Inductive Bible Study Basics

This is the “How”: The Method of Getting into God’s Word

“My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you,
turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you
call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for
silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear
of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.” (Proverbs 2:1-5)

Inductive Bible Study is a method for learning how to exegete the Bible for
all its worth by our best efforts. We do this through learning the tools and skills to
help us observe the text, dig out the meaning, and then apply it to our lives.

Some people view the Bible as an un-climbable mountain, a dark cave

into which we fear to trespass. Be encouraged, and be comforted; you can
indeed do it. Through the Inductive Method, you can climb that mountain and
venture into the cave with confidence. In fact, you will be able to extract the truths
as an expert exegete does just by posing some simple questions! The Bible is as
a diamond mine, filled with precious nuggets that can be applied to your life to
transform and renew it! As with any mine, you do have to start digging; we will
show you how to do this. The Inductive Method has been proven to be the best
way to find those diamonds, and the more you dig, the more you will find!

The Three, Basic, Essential, Inductive Bible Study Questions:

1. What does this passage say?

2. What does this passage mean?
3. How does this apply to me?

“Inductive” means using logical induction and reasoning from the

supported facts to ascertain a general principle that we can apply to our life. It
extends deductive logic for greater understanding and application. The primary
purpose of this method is to teach you how to study His Word in a logical, clear,
and concise way. So we do not read into the text what we want it to say, rather
we what take from God’s Word what God is actually telling us. In this way, we
can be better discipled to live worthy lives for Hs glory with Fruit, faith and
character.

Over the years, we have developed more questions to assist you to more
deeply dig out and learn His message.

The Basic “Into Thy Word” Inductive Bible Study Questions

 1. What does this passage say?
2. What does this passage mean?
3. What is God telling me?
4. How am I encouraged and strengthened?
5. Is there sin in my life for which confession and repentance is needed?
6. How can I be changed, so I can learn and grow?
7. What is in the way of these precepts affecting me? What is in the way of
my listening to God?
8. How does this apply to me? What will I do about it?
9. What can I model and teach?
10. What does God want me to share with someone?

In addition, our Inductive Bible Study Channel (ADD LINK) has more in-
depth questions and techniques to assist seasoned Bible expositors, pastors,
and Bible study leaders.

The Big Question: “What Does this Passage Say?”

These are the basics of how to study God’s Word. It is called the science
of exegesis or exegetical method, but there is no need for big words here. These
are the basic procedures a pastor or experienced teacher of the Word learns in
Bible School and Seminary so he can prepare sermons and commentaries, but,
here it is boiled down in a clearer and simpler way for you to understand and
apply so you can then teach it to others! You will be able to mine more nuggets of
precious precepts than others who may be in a hurry, who do not know how to go
about it, or who have developed bad habits, causing them to miss some
important stuff. Remember, these “Inductive Bible Study” methods are not for
professional Christians only; they are the tools for all disciples of the Lord to use!

 Remember, there is no “best way;” it is important only that we do it. This study
is about placing the “burr” under the saddle to get the horse moving, or
plugging in the computer so we can use it!

 Good exegesis means we are to seek what God is saying not what we want
Him to say. We are to dig out His principles not read in ours.

 Remember, to be in a state of prayer and humbleness before the Father!

A lot of people get lost at first as they dig out the family Bible with its
beautiful leather cover and thin parchment pages, then find it difficult to
understand and finally give up because the type is too hard to read, the font is
too small for the eyes to track, and/or the translation is too difficult to follow. So,
make sure you have a good, readable translation. There are numerous resources
out there; take advantage of them, including Bibles with large, easy-to-read type.

How Does One Start?

 Start with the proper approach—that of prayer and reverence. If we do not
have the right attitude and mindset, we will not get much out of God’s Word,
because our will gets in the way of His!

Prayer! “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law” (Psalm
119:18). This is the essential, first step to always, always starting anything—
especially the studying of the Bible and communication with God!

Attitude! Have a good attitude based on seeking Christ rather than seeking self.
Our minds must be clear and childlike before Him, because, when you read His
Word, you are standing before the face of God—the Holy God! So, adjust to a
good attitude and reverence for God and His Word.

