The Inductive Bible Study Method Ruth CCBC PDF

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The Inductive Bible Study Method

Introduction:
The Inductive Bible Study Method has been used for many years and has proven to be
very effective. The inductive method attempts to discover the facts of a text through
careful Observation and then draw some Interpretation of these facts to understand
what the writer meant. The third step is to make Applications first in a general way and
move to more personal Application. This inductive method is known, in short,
sometimes as the OIA Method.
3 Qualities of the Inductive Method

To have effective Bible Study, one must have a method. It is the intent of this course to
develop an inductive method of study, as it is applied to Biblical analysis. Although the
inductive method of study will accomplish many things in our study of the Scripture, the
student will still have to become disciplined in the method and also realize that at times
other methods must be employed.
#1: The Inductive M ethod is a Scientific approach to the study of the Scriptures.
It begins with what you see
It follows with an interpretation of what you see
It then demands an application
#2: The Inductive M ethod is Analytical.
The student must examine the smallest details down to the punctuation.
The structure of the literature becomes of paramount importance.
We must learn where paragraphs, sentences, and topics begin and end.
#3: The Inductive M ethod is Re-creative.
This implies a rediscovery of what the authors intended to say; realizing what the
authors meant for the people to understand when hearing it for the first time.
Methods of Bible Study
Inductive and Deductive Study: A Study in Contrast
Inductive Study -
Begins with the Text.

It Examines, Investigates the Text.
It then inducts the truth from text.
IBS Narratives Using Ruth 2015 Calvary Chapel Bible College Dumaguete, Philippines. May not be reproduced without
written permission from CCBC Dumaguete, Philippines. Revised May 2015.
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Etym ology: inducts

To install in an office or position (dictionary.com)
Illustrations:
Mango Flower Inducers
Induced Baby Labor
Deductive Study
-Begins with an Idea, which a person believes to be

true. The student then looks for scripture text to support or prove the idea. This is
called a proof text. Once a scripture or proof text is found, the student then assumes
and teaches it as biblical truth (?).
Exam ple 1:
INC - The Only True Church? (John 10:9)
I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find
pasture.
Exam ple 2: Upon this Rock I will build my church! (Matthew 16:18)
INC view: Kang kinsang Iglesia (Whose church)?
RC View: Peter is the Rock (first pope)
Biblical view
IBS Overview
Questions W e Ask in Inductive Bible Study
1. Observation - What do I see?
2. Interpretation - What does it mean?
3. Application - How should I respond?
The inductive method attempts to:

1. Discover the facts of a text through careful observation...
2. And then draw some interpretation of these facts to understand what the
writer meant.
3. The third step is to make applications, first in a general way and move to more
personal application.
This inductive method is known, in short, as the IBS or O IA M ethod.
To have effective Bible Study, one must have a method. It is the intent of this course to
develop an inductive method of study.
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Understanding The Literary Forms

The Bible is written using three literary forms:
Story Forms (Narratives)
Instructional and Exhortive Forms (Epistles)
Poetic, Parable, and the Prophetic Revelation Forms
Story Form Examples

Historical accounts of events in such books as:
Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers & Deuteronomy
Old Testament Historical Books: Joshua - Esther
The Gospels, Acts
The M ain Features of the Story Form s
People
Places
Events
Emotions
Basic Tools For O bserving the Story Form s
Ask: Who, What, Where, When, How
Retell the events in your own words
Find the relationship between the people
Try to feel the emotions
Place yourself in the shoes of each person
Ask yourself what do you.see? feel? think?
Instructional & Exhortive Form Examples

The logical development of a subject in books such as:
Pauls Epistles
Peters Epistles
Johns Epistles
Jude, James
Some account of Jesus teachings (Sermon of the mount, Upper room
discourse..etc.)
The M ain Features of the Instructional Form s
Ideas and its logical arrangement
Words, verbs
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Keys for Observing the Instructional Forms

Outline the development of the ideas in the passage
Note things like repeated words
Look for:
Comparison
Contrasts
Transition words such as: therefore, because, for, but, etc.
Poetic ,Parables & Prophetic Form Examples

Non-literal language or Figurative language
The arrangement of ideas into patterns.
The use of symbols to express the idea, such as in:
Psalms, Proverbs, Job
Isaiah, Malachi & other Prophetic books
The M ain Features of the Poetic & Prophetic Form s

Figurative Language
Parallelisms
Keys for Observing Poetic Forms
Determine the type of Parallelism used by the Poet.

