Inductive Bible Study Steps

The Fifth Step of Inductive Bible Study is, "Asking Questions,"
Is what I have found all that all this passage has to say and mean?

ASK AND LEARN!

“Command and teach these things. Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you. Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearer.” (1 Tim. 4:11-16)

Now the key principle that the great exegetes and pastors do to get more out of the Bible is they do not stop at the first observations or interpretation. They go back and mine out additional precepts, and that is why they get more so they can teach more. They seek out what they missed by interviewing the text and they look for what can additionally be learned. And you can do this too! This step is designed for you to do just that, get more out of the Bible. Asking questions are the tools to take God’s Word and examine it. After this, we can learn and grow even more. When we are challenged to grow we become better disciples for His kingdom and glory!

THE TOOL BOX TO GOD’S WORD:

• WHO: Who are the people? Who did it? Who can do it? Who is it talking about?

• WHAT: What is it saying? What is it talking about? What is happening? What did they do?

• WHERE: Where are they going? Where did it happen? Where will it take place?

• WHEN: When did it happen? When will it happen? When can it happen?

• HOW: How did it happen? How can it happen? How was something done?

• WHY: Why did he say that? Why did he do that? Why did they go there?

ASK WHICH ONE OR MORE OF THESE APPLIES.

Note, not all the questions and “STEPS” will apply to every verse. Use discernment and common sense that is good judgment!

ASK THESE ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS:

• Are there any commands?

• Are there any contrasts?

• Are there things repeated?

• Is there cause and effect?

• Is there a problem and solution?

• Are there any promises?

• Are there any connections to other parts of the Bible?

• Notice the setting! You may need to check a Commentary or Bible Encyclopedia on this.

• Compare your verse with other similar verses.

• Use your imagination! Let the Bible come alive in you!

ONCE YOU KNOW THESE QUESTIONS THEY WILL BE AUTOMATIC:

The Overview of the Basic, Essential, Inductive Bible Study Questions:

• What does this passage say?

• What does this passage mean?

• How does this passage apply to me? 

The Overview of the Basic “Into Thy Word” Inductive Bible Study Questions:

• What does this passage say?

• What does this passage mean?

• What is God telling me?

• How am I encouraged and strengthened?

• Is there sin in my life for which confession and repentance is needed?

• How can I be changed, so I can learn and grow?

• What is in the way of these precepts affecting me?

• What is in the way of my listening to God?

• How does this apply to me? What will I do about it?

• What can I model and teach?

• What does God want me to share with someone?

Now ask: Is what I have found all that all this passage has to say and mean?

Condensed from the book, "Into Thy Word"