Select the verse, book, and passage you wish to study. Either start with
Genesis or Matthew; some Bible teachers suggest John. If this is too much, then
begin with 1 Thessalonians, as it is easy to understand. The point is to do it. Do
not jump into tough books like Revelation or Romans first. Get to know the
Gospels first! Discover what our Lord has to say to you! Do not be overwhelmed!
Yes, the Bible looks ominous and un-climbable, but you have to just start. Just as
when eating an elephant, you do it one bite at a time, and then one day it will be
done! This is why we have so many Bible reading plans on our website.

REMEMBER: It is simply not enough to know what you want to do—you have to
know the right way to do it. It is like following a recipe in cooking or using the
manual when working on your car.

FIRST: PRAY!

 Ask God into your study as your Teacher. Ask Him to free your mind from
distractions and help you concentrate. You are entering a learning partnership
with Christ!

 You have to make a commitment and stick to it. Sticking to it will allow you to
become more motivated and constant; thus, the more you do, the easier it
becomes!

 A good plan is essential to any undertaking.

SECOND: Overview

Look at the whole book (a single book in the Bible) and “see the big
picture.” For example, if you are going to study John, read the book of John in an
easy-to-read translation, like the New Living Translation. Read it like you might
be reading a favorite novel. Enjoy it! Read it through in one sitting with no
distractions. An average reader will take 30 minutes to one hour to do so. That
way, you will gain an overall understanding. It is best to do this step at least two
or three times!

Whole to Parts to Whole

Start by skimming the whole book, carefully re-reading each chapter, one
at a time; then, reread it very carefully and slowly in a good translation. Keep in
mind the question, “what does this passage say?” Then, check out other
translations, commentaries, and dictionaries. Repetition is the key to
understanding!

You may start off with Genesis, Matthew, or John. You may want to do a
little O.T. and N.T. each time, in which case I recommend any of our Bible
Reading Plans or the One Year Bible, published by Tyndale.

 Preview it. Read it like a novel. If you are having difficulty with one translation,
try another. Then read slowly and keep re-reading. This will help you to
remember.

 Like a wide-angle lens, OVERVIEW the big picture. Remember the context!
See the whole picture of what is going on. The reason most people do not get
it is because they do not get in it!

 Study whole books, book by book, and not just by topics or chapters.

 Like putting together a puzzle, start with a corner and then the straight edges.
Start with the obvious in its context, and the rest will be revealed from there!

 Do not read a passage here and a passage there. Read a whole book
through and through, systematically. First, read the chapters; then, study the
verses, verse by verse, in order. You are not at a buffet; you are in His Most
Holy Word.

 If you first look too closely at a tree, you may not realize you are in a forest!

Start Asking Questions!

 You are to study the Bible with quiet confidence in God. (Matt. 8:5-13; 14: 22-
33; John 15:1-17; Eph. 3:20; James 4:3; Jude 24-25)

 The basic plan is that you interview the Bible; ask it questions to get to know
the story, just as a reporter or researcher does. At the same time, whom you
are interviewing is God’s Most Holy Word in His Holy presence!
Questions to ask the text to be more challenged and to draw out more
information:

 Is there a lesson to learn?

 Is there a command to obey?

 Is there a sin to avoid?

 Is there a promise to claim and keep?

 Make sure you trust and obey what God is telling you!

THIRD: Ask the Question: “What Does This Passage Mean?”

This is where we continue the Inductive Bible Study process using logic
and sound reason. After you have done your overview, begin to read the passage
more carefully, as if you are examining it with a microscope. This task is called
the exegesis. This fancy word simply means to study a text carefully, rationally,
and thoroughly to find the original, intended meaning. We are to do this without
any preconceived ideas or agendas. If we come to the text thinking we already
know all about it, we show that we know nothing, and we will gain nothing. Strive
toward the “plain truth” of what the passage you are studying means. It is
“common sense,” and yet, it is more than common sense. This is where we “pick”
at the text, and in so doing, we are picking at our hearts and minds!

 Read carefully; study it! Remember, most Christians read the Bible, but few
study it! Use a good translation such as the ESV, NIV, CEV, NKJV, or NASB
versions. You can also compare it to a “paraphrase, a lose translation for
more insights, but not always good for study such as, Philips, NLT, Message
and Good News Bible. Do not be distracted and do not stop. Try reading
aloud for better concentration.