Make a basic outline of the passage.
Look for all the different figurative language.
Note the things that are repeated.
Keys for Interpretation

Attempt to determine what the passage meant to the people originally hear it.
What does the author mean to make him write this way?
What does he see?
What does he feel?
What does he think?
Why does he write this?
What would it mean to the people that have heard it in Biblical time and culture?
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Keys for Application

W hat will I do?
Appeal to the Holy Spirit for teaching and leading
Apply the main point to your life?
o
Is there an example I should follow?
o
Is there a sin I should forsake?
o
Is there an error I should avoid?
o
Is there a promise I should keep?
o
Is there a command I should obey?
How
will I do it?
What do I plan to do about it?
What difference will I make in my life?
What plans can I make?
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Assignment #1 A Preliminary exercise in Observation!

Observe this illustration carefully.
Make a list (in a separate sheet or notebook) of all the details you see!
(Illustration taken from The Victor Journey through the Bible, Page 197, Victor
Books)
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Developing Observation Skills

There are 3 Levels in doing a careful observation of a scripture text:
1. Observe the Big Picture of the Text- getting an Overview and first impressions
2. Observe the Structure of the Text (Breaking the Big picture apart!)
3. Observe the Details of the Text
Howard G. and William D. Hendricks (Living By the Book) suggests Ten strategies to
first-rate reading:
1. Read thoughtfully
2. Read selectively
3. Read meditatively
4. Read telescopically
5. Read repeatedly
6. Read prayerfully
7. Read purposely
8. Read patiently
9. Read imaginatively
10. Read accusatively
Part 1
Observing the Big Picture
The purpose here is to get an overview of the text by casually reading through the text
and recording your first impressions. Record the major facts.
Observe the Structure of the Scripture text

It is important for us to have a good understanding of the structure of whatever book we are
studying in the Bible.
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Text Structure
The Bibleas a whole
a Book
Section
Chapters
Segment
Verses
Sentences
Phrase
Word
Contextual Tree
You may also refer to the structure as your contextual tree. When you are studying, say
a particular word and you wanted to understand its meaning, you need to go up one
step in your contextual tree to see how the word was used in a phrase, or in a sentence;
thus as you go up higher in the Contextual Tree you will begin to see and understand
the meaning by understanding how it was used in its immediate and bigger context.
Important Things to Remember
Chapter and Verse Numbers These are NOT part of the Original Scripture
Main Theme & Definitions

Main Theme in every book of the Bible there is a Main Theme. Your Main Theme should
highlight the most important focus of the story? Ask yourself this question: What spiritual truth
is it illustrating?
Segm ent a segment is a group of verses
Section a section of Scriptures text has many segments
Division usually bigger than a section, and dividing the book into major parts.
Making a Simple Outline
Outlining is a way of seeing & identifying parts of the text structure. It helps us study in a
systematic way. It helps us see the whole context and It also helps us work with smaller parts
of the text. Once we have identified all the parts of the text structure, we can now begin
outlining the text.
Exam ple: Making a Simple Outline of a Whole Book
Break the whole text of Mark into major divisions and Sections
Break the Sections into smaller groups of verses or Segments. (Note: in Bigger books,
the segments may further be broken into still smaller portion (or sub-segments).)
Identify the theme of the book.
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Keys in O utlining a Text - Things To Look For:

(Where do we find the Sections & Segments? Why do we break the text at those verses?)
Look for change of scenes;
Look for change in subjects, statements or conversations;
Look for Transition words;
Look for Repeated Words.
Sim ple Outline - Book of M ark
Them e: Jesus the Servant
I.
The Preparation for Jesus Public Ministry (1:113)
II.
Jesus Early Galilean Ministry (1:143:6)
III.
Jesus Later Galilean Ministry (3:76:6a)
IV.
Jesus Ministry in and beyond Galilee (6:6b8:30)
V.
Jesus Journey to Jerusalem (8:3110:52)
VI.
Jesus Ministry in and around Jerusalem (11:113:37)
VII.
Jesus Suffering and Death in Jerusalem (chaps. 1415)
VIII.
Jesus Resurrection from the Dead near Jerusalem (16:18)
IX.
Jesus other Appearances and the Great Commission (16:920)
Segm ent Outlining Exam ple:
(taking the first two Section of the Book of Mark)
I.
The Preparation for Jesus Public Ministry

a. John the Baptist Prepares the Way
b. The Baptism of Jesus
c. The Temptation of Jesus
(1:113)
(1:1-8)
(1:9-11)
(1:12-13)
II.
Jesus Early Galilean Ministry

a. Jesus Begins His Ministry
b. Jesus Calls the First Disciples
c. Jesus Heals a Man with an Unclean Spirit
d. Jesus Heals Many
e. Jesus Preaches in Galilee
f. Jesus Cleanses a Leper
g. .
(1:143:6)
(1:14-15)
(1:16-20)
(1:21-28)
(1:29-34)
(1:35-39)
(1:40-45)
Note: the 2 nd section continues to the whole of chapter 2 and all the way to
chapter 3:6.
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Exam ple: M ark 1

