Thursday, January 01, 2004
Inductive Plus©
InductivePlus© is an approach to Bible study based on the inductive method, but with two "new" elements, prayer and an added question. For many years Christians have studied the Scriptures using the "inductive" method. As you examine a passage, ask:- What Does It Say?
- What Does it Mean?
- What Does it Mean to Me?
InductivePlus© alters this approach, for both personal and group study. The purpose of the change is to increase our awareness of God's presence, to heighten our knowledge of God's person, and to deepen our worship of Him.
The first element - Prayer.
While proponents of the inductive method have encouraged prayer and acknowledged the role of the Spirit in understanding Scripture, the use of any study "technique" can "marginalize" the key role of the Spirit as our Teacher (I Jn. 2:27).
God, speaking through Paul, tells us that "a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised . . . But we have the mind of Christ." (I Cor. 2:14,16c nas [emphasis added]). Jesus Himself predicted, "the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you." (Jn 14:26 nas)
Diligence is commendable, as is "hard" study, but it is not our diligence, our devotion, nor our intellect, by which we "discover" spiritual truth. Rather, it is the illuminating work of God Himself, who brings the Word to life in the heart and mind of the believer. Thus, the first "new" element of InductivePlus© is to pray and expressly acknowledge our dependence on the Holy Spirit as Teacher.
The second element - An Added Question.
In Christ's day, there were diligent, highly trained, and dedicated men who He confronted, saying "Ye search the Scriptures, because you think that in them you have eternal life, and it is these that bear witness of Me." (Jn. 5:39) It is sobering to think that we could study the Word but not see Him. Thus, in InductivePlus© we add one question to the traditional three (after the second), namely:
- What Does it Say about God?
This one addition reminds the student of Scripture to always "look for Jesus" in the pages of His Book. Consider each text in light of what you know to be true of God from direct revelation, but allow the Spirit to use the text to enhance that understanding as you explore "God in action." For example, a historical narrative which makes no specific reference to God may, nonetheless, reveal God's forbearance, His gracious provision, or show Him as a communicator concerned with both the media and the message. As you consider Him and seek to apply the passage to your daily life, you will often move to worship as you behold "as in a mirror the glory of the Lord" (2 Cor. 3:18b nas).
Inductive Plus© "in a nutshell" - After you "position" yourself (or "your" group) for study,
Pray - Ask the Father to grant you insight into the written word; "present" your "whole being" to Him and invite His Holy Spirit to renew your mind, enable you to understand what He is saying, and open your spiritual eyes, so that you will see Him. (Consider, Eph. 1:15-19; Rm. 12:1,2)
Proceed - Read the text in as many "solid" translations as you have, consider the variations between them, and ask:
- What Does It Say? Can you put it into your own words?
- What Does it Mean? Is the meaning of each word clear? Remember always to look at "context." You may also resort to other 'study aides" or resource works (although usually a good array of translations will prove sufficient to the Spirit led heart ).
- What Does it Say About God? Don't pass over this! Accept "by faith" Jesus' promise, "these speak of Me." Look for Him! Examine your conclusion in light of other Scripture.
- What Does it Mean to Me? What application can you make in your relationship with God and in your everyday life?
InductivePlus© has been subjected to Copyright protection in an effort to avoid commercialization. The "statement of faith" and "Provided for you by" information may be altered by any church wishing to publish this brochure for free distribution, as long as this legend is included in at least 8 point type. Permission for other use may be sought from John Milgate, 1511 Treat Blvd., Suite 500, Walnut Creek, CA 94598
© 1999, John Milgate, All Rights Reserved
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