 Study with reverence to Christ; see His Holiness so you have a proper sense
of your ultimate reality, of who you are in Christ.

 Study with purpose! To be present with God, we must be willing and able to
go deeper. Allow His conviction. Then, your personal knowledge and
relationship with Him will deepen. Growing in Christ is our priority in life!
(Psalm 27:8)

 Good exegesis means we look to what the passage is actually meaning not
what we want it to mean.
 Look up words you do not understand, or would like to have more information
on, in a good “Bible Dictionary” or “commentary”. You can also use a
“concordance” to cross-reference to other passages for greater clarity and
understanding (we have several of these tools on our Bible Study Tools
Channel).

 Remember, God is God and we are not. God, being God, is to be the most
significant and important Person in our lives. We need to honor Him so we
can hear Him; as we know Him better, we worship Him as LORD.

 Imagine yourself as a participant. Read as if it is your story, as if you are

there.

 Let God speak to you, as the main goal is for you to know the Lord better, not
just to gain more knowledge!

 Look out for topics, logic, and direction.

 Meditate and pray over the passages that “speak” to you as you re-read, then
memorize those key passages.

 Remember to examine what is being said…

o First, in chapters.
o Second, in paragraphs
o Third, in verses

 Inductive Bible Study helps us study with a plan: consecutive reading, book
study, topical study, and verse-by-verse. Luke 24:27, Acts 17:11

FOURTH: Charting: Start to Make Use of the Book Chart

Write down what God is saying to you and what you have discovered and
learned. Doing this will allow you to apply it to your life better! Study with a pen
and notebook. That way, you can record what you see and hear. Your insights
and thoughts will become clearer and you can even disentangle what is false. His
Word is clear, so make sure your notes are clarified as they pass through His
Word to your fingertips onto a page for present and future use.

 A book chart will help you write down what the text says and means, and to
tackle questions such as: Who? What? Where? When? How? and Why?
What does this passage say about God? About me? My sin? My struggles?
My opportunities? What is my example to follow? What Fruit, Discipline, and
Character do I need in order to develop and operate? What are the sins I
need to avoid? What is my call and duty to carry out? What promise does He
 have for me to receive? What prayer do I need to offer? Then write down your
reflections in first person singular because it applies to you.

 If you do not have a chart, you can easily make one. Take a piece of paper
and draw three column lines down it. At the top of each column, write one of
the three, basic, Inductive Bible Study questions. In column one, write “What:”
As you ask the question, “what does this passage say?” you have a place to
jot down your notes. Then, in column two, write “Meaning.” This is where you
write down what you have learned by asking, “What does it mean?” and what
God is telling you. Then, at the third column, write “Apply.” This is where you
write down your insights on “How does this apply to me?” and “how I am
encouraged.” Save some space at the bottom for questions to ask a mentor
and/or research later, and save room for your prayers.

 Good exegesis means we write down what God is actually saying not what
we want Him to say.

 The primary goal of interpretation is to find the “plain meaning” of the Bible so
it can be used in your life, church, and community!

ALWAYS BE AWARE OF THE CONTEXT!

 The “nitty-gritty” for review: Read a whole book at least three times in an
easy-to-read translation. Then, read each chapter you are studying in a good
translation at least three times. Then, read the verses, verse-by-verse in
order, and write down what you see and learn. Then you will be amazed at
how much more you will pick up!

FIFTH: Ask the Question: “What is God Telling Me?”

This is where you are seeking conviction, and allowing the work of the
Spirit, through His Word, to show you principles and precepts to apply to your
life. Be aware that sometimes you may not like what is shown, but it is what you
need to hear. This is where we hear His voice, where we become transformed
and renewed, and we grow in our faith and practice. This requires that our will be
poured out and surrendered to His. We must learn to study the Bible so we are
challenged and convicted to gain more insights into God’s character and call for
us!

Conviction is very important to make us aware of our wrong ways and for
us to align our path with His Way. God has His ways of refining and purifying us
so that the waste products of pride and selfishness can be tossed aside while His
real redemptive work and sanctification come to us in power and conviction.
People of strife in the world, and Christians who are weak in their faith will hold
on to their will and not allow conviction or change to enter their routine or life. Do
not let this happen to you!

 As a Christian, the reality of who you are in Christ must hit home in power and
certainty at some time or another. Has this happen to you? If so, how? If not,
what would it take?