(Section 1: The Preparation for Jesus Public M inistry 1:1-13)
Segm ent#1: John the Baptist Prepares the W ay (1:1 -8)
1 The beginning of the gospel about Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
2 It is written in Isaiah the prophet:
I will send my messenger ahead of you,
who will prepare your way
3
a voice of one calling in the desert,
Prepare the way for the Lord,
make straight paths for him.
4 And so John came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching a baptism of
repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 The whole Judean countryside and all the
people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him
in the Jordan River. 6 John wore clothing made of camels hair, with a leather belt
around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 And this was his message: After
me will come one more powerful than I, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to
stoop down and untie. 8 I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy
Spirit.
Segm ent #2: The Baptism of Jesus
(1:9-11)
9 At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the
Jordan. 10 As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open
and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven: You
are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.
Segm ent #3: The Tem ptation of Jesus (1:12-13)
12 At once the Spirit sent him out into the desert, 13 and he was in the desert forty
days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.
Assignment #2
Assignm ent O bjectives: Outlining the book of Ruth
Read through the entire text of Ruth.
Break the whole text into into Sections & Segments. (Bonus: Actual Sections are given in
the Text.)
Look for the books Main Theme.
Write your Complete Outline in your notebook.
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Ruth
Elim elechs Fam ily Goes to M oab
1 Now it came to pass, in the days when the judges ruled, that there was a famine in
the land. And a certain man of Bethlehem, Judah, went to dwell in the country of Moab,
he and his wife and his two sons. 2 The name of the man was Elimelech, the name of his
wife was Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and ChilionEphrathites
of Bethlehem, Judah. And they went to the country of Moab and remained there. 3 Then
Elimelech, Naomis husband, died; and she was left, and her two sons. 4 Now they took
wives of the women of Moab: the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the
other Ruth. And they dwelt there about ten years. 5 Then both Mahlon and Chilion also
died; so the woman survived her two sons and her husband.
Naomi Returns with Ruth
6
Then she arose with her daughters-in-law that she might return from the country of
Moab, for she had heard in the country of Moab that the LORD had visited His people
by giving them bread. 7 Therefore she went out from the place where she was, and her
two daughters-in-law with her; and they went on the way to return to the land of Judah.
8
And Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, Go, return each to her mothers house.
The LORD deal kindly with you, as you have dealt with the dead and with me. 9 The LORD
grant that you may find rest, each in the house of her husband.
So she kissed them, and they lifted up their voices and wept. 10 And they said to her,
Surely we will return with you to your people.
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But Naomi said, Turn back, my daughters; why will you go with me? Are there
still sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands? 12 Turn back, my daughters,
gofor I am too old to have a husband. If I should say I have hope, if I should have a
husband tonight and should also bear sons, 13 would you wait for them till they were
grown? Would you restrain yourselves from having husbands? No, my daughters; for it
grieves me very much for your sakes that the hand of the LORD has gone out against
me!
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Then they lifted up their voices and wept again; and Orpah kissed her mother-inlaw, but Ruth clung to her.
15
And she said, Look, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her
gods; return after your sister-in-law.
16
But Ruth said:
Entreat me not to leave you,
Or to turn back from following after you;
For wherever you go, I will go;
And wherever you lodge, I will lodge;
Your people shall be my people,
And your God, my God.
17
Where you die, I will die,
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And there will I be buried.

