Subject: Inductive Bible Study.

Class 1: HOW TO PREPARE TO STUDY THE BIBLE

The purpose of participatory Bible study is to encourage a group to debate

together a passage of Scripture, in order that they reveal what it tells us, listen to
God and proceed to act. This tool can be used to prepare a study.
from any passage of the Bible intended for a small discussion group.

It is recommended to have:

• One or more Bibles. It may be advisable to use different versions.

(translations) to be able to compare them.
• It is possible that you need a concordance, a biblical dictionary, or a guide.
of Bible study.

Normally, it takes one to two hours to prepare a Bible study.

inductive; however, participatory Bible studies can be prepared with
relative speed, perhaps just 30 minutes when you have experience; or they can take
several days depending on the amount of research, prayer, and other preparations
that is decided to be reflected in them.

There are three key aspects that should be considered during preparation:

• Observation: examine carefully what appears in the passage.

• Interpretation: to interpret what the passage means.
• Application: to apply the passage according to your life or context and thus act.

Preparation.

It is important to dedicate enough time to self-preparation so that you feel

safe when leading the Bible study. However, some people find that
when they spend too much time preparing, it will be harder for them to listen to the
ideas from others during group study time.

Don't think that you need to know everything or provide all the answers. The Bible tells us
it teaches that we are one body, and that each of us has different functions and
done. Some people learn better through self-study; others, by
listen to the opinions, experiences, and knowledge of others.

INDUCTIVE BIBLE STUDY

Read and observe the passage.

• One can consult or choose the passage to study. If there is a specific topic that
it is necessary to address in the Bible study, choose carefully those passages
that would be appropriate.

• If you need help finding the ticket you need, you can use a
matching search tool or a search tool
biblical on the Internet.

• Be prepared for a biblical passage to challenge some preconceived ideas.

what you have about it. Spend time reading and reflecting on the text
Carefully. Examine the main topic before focusing on the details.

• The first stage is to discover the meaning of the text. Reread the passage.
several times.

What questions come to mind when you read it?

Is there something you don't understand?
Is there something that catches your attention?

Note everything you discover and the questions that arise.

• Examine the passage carefully and try not to use any secondary material.
before doing it. If there are words you don't understand, you can use a dictionary
biblical.

• Think of some questions that help the group examine what it says
passage.

Interpret it.

• After examining and understanding the evident facts of the passage,

we need to interpret them to understand the original meaning that the author intended
to transmit.

• To interpret a passage, it is necessary to understand the context of the events.

that appear in it:

Who wrote it?

When did he write it?
Who was it written to?
What does it say?

INDUCTIVE BIBLE STUDY

 Why do you think the writer made such a statement?
What did it mean for the people of that time?
oEtc.

• Try to understand the context of the passage within the particular book and in
relationship with the rest of the Bible. Interpret Scripture with Scripture. For
understand what the passage says, look for others that are similar. You can use
a Bible search website, a comparative Bible (references
crosswords) or a concordance.

• If you need help interpreting the passage, refer to some commentaries.

biblical to see what other commentators have said.

• Please note some questions that help people understand and

interpret the passage.

Apply what you have read.

• After understanding what the passage means, we need to know what it tells us.
he/she says personally.

It is important to examine our own lives to see if we are

doing what the Bible teaches. You may ask the following questions:

§ How does what this text says apply to me?

§ What should my response be?
§ What aspects do I need to change?

Think of some specific questions that motivate the group to debate.

how the passage applies to their own lives.

In summary, before leading the Bible study, do the following:

• Take time to reflect deeply on the passage and interpret it in your own way.
original context.
• Try to understand what the passage says and what it tells us for these times.
• Think about how it applies to your life and accept the challenge.
• Prepare a certain number of questions for the group that will motivate them to examine,
interpret and apply the passage for themselves.
• Take note of observations and questions that will help guide you while
conducts the study.

INDUCTIVE BIBLE STUDY

Practical tips to prepare ourselves.

