The Inductive Bible Study Method: Step One — Observation

Step one, Observation, is so much more than just reading the text.

So, you want to get serious about your walk with God, and you know that it will really help to read and study the Bible. But how? The Inductive Bible study method is a hands-on approach that anyone can do. But what is it?

The Inductive Bible Study Method is comprised of just three steps: Observation, Interpretation, and Application. This article discusses the first step: Observation, explaining the why and how of the process, followed by some approachable techniques for trying out the Observation step for yourself. The article concludes with an overview of the Bible Conversations Series' approach to the Observation step.

What is the Observation Step?

The observation step is the first and crucial part of the inductive Bible study method. It focuses on gathering facts and understanding what the text says without jumping to conclusions or interpretations. This initial step of the inductive Bible study method involves carefully reading a passage to note what it says, including details like characters, actions, and context. This step focuses on gathering facts and asking questions to understand the text before moving on to interpretation and application.

An Overview of the Observation Step

• Read, read, read the Passage: Carefully read the selected passage of Scripture multiple times to familiarize yourself with its content.

• Ask Questions: Use the five W's and an H:

  • Who: Identify the characters involved.

  • What: Determine the main events or actions.

  • Where: Note the setting or location.

  • When: Understand the time frame of the events.

  • Why: Explore the reasons behind actions or teachings.

  • How: Look at the manner in which events unfold.

• Note Details: Pay attention to repeated words, phrases, or themes. Look for contrasts, comparisons, and cause-and-effect relationships.

• Contextual Understanding: Consider the cultural and historical context of the passage. This helps in grasping the author's intent and the message for the original audience. Introductory material from a trusted commentary like The Bible Knowledge Commentary provides excellent cultural and historical context for each book of the Bible.

Techniques for Effective Observation

• Highlight Key Verses: Mark verses that stand out or resonate with you.

• Take Notes: Write down your observations, questions, and insights as you read.

• Visualize the Scene: Imagine the setting and characters to deepen your understanding of the narrative.

The Bible Conversations Series’ Approach: The Observation Chart

Sample Observation Chart from the Bible Conversations Series Study & Discussion Guides

• THE W’s

Each study in the Bible Conversations series begins with the Observation Chart that serves as a place to record the Who’s, Where’s, and When’s of the assigned passage. To ensure that no key details are overlooked, it is recommended that the reader just focus on populating one box of the chart at a time. That is, just recording the Who’s on the first pass, followed by the Where’s, and then the When’s.

• THE KEY WORDS

On the fourth read through, attention should be paid to the passage’s Key Words (and phrases). Repetition is a helpful way to identify what might be included in this box on the Observation Chart. Sometimes a Key Word only occurs once, but it stands out as pivotal or something you may want to explore in more detail later.

• THE SUMMARY

Finally, there is a box for condensing all of these factual observations into a summary of the entire assigned passage. Often in Bible study, it is easy to get lost in the details. Summarizing helps us to hone in on and remember the most important points of the text as we prepare to move to the next step of interpretation. A sentence is usually adequate to capture the main point.

Concluding Thoughts

Now, isn't that pretty simple? By thoroughly observing the text, we have laid a solid foundation for the subsequent steps of interpretation and application in our study of the Bible. With the Inductive Bible Study method, you will find that learning God’s Word is not too difficult. It just takes time.

To know God, we must know the Bible. We can only worship the true God if we know who He is!

Is it worth it?

We are all busy and can grow easily distracted by all the things that seek to occupy our focus, but can you really think of something more valuable to prioritize than knowing God’s living and eternal Word for yourself? Moreover, you cannot truly know the Lord without knowing the Bible, for He has given us the Scriptures to reveal Himself to us.

We pray that you will answer the call to invest in eternity and make knowing Him through His Word your life's ambition. BC Publications offers just the tools you need to get started on your quest for unmatched spiritual growth!

Coming soon....

Now, things get really fun with Step Two of the Inductive Bible study method: Interpretation! Our next post will feature this exciting step!