The LORD do so to me, and more also,
If anything but death parts you and me.
18
When she saw that she was determined to go with her, she stopped speaking to her.
19
Now the two of them went until they came to Bethlehem. And it happened, when
they had come to Bethlehem, that all the city was excited because of them; and the
women said, Is this Naomi?
20
But she said to them, Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has
dealt very bitterly with me. 21 I went out full, and the LORD has brought me home again
empty. Why do you call me Naomi, since the LORD has testified against me, and the
Almighty has afflicted me?
22
So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabitess her daughter-in-law with her, who
returned from the country of Moab. Now they came to Bethlehem at the beginning of
barley harvest.
Ruth M eets Boaz
2 There was a relative of Naomis husband, a man of great wealth, of the family of
Elimelech. His name was Boaz. 2 So Ruth the Moabitess said to Naomi, Please let me
go to the field, and glean heads of grain after him in whose sight I may find favor.
And she said to her, Go, my daughter.
3
Then she left, and went and gleaned in the field after the reapers. And she
happened to come to the part of the field belonging to Boaz, who was of the family of
Elimelech.
4
Now behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem, and said to the reapers, The LORD be
with you!
And they answered him, The LORD bless you!
5
Then Boaz said to his servant who was in charge of the reapers, Whose young
woman is this?
6
So the servant who was in charge of the reapers answered and said, It is the
young Moabite woman who came back with Naomi from the country of Moab. 7 And
she said, Please let me glean and gather after the reapers among the sheaves. So she
came and has continued from morning until now, though she rested a little in the
house.
8
Then Boaz said to Ruth, You will listen, my daughter, will you not? Do not go to
glean in another field, nor go from here, but stay close by my young women. 9 Let your
eyes be on the field which they reap, and go after them. Have I not commanded the
young men not to touch you? And when you are thirsty, go to the vessels and drink
from what the young men have drawn.
10
So she fell on her face, bowed down to the ground, and said to him, Why have I
found favor in your eyes, that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner?
11
And Boaz answered and said to her, It has been fully reported to me, all that you
have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband, and how you have
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left your father and your mother and the land of your birth, and have come to a
people whom you did not know before. 12 The LORD repay your work, and a full reward
be given you by the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge.
13
Then she said, Let me find favor in your sight, my lord; for you have comforted
me, and have spoken kindly to your maidservant, though I am not like one of your
maidservants.
14
Now Boaz said to her at mealtime, Come here, and eat of the bread, and dip
your piece of bread in the vinegar. So she sat beside the reapers, and he passed
parched grain to her; and she ate and was satisfied, and kept some back. 15 And when
she rose up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men, saying, Let her glean even
among the sheaves, and do not reproach her. 16 Also let grain from the bundles fall
purposely for her; leave it that she may glean, and do not rebuke her.
17
So she gleaned in the field until evening, and beat out what she had gleaned, and
it was about an ephah of barley. 18 Then she took it up and went into the city, and her
mother-in-law saw what she had gleaned. So she brought out and gave to her what she
had kept back after she had been satisfied.
19
And her mother-in-law said to her, Where have you gleaned today? And where
did you work? Blessed be the one who took notice of you.
So she told her mother-in-law with whom she had worked, and said, The mans
name with whom I worked today is Boaz.
20
Then Naomi said to her daughter-in-law, Blessed be he of the LORD, who has not
forsaken His kindness to the living and the dead! And Naomi said to her, This man is
a relation of ours, one of our close relatives.
21
Ruth the Moabitess said, He also said to me, You shall stay close by my young
men until they have finished all my harvest.
22
And Naomi said to Ruth her daughter-in-law, It is good, my daughter, that you
go out with his young women, and that people do not meet you in any other field.
23
So she stayed close by the young women of Boaz, to glean until the end of barley
harvest and wheat harvest; and she dwelt with her mother-in-law.
Ruths Redem ption Assured
3 Then Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, My daughter, shall I not seek security for
you, that it may be well with you? 2 Now Boaz, whose young women you were with, is
he not our relative? In fact, he is winnowing barley tonight at the threshing floor.
3
Therefore wash yourself and anoint yourself, put on your best garment and go down to
the threshing floor; but do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished
eating and drinking. 4 Then it shall be, when he lies down, that you shall notice the place
where he lies; and you shall go in, uncover his feet, and lie down; and he will tell you
what you should do.
5
And she said to her, All that you say to me I will do.
6
So she went down to the threshing floor and did according to all that her motherin-law instructed her. 7 And after Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was cheerful,
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he went to lie down at the end of the heap of grain; and she came softly, uncovered
his feet, and lay down.
8
Now it happened at midnight that the man was startled, and turned himself; and