Start your study by asking for God's help.

2. It is not necessary to start reading from the beginning.
3. Choose a topic that interests you.
4. Meet a character.
Take note of what you learn.
6. Listen to the Bible online.
7. Read or share with others.
8. Investigate what you do not understand.
9. Take a break and listen.
10. Don't be discouraged.

INDUCTIVE BIBLE STUDY

Subject: Inductive BIBLICAL STUDY.
Class 2: PASSAGE READING. FOUR STEPS: INTRODUCTION AND STEP 1:
OBSERVATION

The inductive method is the procedure of learning through the observation of a

series of facts to then draw a general conclusion (going from the specific to the general)
In general, it insists that when approaching the topic or text, we abandon the ideas.
preconceived and accepted conclusions. This does not mean that we cannot
consult aids like comments, dictionaries, atlases, etc., but we will only do it
after our own research.

The procedure consists of at least three steps:

1. Observation of the facts: what the text says is noted, not our memory or
feelings or fantasies.

2. Interpretation of the facts: the meaning of the facts is determined.

observed to see what the author wanted his original readers
understand.

3. Application of the conclusion: one personally accepts the discovered truth and
one responds actively to her.

The steps in the inductive study.

• Observation:

Always start by praying.

2. Ask the six questions.
3. Underline important words and phrases.
4. Create lists.
5. Take note and record contrasts and/or comparisons.
6. Note references to time.
7. Identify conclusion words.
Summarize the themes of the chapters.
Discover lessons for life.

Step 1. Sentence.

In preparing the lesson, we must pray to God asking for His wisdom. Thus
we must pray asking God to use us in the impartation of the study, that God
may it bring understanding and persistence to our listeners.

INDUCTIVE BIBLE STUDY

2nd step. The six questions:

Question Purpose of the question Examples of questions.

Who? Discover characters. Who is speaking?
Who? Who is he/she speaking to?
Who are the characters?
Who or who listens?
Who is being talked about?
When? Discover the time. When was that said?
When was it fulfilled or when will it be fulfilled?

Where? Discover the place or places. Where is the one who speaks?
Where are the events occurring?
Where did they happen or will they happen?

How? Discover the details. How was the idea understood?

How do you come to that conclusion?
What? Discover events and ideas What is he/she saying?
What topic is being addressed?
What is said about the characters?
What principles are being established?
What caused or causes everything?

Why? Discover the reason Why is this said?

Why are they there?

3rd. Step. Underline important words and phrases.

• Words or phrases that, if removed from the passage, it loses its meaning.
• It can be a conjugated verb, the subject, the prepositional phrases.
• Repeated words.
• Pronouns and possessive and determinative forms.
• It is important to find the idea that the author had in mind; this will make it easier for us.
find the correct interpretation and not our ideas, feelings, opinions
etcetera.

INDUCTIVE BIBLE STUDY

Subject: INDUCTIVE BIBLICAL STUDY.
Class 3: OBSERVATION EXERCISES.

THE EPISTLE OF THE APOSTLE SAINT PAUL TO PHILEMON

Greeting.
1Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and brother Timothy, to the beloved Philemon, our fellow worker
our2to the beloved sister Apia, and to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the
church that is in your house:3Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord
Jesus Christ.

The love and faith of Philemon.

4Igive thanks to my God, always remembering you in my prayers,5because I hear
6
of the love and faith you have toward the Lord Jesus, and towards all the saints; for
that the participation of your faith may be effective in the knowledge of all the good that is in
7
you for Christ Jesus. For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because
For you, oh brother, the hearts of the saints have been comforted.

