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There are many ways to study the Bible, some
of which we will talk about later. The most important thing you
need to remember is that to find out what the Bible says, you need
to read it yourself in a way that will help you understand:
1. What it says
2. What it means
3. How to apply it to your life
The best way to do this is through a process called
inductive study. Inductive study doesn’t tell you what the
Bible means or what you should believe. Instead, it teaches you
a method of studying God’s Word that can be applied to any
portion of Scripture at any time for the rest of your life.
STEP #2: INTERPRETATION
Interpretation answers the question: What does the passage mean?
The basis for good interpretation is always careful observation.
As you carefully observe Scripture, the meaning will become clear.
This step is not always a separate step from observation, but
can only be done when you know what the verse or passage says.
Interpretation is figuring out what the writer intended it to
mean when it was written. Look at the entire context of the passage.
Determine the most obvious explanation to the people involved
in their time and place.
Example: The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37)
Verses 25-37 is the entire parable
Jews hated Samaritans so much they often went out of their way
to skirt Samaria when traveling from Judea to Galilee. The Samaritan
knew he was helping someone who probably would not have helped
him.
The Samaritan was the LEAST likely of the three to help.
The Samaritan did everything he could, not only treating the man's
wounds, but also transporting him and paying for his care.
Questions
on Bible Study
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