 Good exegesis means that God has control of what is being said and we do
not, we are to hear and perceive what He has for us.

 God, the LORD over all, is LORD of our lives, too. Thus, He should have the
primary place in our lives, where we recognize, trust, and serve Him with joy.

 God, our LORD, is to be trusted, loved, and enjoyed so we can be challenged

to take His precepts into our will and actions.

 Here are some personal, inductive questions you can use to challenge
yourself. Take a careful look at the passage you are studying; as you realize
that it is indeed God’s most precious Word, examine your life and compare it
to the passage. Now ask yourself:

1. How do I exhibit a life of fruit, character, love, faith, and maturity in my

daily life now?
2. How can I develop the willingness to be a more disciplined, character, fruit
and faith driven person who will realize I am called, empowered, and filled
by Christ?
3. What blocks His work in me from working and being exhibited in me?
4. How can I accept and commence His work, and discipline myself to carry
it out?
5. What can I do to make His work in me function better, stronger, and faster,
even in times of uncertainty and stress?

 So, what is our LORD telling you?

SIXTH: Ask the Question: “How am I Encouraged and Strengthened?”

God calls us to encourage others, just as He encourages us. With His

encouragement, we can tell others about Him just by our attitude. This builds unity and
strength that cannot exist for selfish and alone Christians. To live a life that is not
touched by Christ is to live a life that does not touch others positively, which is a very
sad life indeed (Col. 4:7-8; 1 Thess. 5:11-14; Heb. 10:25).

In Christ you are a pillar. This refers to faithful people of God who are stable and
can support others. Just as pillars hold up large buildings, we, as the faithful, hold up
Christ (as in glorifying Him), and we also hold up others (as equipping and encouraging
them) (Ex. 24:4; Is. 56:5; 1 Cor. 3:16; Gal. 2:9; Eph. 2:20-22; 1 Tim. 3:15; Heb. 3:6; 1
Pet. 2:5; Rev. 3:7-13). When we feel weak, we still have His strength, and our faith and
resolve to continue to grow our faith will become a mighty pillar that others can look to
for an example and for encouragement. We are His example to others; even at our
lowest, we can excel for His highest. Let us understand what He has done for us so we
can do our best to be faithful even in times of pressures, waiting, and uncertainty.

His encouragement greatly helps us to see God’s Word as real and

impacting, without error or defect. This will help us study the Bible with
expectation as we realize that Christ, Himself, is Lord over all.

 To grow in Christ, we must desire to be with Him and to learn from Him. (Phil.
3:10; I John 1 :3-4)

 Remember this important fact: Your Savior has a personal word for you!
(Psalm 119:25- 28, 50, 72, 89, 90, 105, 130; Prov. 6:20-23; Ps. 40:7-8; Jer.
15:16, 23-29; Matt. 4:4; plus many more).

 When we are encouraging to others, it means we have been given the

strength for others and we have a surplus for ourselves. Then, we can see
our spiritual and personal lives supported and built up greatly, we can see
what He has for us, and we can live a life worthy and for His glory. We will be
encouraged and strengthened indeed!

Humbleness is characterized by the willingness to receive learning, and

experience growth in Christ. Peter and James tell us we ought to be humble
toward one other so that we can know the grace of God and not be in opposition
to God. Then we can be humble, not only toward one another, but toward God.
This is so straightforward. This is so essential if we are to be a blessed Christian
and to be a growing church, not in numbers, but in discipleship!

SEVENTH: Ask the Question: “Is there sin in my life for which confession
and repentance are needed?”

Confession and repentance require us to employ our faith and repent,

which means to embrace the liberation, empowerment, and abundance we have
in Christ by completely and utterly turning away from our sin (as in our wrong
desires and deeds), moving toward His love and plan. We have to see the
wonders of God’s Word and that His Word sets us free. It does not bind us to
traditions and meaningless rhetoric; it liberates us into joy and contentment; it
brings out the best in us, giving us purpose and real, authentic meaning (Rom.
2:4; 3:9-4:8; 2 Cor. 7:8-12; James 4: 7-10).

 What are you doing that is sin? How are you going to remove the sin?
 To grow in Christ, we need to let the Bible be a window to God and a mirror to
ourselves. (James 1:21)

 God calls us and empowers us to authentic repentance (Acts 5:31; Rom. 2:4;
2 Tim. 2:25-26).