Pablo intercedes for Onesimus

8Therefore, although I have much freedom in Christ to command you what is appropriate,
9rather I appeal to you for love's sake, being such as I am, Paul, an old man, and now also,
10
prisoner of Jesus Christ; I beg you for my son Onesimus, whom I begot in my
prisons11which was useless to you at one time, but now is useful to you and me,12which
I am sending you again; you, therefore, receive him as you would receive me.13I would like to keep you with me,
so that in your place I could serve in my prisons for the gospel;14but I wanted nothing
to act without your consent, so that your favor would not be seen as a necessity, but
volunteer. 15
Because perhaps he separated from you for some time for this reason, so that he
You would receive forever; 16no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, as
beloved brother, mostly for me, but how much more for you, both in the flesh and
in the Lord. So,17if you consider me a partner, receive him as you would receive me. And if 18
19 I, Pablo, write this with my own hand, I...
If it harmed you in some way, or if he owes you, put it on my account.
I will pay; not to mention that you still owe me too.20Yes, brother, have I
21 to you
some benefit from you in the Lord; comfort my heart in the Lord. I have written
trusting in your obedience, knowing that you will do even more than I say.
22Prepare lodging for me as well; for I hope that through your prayers I will be...

granted.

Greetings and final blessing

23Greetings to you from Epaphras, my fellow prisoner for Christ Jesus,24Marcos, Aristarco,
Demas and Luke, my collaborators. The 25grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with
your spirit. Amen. (Reina-Valera 1960 - RVR1960).

OBSERVATION:

INDUCTIVE BIBLE STUDY

First step: Prayer.

Second step: The questions.

• Who wrote the letter?

oPablo

• Who are you talking (writing) to?

O Philemon

• Who are the characters?

Main characters: Pablo, Philemon, Onesimus.
The Secondary: Timothy, Apollos, Archippus, Epaphras, Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and
Lucas.

• Who is being talked about?

of Onesimus.

• When was that said?

The letter does not say so, (investigate).

• Where is the one who speaks (writes)?

or in prison v. 1,9,10, 13,23

• Where are the events happening?

Write from prison. 23

• How was the idea understood?

I don't say.

• What is he/she saying?

Paul is tactfully appealing to Philemon to welcome him back.
fugitive slave, Onesimus, Not only asks for mercy for a
fugitive slave, but the grace to receive him as a brother in Christ.

• Why is this said?

Pablo appeals by first recalling his close personal relationship with the
Gospel (1-2) and the well-known generosity and faithfulness to the Lord of
Philemon (4-7).
He understands well the possible reasons for Filemón's anger, but he does not enter.
to analyze the problems, but suggests three personal reasons for
that acts positively (8-9). It doesn't even mention the crime of Onesimus,
but only the constructive changes (10-13).

INDUCTIVE BIBLE STUDY

 It appeals to the redeemed, Christian nature of Philemon (12-13, 15-17) without
stop respecting their legal rights and personal feelings (14-15).
It only suggests, rather than imposing its own belief that this has
succeeded in the sovereign plan of God (15). Without minimizing evil
Onésimo's behavior, speaks of him indirectly and promises.
take personal responsibility for anything you owe (18-19).

• What topic is being addressed?

It is a plea from Paul to Philemon to receive a slave named
Onésimo who had fled.

• What is said about the characters?

Paul, who is in prison (v.1), is a close friend of Philemon (vrs. 1, 7, 9, 17, 22).
ambassador of Jesus Christ (v.9) and mediator on behalf of Onesimus (vv. 10-19)
Philemon is the recipient of the letter. He is a beloved collaborator of Paul.
(v.1), apparently a wealthy slave owner (vrs. 2, 16,22), a
column of the church (vrs. 2, 5-7), kind host (vrs 7,22) and a good
witness (v.5)
Onesimus is the reason for the letter. He is a runaway slave of Philemon.
16,18), but it has been transformed through Paul (v.10) and now it is a
transformed person, highly valued by Pablo (vrs. 11-13, 16).
Timothy, Apia, Archippus, Epaphras, Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke.
(they appear in greetings and farewells and are only mentioned their
names

• What caused or causes everything?

The request of the Apostle Paul that is of a compassionate and forgiving heart.
Paul, ambassador of Christ (v.9) had to write this letter for three
reasons.