there, a woman was lying at his feet. 9 And he said, Who are you?
So she answered, I am Ruth, your maidservant. Take your maidservant under your
wing, for you are a close relative.
10
Then he said, Blessed are you of the LORD, my daughter! For you have shown
more kindness at the end than at the beginning, in that you did not go after young
men, whether poor or rich. 11 And now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you all
that you request, for all the people of my town know that you are a virtuous woman.
12
Now it is true that I am a close relative; however, there is a relative closer than I.
13
Stay this night, and in the morning it shall be that if he will perform the duty of a close
relative for yougood; let him do it. But if he does not want to perform the duty for
you, then I will perform the duty for you, as the LORD lives! Lie down until morning.
14
So she lay at his feet until morning, and she arose before one could recognize
another. Then he said, Do not let it be known that the woman came to the threshing
floor. 15 Also he said, Bring the shawl that is on you and hold it. And when she held
it, he measured six ephahs of barley, and laid it on her. Then she went into the city.
16
When she came to her mother-in-law, she said, Is that you, my daughter?
Then she told her all that the man had done for her. 17 And she said, These six
ephahs of barley he gave me; for he said to me, Do not go empty-handed to your
mother-in-law.
18
Then she said, Sit still, my daughter, until you know how the matter will turn out;
for the man will not rest until he has concluded the matter this day.
Boaz Redeem s Ruth
4 Now Boaz went up to the gate and sat down there; and behold, the close relative of
whom Boaz had spoken came by. So Boaz said, Come aside, friend, sit down here. So
he came aside and sat down. 2 And he took ten men of the elders of the city, and said,
Sit down here. So they sat down. 3 Then he said to the close relative, Naomi, who
has come back from the country of Moab, sold the piece of land which belonged to our
brother Elimelech. 4 And I thought to inform you, saying, Buy it back in the presence of
the inhabitants and the elders of my people. If you will redeem it, redeem it; but if you
will not redeem it, then tell me, that I may know; for there is no one but you to redeem
it, and I am next after you.
And he said, I will redeem it.
5
Then Boaz said, On the day you buy the field from the hand of Naomi, you must
also buy it from Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of the dead, to perpetuate the name of
the dead through his inheritance.
6
And the close relative said, I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I ruin my own
inheritance. You redeem my right of redemption for yourself, for I cannot redeem it.
7
Now this was the custom in former times in Israel concerning redeeming and
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exchanging, to confirm anything: one man took off his sandal and gave it to the
other, and this was a confirmation in Israel.
8
Therefore the close relative said to Boaz, Buy it for yourself. So he took off his
sandal. 9 And Boaz said to the elders and all the people, You are witnesses this day
that I have bought all that was Elimelechs, and all that was Chilions and Mahlons, from
the hand of Naomi. 10 Moreover, Ruth the Moabitess, the widow of Mahlon, I have
acquired as my wife, to perpetuate the name of the dead through his inheritance, that
the name of the dead may not be cut off from among his brethren and from his position
at the gate. You are witnesses this day.
11
And all the people who were at the gate, and the elders, said, We are witnesses.
The LORD make the woman who is coming to your house like Rachel and Leah, the two
who built the house of Israel; and may you prosper in Ephrathah and be famous in
Bethlehem. 12 May your house be like the house of Perez, whom Tamar bore to Judah,
because of the offspring which the LORD will give you from this young woman.
Descendants of Boaz and Ruth
13
So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife; and when he went in to her, the LORD
gave her conception, and she bore a son. 14 Then the women said to Naomi, Blessed
be the LORD, who has not left you this day without a close relative; and may his name
be famous in Israel! 15 And may he be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your
old age; for your daughter-in-law, who loves you, who is better to you than seven sons,
has borne him. 16 Then Naomi took the child and laid him on her bosom, and became
a nurse to him. 17 Also the neighbor women gave him a name, saying, There is a son
born to Naomi. And they called his name Obed. He is the father of Jesse, the father of
David.
18
Now this is the genealogy of Perez: Perez begot Hezron; 19 Hezron begot Ram,
and Ram begot Amminadab; 20 Amminadab begot Nahshon, and Nahshon begot
Salmon; 21 Salmon begot Boaz, and Boaz begot Obed; 22 Obed begot Jesse, and Jesse
begot David.
(NKJV)
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Part 2
Observing the Details of the Text
Look at the major facts and ask questions about the text.
W ho? Who are the characters mentioned in the text and, if possible to ascertain, what
their relationship to each other? What are their identities?
W hat? What are the key truths or happenings?
Events? Actions? Emotions? Conversations?
W here? The geography and location of the events in the passage are important?
W hen? The time sequence of the events. Also, if the time in reference to world history
can be identified this will be helpful.
How? Sequence of events are they unfold in the story.
There are simple but important questions which help us discover the details accurately.
These are KEY QUESTIONS. They help UNLOCK the truth.
WHO?
Who are the people involved in the story?