 Repentance will facilitate our humility (Proverbs 3:34); then, Christ Himself
will lift us up.

 Real repentance entails full, genuine confession, restitution, and the will to
turn to Christ, not just as Savior, but also as Lord. This is not just a one-time
deed, but a lifestyle that places Christ first and foremost in our daily lives.

This means we lift up our will to Him, and surrender it to His Lordship. He
is our God and Commander, the One who first loved and cared for us. Thus, we
should desire to use this imperative question to allow God’s introspection upon
our soul. It will help put our lives in order so we reflect His guidance when we first
come to Him, and then, give us the desire to lead a life that glorifies Him.
Subsequently, when we do wrong, we will realize it from the law written on our
hearts and revealed in His Word; we can then turn to Him (2 Cor. 7:10-11).

EIGHTH: Ask the Question: “How can I be changed, so I can learn and
grow?”

This is the step that helps us internalize what we are learning. It is the
process of interpretation, which means determining the meaning of the text—not
just what it says, but what we do with it. Thus, when we ask “what does it mean?”
we then need to determine how the answer is going to “fit” into our lives so we
are changed individuals.

Wise people are those who are willing to grow and improve themselves. It
is not an IQ thing; intelligence has nothing to do with wisdom (Proverbs 1:5-7;
3:11-12). You must be willing to learn about your personality and what you need
to improve and work on; God’s Word is the key to opening our hearts and minds.

 How do you begin to be a person who learns? Be a person who listens!

 No matter what is happening in our lives, God is working and leading us in the
direction of learning and growing (Rom 8:28-29).

 Our hurt and pain, our rejection and loneliness may cloud us for a time, but
we must not let it mislay our focus.

 God knows our suffering and has a plan to work it out—if not now, then in the
life to come (Psalm 146).
 To grow in Christ, we need to know and do God's will. (Matt. 7:24-29, Rom.
12:2, Col. 1:9)

Just look at all the passages where God is directing us upward to learn
rather than inward to be filled with contempt! (Ex 33:13; Job 6:24; Job 34:32;
Psalm 25:4-5; Psalm 27:11; Psalm 51:6; Psalm 86:11; Psalm 119:12; 26; 33; 64;
66; 68; 108; 24; 135; 171; Psalm 143:10—and there are many more!) These are
the principle verses for us as sincere, authentic Christians who are held
responsible for doing something with our Christian lives. We are not called to be
pretty; rather, we are called to get dirty! This is implied in all that we do and
believe (Prov. 19:17; James 1:26-27).

NINTH: Ask the Question: “What is in the way of these precepts affecting
me? What is in the way of my listening to God?”

Have you ever wondered what blocks the increase of our trust and faith in
Jesus Christ? Why do some people grow in their faith, character, and maturity
while others do not? The main reason is that many Christians set up so many
barriers and walls to block growth in Christ that they cause us to hold back from
receiving and living the best He has for us and we become stagnate. We become
our own worst enemy. If we remain obedient, faithful, and take seriously our
study of His Word, He will show us the way. In most cases, sin is not the only
thing that holds us back from growing in Christ. Rather, it is often the refusal to
recognize His divine power because we do not take His Word seriously;
therefore, we do not apply it earnestly and continually. When we are ignorant of
who He is and what He can do, then we become afraid, and our growth, as well
as our usefulness as a church, becomes stagnate.

 Jesus calls to us to rise up and walk. To walk and to grow, we must desire to
do so!

 What keeps you behind the barriers? Consider where your life is spent in
time, purpose, thinking, relationships, service…?

 Carefully consider any barriers in your thinking that block you from the core
truth and reality of Jesus Christ as LORD of your life!

o Consider any barriers you may have to knowing Christ further—

about Him, His story, His character…?
o What about barriers from growing in Christ, and not taking time and
effort in your spiritual walk?
o What are the barriers from following His will?
 o What about barriers we place in the way of worshiping Christ in a
deeper, more heartfelt way? Consider what distracts you.
Remember, worship is not just a service; it is a lifestyle!
o What holds you back in your spiritual development and
deployment? Traditions? Presumptions? Time? Commitment?

 Are we able to understand how important this is? Do we trust in His

provision? Do we know where we need to be, and that being in God’s Word
shows us the Way?