§ First, it was legally required to return it to its owner.

lost property
§ Second, I would give Filemón the opportunity to show love and the
sorry Christians in a very delicate situation (14,17,21).
§ Third, Pablo had come to love the convert Onesimus, and
Naturally, I wanted him to know more about the practical Gospel.
of love and forgiveness (12-13,17).

Third step: Important words or phrases.

Greeting.
1Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and brother Timothy, to Philemon,
2
our collaborator, and to the beloved sister Apia, and to our companion Arquipo

INDUCTIVE BIBLE STUDY

militia, and to the church that is in your house: 3Grace and peace to you, from God our
Father and of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The love and faith of Philemon.

4I 5
thank my God, always remembering you in my prayers, because
hear of the love and faith you have towards the Lord Jesus and towards all the saints;
6so that your participation in the knowledge of all that is good is effective

is in you through Christ Jesus.7Well, we have great joy and consolation in your love,
For through you, oh brother, the hearts of the saints have been comforted.

Paul intercedes for Onesimus

8Therefore, although I have much freedom in Christ to command you what is proper,
9rather teruegopor love, being as I am, Pablo already old, and now, moreover,
10
prisoner of Jesus Christ; I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, whom I begot in my
prisons, which at another time was useless, but now is useful to you 12and
11
me,
13 like to keep him
which I send again to you; you, therefore, receive him as you would receive me. I would
14
with me, so that in your place I could serve in my prisons for the gospel; but
I did nothing without your consent, so that your favor would not be like that of
15
need, but voluntary. Because perhaps for this he distanced himself from you for some time,
so that you may receive forever; not as a 16slave, but as more than
slave, as a beloved brother, especially for me, but how much more for you, both
in the flesh as in the Lord.17So, if you have me as a partner, greet him as a
18 wronged you in anything, or owe you anything, put it to my account. I, Paul, am19writing this.
myself. And if I have
from my hand, I will pay for it; not to mention that you owe me yourself as well. Yes, 20

Brother, may I benefit from you in the Lord; comfort my heart in the Lord.
21I have written to you trusting in your obedience, knowing that you will do even more than what I
I say.22 Prepare lodging for me as well; because I hope that through your prayers...
I will be granted.

Greetings and final blessing

23Greetings from Epaphras, my fellow prisoner for Christ Jesus,24Marcos, Aristarco,

Demas and Lucas, my collaborators.25The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with
your spirit. Amen. (Reina-Valera 1960 – RVR1960).

INDUCTIVE BIBLE STUDY

Subject: Inductive BIBLE STUDY.
Class 4: STEP 2. INTERPRETATION.

4th step. Create lists.

• Creating lists is a useful tool for finding the interpretation.

• For example: Galatians 5:16-26.

16I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.
17For the desire of the flesh is against the Spirit, and the desire of the Spirit is
against the flesh; and these are in opposition to one another, so that you do not do what.
you would 18 want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not19 under the law. And,
The works of the flesh are manifest, which are:

adultery enmities, heresies,

fornication lawsuits, envies
impurity jealousy homicides,
lasciviousness iras, drunkennesses
idolatry contests, orgies,
sorcery, dissentions,

...and similar things; about which I admonish you, as already

I have told you before that those who practice such things will not inherit the
kingdom of God.22But the fruit of the Spirit is:

love patience,
pleasure benignity, meekness
peace kindness temperance

Against such things, there is no law.24But those who belong to Christ have crucified
the flesh with its passions and desires. If we 25
live by the Spirit, let us walk
26
also by the Spirit. Let us not be boastful, getting irritated.
to one another, envying one another.

5th Step. Observe contrasts and comparisons.

• In contrasts and comparisons, we can find significant truths and

lessons of vital importance.
• A contrast is a similarity of different or opposite things such as
luz/tinieblas, orgulloso/humilde.
• A comparison highlights the similarity between two ideas or concepts.

INDUCTIVE BIBLE STUDY

 • For example: 1 Peter 5:8

your adversary the devil, like a roaring lion, walks around

looking for someone to devour

6th Step. Note references to time.

