Inductive Bible Study: Step One

OK, here it is, the first installment on the inductive bible study. Many of you have heard me say how much this has opened up the word of God for me, and it is true. This method is exactly what I needed in terms of discovering the deeper truths of God's word. However, God's word is not always that deep, you don't always have to drill for oil when reading your bible. The fact is, God, many times, lays it out for you right up front. Other times, you have to dig a bit, but I would argue that He is pretty up front, most of the time.

If you are like me, you find it difficult to read the Word, much less study it. In fact, I would say that most Christians don't spend enough time in His word. To quote scripture, "my friends, this ought not so to be...". We need to change that. My job, as a teacher, is to equip you, the saints, in the word of God so that you may be ready with your two edged sword and be an effective ambassador of Christ (2 Cor. 5:19).

This is the aim, or thrust, of this weekly post. It is impossible to be an effective ambassador for Christ if we don't know His word. And we can't know His word if we don't know how to study it. There are many methods out there, true, but this one is the best I've found, for one reason: it relies on the bible alone, not on another man's interpretation of it. The best way to know God is through His word that He freely gives to all of us. This is not a method of preconceived notions or doctrine. It simply gives a direction for you to study the word, His word. With that in mind, let's get started on step one: knowing the knowable.

The first thing to do is quite simple. Pray, that's it. The idea is to bring your thoughts and mind in line with God. We need to be right with God so He can speak to us. Above all, attitude is critical. Ga 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Remember to always begin your study and end your study with prayer. In fact, be in prayer in the mean time, also. Pray that He would direct your will and seize what He has in store for you, and be consistent.

It is just as crucial to be open to the Holy Spirit. "Quench not the Spirit", and let Him rule the time. He wants to spend time with you and direct your paths, but it is a decision, on your part, to let Him.

I encourage you to spend some time in His word, prayerfully, as discussed here. You will see the word open up to you in a new way. This is the first part, use it and read His word daily. Men, pray with your wives, parents, pray with you children and husbands, bathe your wife in the word of God. Enjoy, until next week...