 Are we in the battle for Jesus’ sake or for ourselves? What does God require?
Are we maintaining a cause—or Christ?

 Are we willing to allow God to be God, to sanctify us beyond our comfort

zone, experiences, and expectations? (Matt. 13:23; 1 Thess. 2:23)

TENTH: Ask the Question: “How does this apply to me? What will I do
about it?”

This is the question that we ask to see how the truth of what we are
reading applies to our lives.

Jesus calls us to be doers with His Word. When we really hear God’s
Word, without any barriers, it will impact us existentially (change us internally)
down to the depths of who we are in personality, thinking, and attitudes, then it
will lead us to godly actions. It will model and show both a loving concern for
others and His precepts in concert. We have to be willing to hear it before we can
practice it. If we do not practice, it becomes useless. This does not mean doing
something without the knowledge to do it right, or going off without purpose or
direction.

 To grow in Christ, we need to be strengthened in our faith formation so we

can be obedient. (Rom. 15:4.)

 Good exegesis means that the precepts we have dug out are also to be
applied and not set aside.

 We are not to submit to an application that we think should be or what the

world says they should be, but apply what God says it should be.

 Application comes out of a changed life, and leads to a life transformed!

 What must I do to make God’s Word real in me? What is my response?

 The Word of God should lead us to model the character of Christ, and to form
us in the image of God. How should we carry out these changes?

 Pray and ask God how to implement His truth to you.

Righteousness cannot be achieved by any human effort; we can do

nothing outside of Christ. God's will is in complete control; we must remove
whatever is blocking us in order to realize this. We are to receive His grace and
sanctification for our lives (Duet. 33:27; Rom 7:7-25; Rev. 1:17). We, at Into Thy
Word, have many resources to help you in this journey.

The choice is ours to make it either simple or complicated, to be hurt or to

be happy. By simply following 1 Corinthians 12-13 and Galatians 5:22-23, you
will be able to transcend any barriers to discipleship and Christian growth. Your
relationships will vastly improve because you will be acting as God calls you to,
and people normally respond in kind as they are treated. The choice requires
faith in action and growth in Him. It requires us to recognize what Christ has done
for us so our fears and letdowns do not become either our gods or our focuses in
life. He is the Focus; He is our God (Philip. 1:6; 27- 2: 11; 3:10).

ELEVENTH: Ask the Question: “What can I model and teach?”

This is the step where the rubber of our faith-formation tires meets the
road of life. All of the previous five steps lead up to this. This is the main point of
why we study the Bible—and that is to do something with it. Of course, we all do
something with it; either we ignore it or we are transformed by it. We must ask
ourselves, “How can the teaching about God’s Word relate to my problems,
feelings, values, attitudes, situations, ambitions, needs, desires, and
relationships?” And then, what have I leaned that can benefit others?

God's Word will lead to godly action when it is received by a person who is
rooted in Christ, whose life has been transformed. If not, we are self-deluded as
James states in verses 23-27 and Ezekiel declares in Ezek. 3:30-32. Thus, the
Bible must be read, it must be adhered to, it must impact us. Then, a visible and
viable result will occur as our faith development increases and our purpose is set
for a life that is worth living and one that leads others to Him. Further action
would be taking our faith to the streets of life and actually helping others in a real,
authentic way.

 To grow in Christ, we need to be equipped in Him by His precepts, and ready

for His service. (2 Tim. 3:15-16)

 Remember, the Word of God’s purpose is to transform us into the image of

God—to model His character! And then, we can tell and show others.
TWELTH: Ask the Question: “What does God want me to share with
someone?”

God uses His Word to transform us; it is what He does, and then what we
do. He sends us His Spirit; we respond. This incorporates a prime key to the
success of finding our purpose in life, which is found by growing in Christ and
applying His precepts. What we have learned will positively impact others just as
what we refuse to learn will negatively affect others. The simple application of
love, character, and fruit, and the willingness to be disciplined and to use them
will be our signature, as a contagious Christian of the faith, in our witness and
impact to others around us. Our trust and obedience will help us cross any
barriers. In obedience, we become willing to serve God rather than our needs,
even before we know what the call may be, and take this mindset into life and to
others! To grow even further, we can be more contemplative in His Word and in
prayer.