• The relationship of the time in which events occur often reveals the true
meaning of the passage, one can observe the moment of an event in
exact statements such as: "the tenth day of the eleventh month" or "during the
Feast of Tabernacles.

7th step. Identify conclusion terms.

• The terms of conclusion generally follow an important argument and

they include words such as: "Therefore", "thus", "for that reason", "since",
finally

• The term of conclusion is a word in context.

• For example: The word 'because' can have various meanings, the meaning
Correct, it can be understood by reading the context.

1 Peter 5:6 "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that he
"Let him be exalted when it is time;"

• A concluding term is a word in context, for example, the word

The term 'we' can only be correctly understood in its context, the meaning.
appropriate can only be understood by reading it in context.

8o. Step. Summarize the themes of the passage.

• The themes of the passages are usually centered on the character, the
event, the teaching or the main issue.

• Resuma haciendo títulos.

I tried to write them as briefly as possible, using words that

they appear in the passage.

How should a title be?

§ Short.

INDUCTIVE BIBLE STUDY

 § That it has a clear meaning of the text.
§ That it respects the author's idea.
§ Describe the central theme.

9th Step. Discover lessons for life.

• In the process of observing the text and seeing how God taught the people or tried
with different people, the Holy Spirit will show you truths that God wants
that you keep in mind and take as a guide in your life.

Interpretation.

• Interpretation is answering the question: What did the passage mean for the
original recipients?

• To interpret literally is to see what the Bible says.

How did the original recipients respond?

§ Focus on the Bible, it is the authority and it will give authority to your
message.
§ Use study tools.

INDUCTIVE BIBLE STUDY

Subject: INDUCTIVE BIBLE STUDY.
Class 5: INTERPRETATION EXERCISES.

THE EPISTLE OF THE APOSTLE SAINT PAUL TO PHILEMON

Greeting.
1Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and brother Timothy, to beloved Philemon, our fellow worker
our2and to the beloved sister Apia, and to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the
church that is in your house3Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord
Jesus Christ.

The love and faith of Philemon.

4Igive thanks to my God, always remembering you in my prayers.5because I hear
6
of the love and faith you have towards the Lord Jesus, and for all the saints; for
that the participation of your faith may be effective in the knowledge of all the good that is in
7
you for Christ Jesus. For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because
For you, oh brother, the hearts of the saints have been comforted.

Pablo intercedes for Onesimus

8Therefore, although I have great freedom in Christ to command you what is appropriate,
9rather I appeal to you for love, being who I am, Paul, now an old man, and now also,
10
prisoner of Jesus Christ; I beseech you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my
prisons11which once was useless to you, but now is useful to you and me,12which
I am sending him back to you; you, therefore, receive him as you would receive me.13I would like to keep you with me,
so that I could serve in my prisons for the gospel in your place;14but I wanted nothing
to do without your consent, so that your favor would not be seen as a necessity, but
volunteer. 15
Because perhaps for this he stayed away from you for some time, so that he could
you would receive forever; 16no longer as a slave, but as more than a slave, as
beloved brother, mostly for me, but even more for you, both in the flesh and
in the Lord. So 17
if you consider me a partner, receive him as you would receive me. And if 18

If it harmed you in any way, or owes you, put it on my account. 19

I, Pablo, write this with my own hand, I...
promissory note; not to mention that you yourself also owe me.20Yes, brother, I have
some benefit from you in the Lord; comfort my heart in the Lord. I have written 21 to you

trusting in your obedience, knowing that you will do even more than I say.
22Prepare accommodation for me as well; for I hope that through your prayers I will be...
granted.

Greetings and final blessing

23Greetings from Epaphras, my fellow prisoner for Christ Jesus,24Marcos, Aristarco,

Demas and Lucas, my collaborators. The25grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with
your spirit. Amen. (Reina-Valera 1960 – RVR1960).

INDUCTIVE BIBLE STUDY

Fourth Step. Make lists. (There are no lists in the letter).