What does the text say about who they are?
Who is speaking? Who is doing the action?
WHAT?
What happens in the story?
What are the people doing?
What are the people saying?
What are their actions? What are their emotions?
WHERE?
Where are the places mentioned in the story?

Where do certain events take place?
Where are the people going? Coming from?
WHEN?
When did the story take place?

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When does the story start? End?

How long does it take from one event to another?
HOW?
How did the events happen?

How did the actions take place?
Example in Observing Details of the text:

M ark 1:35-39
35 Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and
went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. 36 Simon and his companions went to
look for him, 37 and when they found him, they exclaimed: Everyone is looking for
you!
38 Jesus replied, Let us go somewhere elseto the nearby villagesso I can preach
there also. That is why I have come. 39 So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching
in their synagogues and driving out demons.
Sample List of Observations

M ark 1:35-39
v. 35
W ho?
O: Jesus
W hen?
O: very earlywhile it was still dark.
W hat?
O: Jesus got up, left the house and went off
W here?
O: .to a solitary place, where he prayed.
Verse 36-37:
W ho?
O: Simon and his companions (v.36); many people Everyone (v.37)
W hat were they doing? W hat were they saying?
O: went to look for him (v.36); When they found him, they exclaimed: Everyone is
looking for you! (v.37)
W hat were they feeling? (W hat was their em otion?)
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O: they exclaimed..!
Verse 38:
W hat did Jesus say to them?
O: Let us go somewhere elseto the nearby villagesso I can preach there also. That
is why I have come.
W hat did he intend to do?
O: So I can preach there also; That is why I have come.
W here did he intend to go?
O: Let us go somewhere elseto the nearby villages
Verse 39:
W here else did Jesus go?
O: throughout Galilee.in their Synagogues
W hat else did Jesus do?
O: driving out demons
Additional Consideration in O bservation:
All of these Key questions are Inter-related.
People are involved in events & actions which occur at certain times
Events take place at certain times in certain places and usually involves
people
The way events & actions take place has an effect upon people
Note:
Other ways of highlighting may be employed, such as use of color highlighters, symbols,
etc. Be Creative!
Assignment #3
Read Ruth Chapter 1 carefully
Begin observing the text and list down all your observations, starting in verse 1 and
continue until the end of the first segment, then on to the next segments of the chapter
1. Be thorough, observe as many details as you can.
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Developing Interpretation Skills
Interpretation is understanding the meaning of the details weve discovered.

To understand the meaning we need to carefully examine our observations by:
Studying with a fresh attitude
Setting aside previous ideas, teachings and biases
Study using sound rules of interpretation. Hermeneutics the art & skill of interpreting
scripture texts.
Here is where we ask the question W hy
W hy?...is an open-ended question
W hy?...requires discernment
W hen we correctly answer the question - W hy? W e have an accurate
explanation of the m eaning and purpose of the details we discovered.
Other Interpretation Q uestions:
W hat? - W hat does it m ean?
How? How do the events & actions affect the people?
How do things change?
5 Basic Rules of Interpretation:

RULE # 1 - Study the Scripture within its context
I. Literary Context - Study the immediate and whole context.
It helps to clarify the meaning so we can have a better understanding of all the details.
It helps to confirm the meaning, making the truth more obvious or plain.
Example: Look at Ruth 1:8. Why did Naomi told her two daughter-in-law to go and return
to their mothers house?

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II. Historical & Cultural Context
Understanding Historical & Geographical setting helps gain insight into the story.
Understanding Culture, Manners & Customs of the lands likewise help us understand
why these people do what they do.
Examples : From readings in Ruth, What are the impt. Details concerning historical time,
geography (places), culture (ways) Which are helpful in understanding & telling the story?
Historical context
The time of the judges was a dark period in Israels history. Unable to conquer the Promised
Land completely, the people of Israel settled among the Canaanites and absorbed many of
their heathen ways. By the time the judges ruled Israel, the nation had gone far from the Lord.
But a few bright spots shine out of this period, such as the story of a loyal girl named Ruth.
Geographical Information
Fields of grain just to the east of Bethlehem, in the area where Boaz and Ruth met. Later David
cared for his father Jesses sheep in these fields. Still later, angels announced Jesus birth here.
Culture, Manners & Customs of the lands

How was barley threshed?
The cut stalks were laid on a flat rock or on packed ground called a threshing floor.
Small amounts of grain were beaten with sticks, as undoubtedly Ruth did here. For
larger amounts, workers used animals to trample over the stalks or drove rudimentary
machines over them. This continued until all the grain was freed from the stalks.
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W hat was a Kinsm an-redeem er?

A kinsman-redeemer was a close family relative. His duties, under the Mosaic Law, were
to redeem (buy back) the land of a relative who had fallen into hard times (Lev 25:25), to
buy back an enslaved relative (Lev 25:47 49), to avenge a relatives murder (Nu 35:19
21), and to fulfill the levirate law, that is, to provide an heir for a brother who had died
(Dt 25:5 10). The responsibilities of a guardian-redeemer called for sacrifice: the man
who performed these duties voluntarily diminished his own inheritance for the sake of
another.
RULE # 2 - Interpret the Scripture literally

What do the words mean in the way they are expressed? Read and understand the Bible in
the same way as other literature. Look for the plain and simple meaning first. If the plain sense
make sense, then seek no other sense.
Example: Look at Ruth 1:21 again

In what way did Naomi go out full, but came back empty? What was her fullness? Her
emptiness? Why would she use language like this?
How the words are used is what gives the words their meaning.
RULE # 3 - Let Scripture Interpret Scripture

The Scriptures are the written word of God. The Scriptures will not be in conflict with each
other.
Parallel Verses...more or less stating the same truth. Example: Gospels; Quotes from the
prophet Isaiah and others.
Cross Referencesprovide an additional view on the same subject, giving more insight
and understanding. This often requires the use of concordance such as: Strongs,
Youngs, Crudens and others.
Example 3A: Parallel Verses

