HOW TO DO INDUCTIVE

BIBLE STUDY?
“I GROW in in studying the Bible using inductive method.”

- OBJECTIVES –

At the end of the lesson, the participant should be able to:

1. Discuss the difference between inductive and deductive methods of studying the Bible.
2. Appreciate inductive approach in Bible study.
3. Apply the steps in studying the Bible inductively.
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Begin with the activity entitled: “Matchy, Matchy”

Instructions: Write out Bible references (ex. John 3:16) on the sticky note or small
sheet of paper and the verse written out on the other. Facilitator must mix up all the
papers and give two (2) to each of the participants (1 for reference & 1 for verse).
Have the participants to work in teams to match the Bible verse with its reference.
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• Allow the participants to think and discover the Bible verse that they got.
• In 2-3 minutes allow the participant to share his/her own opinion about the Bible
verse.
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I
What is the difference between Inductive and Deductive Bible Study?

Inductive Bible study involves the use of reasoning to study the Bible.
It includes the study of evidence, the examination of evidence, and the
conclusion based upon the evidence.

The concept behind Inductive study method is to get the students

personally and intimately involved with the subject by observing carefully for
themselves.
Prescriptive or Descriptive?
1. Acts 2: 44-47
2. Matt 6:31-34
3. Luke 18:18-23
4. Luke 18: 8-9
5. Joshua 1:3
- What are the Specific commands in these passages?
- What are the specific actions mentioned in these passages?
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I
What is the difference between Inductive and Deductive Bible Study?

A deductive study on the other hand, begins with a point the teacher
wants to make, and then uses a number of scriptures to support the point they
are making.

It begins with hypothesis (a fancy word meaning to conclude by

guessing) or an idea. After the hypothesis has been made, one gathers to prove
one’s point.
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I
What is the difference between Inductive and Deductive Bible Study?

If the hypothesis is correct, the evidence will support it, but if it is wrong, the
evidence won’t support it.

Inductive goes from specific to general while deductive goes from

general to specific.
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II Benefits of using Inductive Bible Study Method.

1. It exposes the student to the subject matter.

2. It excites those who personally discover the truth.

3. It explains the passage by itself.

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II Benefits of using Inductive Bible Study Method.

4. It explores the truth in the passage.

5. It enhances experience.
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III Basic steps in preparing Inductive Bible Study?

Before you do an inductive study of the Bible you need to have the following:

• Bible
• Notebook
• Pen or pencil
• Marker
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III Basic steps in preparing Inductive Bible Study?

Step 1: Investigation

Read your passage several times. As you read, look for the characters
and other information that will shed light to your study. Find out why the
author wrote the letter and to whom he was referring the subject.
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III Basic steps in preparing Inductive Bible Study?

Step 1: Investigation

Observe their situation (Political, Cultural, Religious, etc.) and determine the
purpose of the letter if it is encouragement, doctrinal issue, correction, or
instructional. It would be helpful if you write any observation that you may
encounter while reading the passage.
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III Basic steps in preparing Inductive Bible Study?

Step 1: Investigation

As you observe all these things, search for the main idea and what the
passage is telling about it. Normally, the last 4-6 verses prior to the text of your
study will help you see the big picture.
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III Basic steps in preparing Inductive Bible Study?

Step 2: Interrogation

This is the longest part of your inductive study. It may require your
time and attention to cross-examine some of your discoveries from the
passage. A portion where you need to reconcile some contrasting issues,
compare different translations of the Bible, and take note of the words or
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III Basic steps in preparing Inductive Bible Study?

Step 2: Interrogation

instructions mentioned several times as you study the passage. This is also a
good place for word studies. Normally, this is where you ask all your questions
such as what, why, & how. You are starting to see evidences from the book
itself.
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III Basic steps in preparing Inductive Bible Study?

Step 3: Inquiry

After seeing the evidences from the passage, you will now go to other
books in the Bible to see if what you discovered is consistent with what is
taught in the whole Scripture.
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III Basic steps in preparing Inductive Bible Study?

Step 3: Inquiry

If you are not sure of your discovery consult other books such as Bible
concordance, references, or other helpful materials that will assist you in your
study. (Note: You don’t need to read the whole Bible to validate the
consistency of your work.)
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III Basic steps in preparing Inductive Bible Study?

Step 4: Interpretation

You've observed the basics, picked apart the pieces, now it's time to put
the puzzle back together and see the big picture. What is the major theme of
the passage? Are there any minor themes and how do they fit in with the whole
picture?
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III Basic steps in preparing Inductive Bible Study?

Step 4: Interpretation

This is the portion where you will make an outline for your topic. After passing
through a lot of preparations you are now confident that all the evidences you
have gathered will speak for themselves.
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III Basic steps in preparing Inductive Bible Study?

Step 5: Implementation

Lastly, you want to make the passage very personal and see how what
you have learned in the above steps can apply to your life. What truth is
revealed, and how does that affect you? What lessons are learned? What
commands or instructions are given?
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Now that we have learned “How to do an Inductive Bible Study”, let’s take time to
answer the following questions:

• What is the importance of inductive bible study?

• What are the benefits of using inductive bible study method?

• Are you willing to use inductive method in your Bible study? Why?
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Based on what you have learned from the part

III of the topic, “How to do Inductive Bible Now that I know how to do Inductive Bible Study,
I will…
Study”, write down your S.T.A.R. action
point/s.