Fifth step. Observe contrasts and comparisons.

• Receive him as you would receive me.

• So that your favor may not be out of necessity, but voluntarily.
• Not as a slave, but as more than a slave.
• Both in the flesh and in the Lord.

Sixth step. References to time.

• Always remembering you in my prayers,

• Which was once useless to you, but is now useful to you and me,
• He separated himself from you for a while, so that you could receive him forever;

Seventh step. Terms of conclusion.

• Well, we have great joy and comfort in your love.

• You, therefore, receive him as you would receive me.
• Teruego is repeated twice.
• Prisoner of Jesus Christ (twice).
• Grace and peace (theological connotation).
• Because I hear of love and faith (theological connotation).
• May the participation of your faith be effective in the knowledge of all good.
• Conceived in my prisons.
• In another time it was useless to you, but now it is useful to you and me (wordplay).
• Not as a slave, but as a beloved brother.

Eighth step. Summarize the themes of the passage.

• Greetings to the church, greetings to Philemon "beloved... our fellow worker."

• Vs. 4-7 Paul praises Philemon for his conduct, it is not flattery.

He/She has great faith in Christ.

Show great love for the saints.
He was faithful in sharing his faith.
Console the hearts of the saints.

• Verses 8-16 Paul and his good heart.

He doesn't use his authority, he begs, he pleads.
Paul "elder" and "prisoner in Christ."

INDUCTIVE BIBLE STUDY

 Onesimus, now a useful believer.
The correct thing to do is to send Onésimo back to his master.
The plea is that Philemon responds with love.
The plea includes; receiving him, forgiving him, and restoring him.

• Vs. 17-22 Paul supports his plea with a promise.

Any damage caused by Onesimus Pablo would be paid for.

• Verses 23-25 Farewell greeting

Pablo accompanies his farewell with greetings from several brothers.

Pablo's actions.

• gold for you to understand

• Having the freedom to give you an order, I prefer...
• I know he will do more than I ask

Making titles.

• Greetings.
• 4-7 Praise for Philemon.
• 8-16 Plea to Philemon (request).
• 17-22 Promise to Philemon.
• 23-25 Farewell.

Ninth step. Discover lessons for life.

• Pablo, ambassador of Christ (v.9) had to write this letter for three reasons.

First, it was legally required to return the property to its owner.

missing.
Secondly, I would give Philemon a chance to show love and forgiveness.
Christians in a very delicate situation (14,17,21).
Third, Pablo had come to love the convert Onesimus, and
naturally I wanted him to know more about the practical Gospel of
love and forgiveness (12-13,17).
In the fourth place, some churches met in houses.

INTERPRETATION:

• Pablo is imprisoned, probably in Rome.

• He expects to be released soon and wants to visit Philemon (22).
• It would seem that Philemon was in Colossae (Colossians 4:7-17).

INDUCTIVE BIBLE STUDY

 • Pablo knows the place (1, 19).
• If Paul was imprisoned in Rome, the year must have been around 62.
• The moment is after the conversion of Onesimus and before the announced
Pablo's visit to Colossae, so the matter is a topic of discussion
extremely delicate.
• Central date. Pablo is tactfully appealing to Philemon to receive him back.
his runaway slave, Onesimus, who according to Roman law deserved the harshest
punishment from their owner.
• Not only does he ask for mercy for a runaway slave, but also for grace
receive him as a brother in Christ.
• Pablo trusted that the Christian understanding of the situation by
Philemon would have me not follow the Roman law of revenge, but love and the
forgiveness of the offender, as Your Lord (20-22).
• Paul's letter to Philemon is a notable example of how a Christian writes.
about a crucial but delicate problem.
• The practical application of the gospel of forgiving love was at stake.
Jesus Christ. Paul does not ask for the remembrance of past personal favors, or
only by the Christian principle, or by its apostolic authority.
• Appeal rather to love, to the best of the redeemed nature of Philemon,
giving him the opportunity to show his grace towards Onesimus, and thus, by his
obedience, continue "the participation of your faith (so that it is) effective in the
knowledge of all the good that is in you through Christ Jesus" (v.6).
• This letter can be an example (parable) of the Gospel itself.