 To grow in Christ, we need to willing and able to share with others what we
have learned; this is mentoring, and we do it as a lifestyle and example as
well as by being a counselor and guide to others.

 To be accountable, let someone else you know and trust hold you to your
promises, especially as they relate to the study of God’s Word.

Conclusion

The Basic Inductive Bible Study Questions are simple and easy to
memorize .We even have a “cheat sheet” you can put in your Bible with further
questions (INSERT LINK. Basically, you will want to read the Bible for all that it is
worth so that it and He impact you by this:

 Seeing it!
 Knowing it!
 Doing it!

In the Book of James, God is warning us not to just know, but also to do
something with what we have learned. His Word must impact us; for this to
happen, we must listen to Him so His precepts will affect us. We do not want to
be as James says, “hearers only.” This is a statement that characterizes self-
delusion and hypocrisy. In contrast, some Jews at that time believed they were
required to memorize the Law (Word of God), but did not need to practice it. How
many Christians do you know who do this too? I know some! For them, the value
was only in the learning; the practicing of it was treated with contempt. We must
realize how important this question is and not glance over it, because
complacency is deadly to a church; it will fall swiftly and hard into utter
worthlessness and eventually close (Ezek. 33:30-32; James 1:21-27).

Hearing His Word is also the quintessential skill we need in order to be

“doers of His Word,” and to apply His precepts into our lives; it also helps mature
the lives of others. Is your faith weak? Are you listening to God? The first job of a
Christian who wants to grow in his or her faith formation is to listen. Effective
listening is essential to growing in faith or building a friendship! This must
transpire so we can be “doers of the word and not hearers only” (James 1:22).
How we choose to listen and lead our lives will be the proof that we belong to
God and are not living just for ourselves (Luke 8:21).

 To grow in Christ, we need to be equipped by His precepts and ready for His
service. (2 Tim. 3:15-16)

 Growing in the Spirit is a day-by-day progression, just like learning to read,

the study of mathematics or science, or learning to play a musical instrument.
It takes time and effort! So, do not be discouraged if your goals do not come
about as quickly as you would like.

The Inductive Bible Study Basics will help you apply God’s Word to your
life! When we listen, we open our minds and hearts to the Truth of our Lord. We
will also hear what godly people are saying, which will sharpen us and let us
know when there is error. The person who gets in His word, who sees, knows,
and applies it, will be growing and useful for Christ. He or she will be exhibiting
good character and godliness as he or she moves into actually applying
Christianity, to being “doers of the Word” (Prov. 28:13-14; Mark 3:7-8; John 8:47;
Rom. 12:15; Col. 3:12; James 1:2-27; 1 John 1:8-9).

Let us be doers of His mighty Word!

REMEMBER: BIBLE STUDY IS WORK!!!

So, what about devotional reading?

Can we just read the Bible? After all, cannot the same Spirit that inspired
the writers of the Bible inspire us, too? Of course! We also need to read the Bible
devotionally and regularly, as a love letter, for our edification and growth.
Devotional reading is one kind of Bible reading that is essential for growth and
discipleship. But, devotional reading is not always study, and this curriculum is
designed to teach you how to study the Bible. As you learn these principles and
tools, your devotional reading will increase in value too because you will be able
to instinctively use these common-sense tools.
Check out some passages that tell us that discipleship and mentoring are not an
option, but a command: Matthew 28:16-20; Romans 12; 1 Corinthians 12;
Galatians 6:1-10; Mark 1:35 – 2:12. We must follow out of obedience, and
mentor in a multigenerational lifestyle, caring for the total person. This will move
us from just playing church to really being a church.

HARD WORK WILL PAY OFF!

© 1979, 1998, 2000, 2006 R. J. Krejcir Ph.D. Into Thy Word Ministries
www.intothyword.org

Richard Joseph Krejcir is the Founder and Director of Into Thy Word Ministries, a
missions and discipling ministry. He is the author of several books including Into
Thy Word, A Field Guide to Healthy Relationships and Net-Work. He is also a
pastor, teacher, and speaker. He is a graduate of Fuller Theological Seminary in
Pasadena, California (M.Div.) and holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Practical
Theology from London (Ph.D). He has garnered over 20 years of pastoral
ministry experience, mostly in youth ministry, including serving as a Church
Growth Consultant.