4, 21, 7:2; 1 Corinthians 15:2; Colossians 3:16a; 2 Timothy 2:14
- Mark His Word – Jeremiah 23:18
- Scripture with Scripture – Isaiah 28:9-10,13; 1 Corinthians 2:13
- Study the Word – 2 Timothy 2:15
- Affirm and quote it often – Titus 3:8; Philemon 6
- Renounce the lies and state the truth – 2 Corinthians 4:2
Ask:
Who – Characters
What – Key truths and events
When – Time factors and look for the words, “until” and “after.”
Where – Places, geography, location
Why – Purpose of the text. Look for the words, “for” and “because.”
How – How things are. Look for the words, “by” and “through.”
Words
Both – Means a list
But – Contrast
Like, like as – Similarity
Therefore, that – Result of something. When you see this, go back to the previous verses and see why it’s there
Look for Old Testament quotes in the New Testament
The word “and” is a connection and introduces an addition.
Look for things about God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit
Ask: Is there a truth to rest in?
A command to obey?
A prayer to pray?
A challenge to heed?
A promise to claim?
An action to take?
An example to follow?
An error to avoid?
A sin to forsake?
On Scripture memory –
Say it out loud seven (7) times at the top of the hour, for five hours. During the morning, write it on an index card and say it out loud. Keep the index card with you and make another one to put on the bathroom mirror or somewhere where you can see it.
Always remember that the Holy Spirit will teach you – 1 John 2:27