Philemon represents the offended God who legally possesses Onesimus and
I could legally punish him by branding him with fire or killing him. Or
you can receive it by grace in a superior personal relationship.
Onesimus, the guilty sinner, had probably been born a slave, but
he had voluntarily transgressed by fleeing. He has no rights of his own, not
can defend their cause, deserves condemnation and is completely at
mercy of his master.
Pablo is the intercessor friend, who loves both Philemon and Onesimus so much.
His appeal is based on love, and he takes upon himself the debt of the offender,
trusting in the mercy and grace of the offended Philemon.
No other biblical account describes more vividly and warmly than this.
Appeal to Philemon on how Christians should forgive one another,
as God forgave you in Christ

Inductive Bible Study

Subject: INDUCTIVE BIBLICAL STUDY.
Class 6: STEP 3. APPLICATION.

Application.

• In the application, we seek the mandates and principles of the text to

to appropriate them, answer the question: what does this truth mean to me?

• The response can be a practical action, such as apologizing to someone. Or

it can be personal, spontaneous worship.

• We can find many applications, so we must focus on the

Bible and adapt the situation.

A. Now, the Holy Spirit will be giving you both personal applications
as for his students.

B. From alternatives, examples from today, its own application, highlight the
application of the Bible, encourage people to respond, ask the Spirit
Saint who is a conviction of the truth.

C. Search specifically:

Something to believe: (What does the passage teach about God and His
activities? about life with him? about life without him?

Something to praise God for: (What makes Him rejoice? Why?

What things can you thank God for?) Something to amend: (What
What personal attitudes need to change? What wrongdoings should be addressed?
to be confessed? What personal relationships need to improve?)

3. Something to ask God: (What are your needs or those of others, God
can and wants to satisfy, as the passage shows?

4. Something to plan for and to pray about: (What practical action

Should I start? What is the first step?

INDUCTIVE BIBLICAL STUDY

Subject: Inductive BIBLE STUDY.
Class 7: APPLICATION EXERCISES.

THE EPISTLE OF THE APOSTLE SAINT PAUL TO PHILEMON

Greeting.
1Pablo, prisoner of Jesus Christ, and brother Timothy, to the beloved Philemon, fellow worker
ours2and to the beloved sister Apphia, and to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the
church that is in your house:3Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord
Jesus Christ.

The love and faith of Philemon.

4Igive thanks to my God, always remembering you in my prayers,5because I hear
6
of the love and faith you have toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all the saints; for
that the participation of your faith may be effective in the knowledge of all the good that is in
7
you for Christ Jesus. For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because
For you, oh brother, the hearts of the saints have been comforted.

Paul intercedes for Onesimus

8Therefore, although I have much freedom in Christ to command you what is proper,
9I rather beg you for love, being who I am, Paul, already old, and now, in addition,

prisoner of Jesus Christ; I beg10you for my son Onesimus, whom I became the father of in my
prisons,11which was useless to you at another time, but is now useful to you and me,12the one which
I am sending him back to you; so receive him as you would receive me.13I would like to keep you with me,
so that I might serve in your place in my prisons for the gospel;14but I wanted nothing
to do without your consent, so that your favor would not be seen as a necessity, but
15
volunteer. Because perhaps for this he stayed away from you for some time, so that he
you would receive forever; 16 no longer as a slave, but as more than a slave, as
beloved brother, mostly for me, but how much more for you, both in the flesh and
in the Lord. So,17if you consider me a partner, receive him as you would receive me. And if 18
19
if it hurt you in some way, or owes you, put it on my account. I, Pablo, write it by my hand, I
I owe you; not to mention that you yourself also owe me.20Yes, brother, let me have it
21 to you.
some benefit from you in the Lord; comfort my heart in the Lord. I have written
trusting in your obedience, knowing that you will do even more than I say.
22Prepare accommodation for me as well; because I hope that through your prayers I will be...
granted.