The account in Mark 1:9-11 of Jesus baptism may be understood more fully by referring to
parallel verses in Matthew 3:13-17; Luke 3:21-23; and John 1:29-34 (this kind of study is also
referred to as the Harmony of the Gospels).
Matthew mentioned that John the baptist tried to prevent Jesus from being baptized by
him, instead asking Jesus to baptize him instead (Matt 3:14). Jesus explained to John
why it is fitting that John baptize him. Then John the Baptist consented to it (Matt 3:15).
Luke mentioned that while Jesus was praying, heaven was opened (Lk. 3:21).
John gives more details during this event, such as the introduction of Jesus as the lamb
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of God who takes away the sins of the world (Jn 1:29). He also described
Jesus as having a higher rank than him, for Jesus existed before him (Jn 1:30). Jesus was
also mentioned as the one who baptizes in the Holy Spirit (Jn 1:33).
Example 3B: Cross-Reference

Baptism was a highlight event in the beginning verse of Mark 1. Literally it means washing
as symbolic of inward or spiritual cleansing in the lives of Bible characters. Look at the
Concordance for other places in the Bible that the word was mentioned. By comparing the
different variances of its usage gives us better grasp of the word.
Luke 12:50, I"have"a"b"to"undergo
Romans 6:4, buried"with"him"through"b
Colossians 2:12, buried"with"him"in"b
Ephesians 4:5, one"Lord,"one"faith,"one"b
RULE # 4 - New Testament Scriptures have priority over the

Old Testament
The New Testament (Covenant) is the fulfillment of the Old Covenant.
Example 4A : Ruth 4:18-21
The genealogy is the punch line of the story. The lives of Ruth, Naomi and Boaz had
kingdom significance. Unknown to them, the family they saved was in the royal line of
King David and Jesus, the Messiah. Ruth was not the first Gentile in this line (Mt 1:3 and
Mt 1:5 list the Gentile women Tamar and Rahab). From the outset Gods kingdom has
always been global.
Example 4B: Mark 1:15

15 The time has come, he said. The kingdom of God is near.
Repent and believe the good news!
The declaration, the time has come emphasizes the distinctive note of fulfillment in Jesus
proclamation (Luke 4:1621). Gods appointed time of preparation and expectation, the Old
Testament era, now stood fulfilled in accord with Gods plan ( See also Gal. 4:4; Heb. 1:2; 9:6
15) (The Bible Knowledge Commentary).
Galatians 4:4-5
4 But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, 5 to
redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons.
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Hebrews 1:1-2
Heb 1:1 In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in
various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of
all things, and through whom he made the universe.
Luke 4:17-21
17 The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place
where it is written:
18
The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and recovery of sight for the blind,
to release the oppressed,
19
to proclaim the year of the Lords favor.
20 Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of
everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, 21 and he began by saying to them,
Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.
RULE # 5 - What is Explicit has priority over what is Implied.

Explicit - What is clearly stated and expressed; to be explicit, your interpretation need to be
clearly supported by your immediate and over-all context.
Implicit What could be or might be expressed, but without any clear basis from the text.
Example 5A:
W as Boazs kindness toward Ruth unusual?

It was probably unusual for a landowner to have any contact with gleaners. Boazs
attentions to Ruth have traditionally been attributed to romantic interest (Implied). But a
godly man of Boazs stature in the community probably would not have looked for love
among those scavenging to survive.
For Explicit teaching See Context: Ruth 2:11-12
Lets Get to Work by Charting the Text!

Charting is a simple way of systematically arranging your Inductive study of the Narrative
Text. Using the 3 column OIA Chart, lets start by listing down our Observations starting with
the first verse of the Segment and followed up with your Interpretation. Continue to the next
verse, going through same pattern of study until the end verse of your Segment.
(See Charting Form Next Page)
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27!
Charting Exam ple (M ark1:35-39)
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Assignment #4: Chart the Whole Book of Ruth

Begin by writing your first Observation detail (of your first verse) and followed up by your
Interpretation of the said detail.
Then, moved on to your next Observation and Interpretation until the last verse of the
segment, then on to the next segment until you finish the book.
Do your charting work on your notebook and to be submitted at the end of the course.
Developing Application Skills
Application is putting the things that we have learned into action. Once we have learned the
truth from the Scriptures, we are responsible to obey the truth and Apply it in our lives.
John 14:15
15
If you love me, you will keep my commandments.
John 13:17
17
If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.
Howard Hendricks (Living by the Book)

Application is the most neglected yet the most needed stage in the process. Too much Bible
study begins and ends in the wrong place: It begins with Interpretation, and it also ends there.
But weve learned that you dont start with the question, What does this mean? But rather,
What does this say? Furthermore, you dont end the process by asking, What does this mean?
But rather, How does this work? Again, not does it work but how?
Understanding, then, is simply a means to a larger end practicing biblical truth in dayto-day life. Observation plus interpretation without application equals abortion. In other
words, every time you observe and interpret but fail to apply, you perform an abortion
on the Scriptures in terms of their purpose. The Bible was not written to satisfy your
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curiosity; it was written to transform your life. The ultimate goal of Bible study, then,
is not to do something to the Bible, but to allow the Bible to do something to you, so
truth becomes tangent to life. You see, we frequently come to the Bible to study it, to
teach it, to preach it, to outline it everything except to be changed by it.
James 1:21
21
Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the
implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
The apostle James asks a penetrating question in the first chapter of his book: Does the Word
work? Answer: Yes, it does, if it is received (v.21). He uses an interesting word. It basically
means to put out a welcome mat. Do you welcome the truth into your life? Do you invite it in
the door and let it do its work on you?
Tale of 4 birds
Bird 1: I read a verse of the Bible every day!
Bird 2: I read a chapter every day!
Bird 3: I read two chapters every day!
Bird 4: I apply it to my life!
Gaither Vocal Band: I heard youre into the Wordbut Is the Word getting into you!
James 1:22-25
22
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a
hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a
mirror. 24 For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. 25 But the
one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who
forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.
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Keys for Application

What will I do?
Appeal to the Holy Spirit for teaching and leading

Apply the main point to your life?
o
Is there an example I should follow?
o
Is there a sin I should forsake?
o
Is there an error I should avoid?
o
Is there a promise I should keep?
o
Is there a command I should obey?
How will I do it?

What do I plan to do about it?
What difference will I make in my life?
What plans can I make?
Assignment #5: Complete Charting of Ruth.

Review your Interpretation of the Bible text starting with beginning verses. Begin by
writing your first application (1 or more per segment), then on to the next.
Be ready to share your work in the class.
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Next Page.
Com plete Charting Exam ple (M ark1:35-39)
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References:
1. Living by the Book (Howard Hendricks)
2. Inductive Bible Study ( Dan Finfrock, Intensive Care Ministries )
3. Inspired Bible Study Workshop ( Trip Kimball, Calvary Chapel Training Center )
4. Inductive Bible Study (John Michaels, Calvary Chapel Spring Valley)
5. Weirsbe Expository Outlines in the New Testament
6. The Bible Knowledge Commentary
7. NIV Quest Bible
8. NKJV Bible (Thomas Nelson Publishers)
9. The Victor Journey through the Bible, Victor Books

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The Inductive Bible Study Method

3 Qualities of the Inductive Method

Methods of Bible Study

Inductive and Deductive Study: A Study in Contrast

Begins with the Text.

Etym ology: inducts

-Begins with an Idea, which a person believes to be

The inductive method attempts to:

Understanding The Literary Forms

Story Form Examples

Instructional & Exhortive Form Examples

Keys for Observing the Instructional Forms

Poetic ,Parables & Prophetic Form Examples

The M ain Features of the Poetic & Prophetic Form s

Keys for Observing Poetic Forms

Determine the type of Parallelism used by the Poet.

Keys for Interpretation

Keys for Application

Assignment #1 A Preliminary exercise in Observation!

Developing Observation Skills

Observing the Big Picture

Observe the Structure of the Scripture text

Important Things to Remember

Main Theme & Definitions

Making a Simple Outline

Keys in O utlining a Text - Things To Look For:

The Preparation for Jesus Public Ministry

Jesus Early Galilean Ministry

Exam ple: M ark 1

And there will I be buried.

Who are the people involved in the story?

Where are the places mentioned in the story?

When did the story take place?

When does the story start? End?

How did the events happen?

Example in Observing Details of the text:

Sample List of Observations

Developing Interpretation Skills

Interpretation is understanding the meaning of the details weve discovered.

5 Basic Rules of Interpretation:

to their mothers house?

II. Historical & Cultural Context

Culture, Manners & Customs of the lands

W hat was a Kinsm an-redeem er?

RULE # 2 - Interpret the Scripture literally

Example: Look at Ruth 1:21 again

RULE # 3 - Let Scripture Interpret Scripture

Example 3A: Parallel Verses

Example 3B: Cross-Reference

RULE # 4 - New Testament Scriptures have priority over the

Example 4A : Ruth 4:18-21

Example 4B: Mark 1:15

RULE # 5 - What is Explicit has priority over what is Implied.

W as Boazs kindness toward Ruth unusual?

Lets Get to Work by Charting the Text!

Charting Exam ple (M ark1:35-39)

Assignment #4: Chart the Whole Book of Ruth

Developing Application Skills

If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.

Howard Hendricks (Living by the Book)

Keys for Application