Greetings and final blessing

23Epaphroditus, my fellow prisoner for Christ Jesus, greets you,24Marcos, Aristarco,

Demas and Lucas, my collaborators.25The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with
your spirit. Amen. (Reina-Valera 1960 – RVR1960).

INDUCTIVE BIBLE STUDY

APPLICATION:

• Consider one of the following topics for reflection and emphasis.

Personal rights and Christian forgiveness: What are some

common grievances that Christians have against each other? What do they
cause? What could be the role of a mediating friend between two
Christians in conflict? See Mt. 18:15-18, Gal 6:1-2, Jas 5:16-18.

The Christian and social reform: Is it political revolution or resistance?

passive the response to our societies filled with corrupt practices and
dehumanizing? In what way did Paul's attitude towards slavery
Is it a guide for us? How to start tackling the roots of the
corruption and injustice?

Speaking about the sins of others: What does Paul teach us about
discussing the sins of others? What should our attitude be,
especially towards the converts who have radically abandoned their
past life? How can we introduce them into the Christian community and
encourage their participation in it?

Biblical principles.

• We must be active in sharing our faith.

• We must make requests of one another based on love and not on duty.
• Sinners who believe in Jesus become useful in the service of God.
• We should not assume that others are obligated to do us favors.
• We are beloved brothers in the Lord and we must welcome each other.
• We must enjoy the satisfaction of accepting and forgiving others, because Christ
he has forgiven us and received us.

INDUCTIVE BIBLE STUDY

Subject: INDUCTIVE BIBLICAL STUDY.
Class 8: STEP 4. CORRELATION.

To interpret is to explain or show the significance of something. Not what it means for
one, but what it meant for the author. The purpose of the interpretation is to understand the
central message of the passage. A wonderful balance between human responsibility and
the divine help for the student who tries to interpret the Scriptures is 2 Timothy
2:7 "Consider what I say, and the Lord give you understanding in all things."

1. Analyze the meaning of the key words and phrases, seek the natural meaning.
Generally, this means taking the words literally, especially in passages
historical. But often the natural meaning requires that the words be taken
symbolically because they are recognized as figurative language.

Example: In 5:27-30 Jesus is referring to sexual desire. What is the

natural meaning of 'right eye' and 'right hand' in this context? Search
the original meaning. What meaning did the author or speaker intend to communicate?
How did their readers or listeners understand the terms they used? Some
words (e.g. "love", "communion", "humility"), have they changed their meaning
in common modern use?

Example: What is the meaning of love today? What did Jesus mean by
"love" in Mt. 5:43-48?

2. Look for the coherent meaning. Interpret the verse or the idea in such a way that
harmoniously, first, with its immediate context and then with the total teaching of the
Bible.

Example: Jesus' actions in Mt. 15:21-28 seem to be progressing from the

indifference to racial exclusivism and to the direct rejection of the Syro-Phoenician woman.
But their responses can be validly interpreted when in the end we see
the climax in his praise of her faith. This is consistent with his whole life and
ministry, because he constantly showed appreciation for the people, without taking into account
it recounts its different origins. It also used to not merely "test"
to a person, but to extract or build their faith in him.

INDUCTIVE BIBLE STUDY

3. Use study aids wisely. Some technical terms and
social customs can be explained, especially for beginners, only
consulting dictionaries, biblical dictionaries or "vocabularies". Examine the passages.
gospels parallels, or see the references using a concordance or others
versions of the Bible.

4. Evaluate the facts. Learn to say: "This is the most important idea here. These
Other ideas are not so important, and their value consists in helping to understand this.
main fact.

Example: A superficial study of the Gospels often leads to giving to the

miracles of Jesus the central place instead of considering them as signs that
they indicate larger realities. In Mr 3:1-6, the most significant thing is not the
healing of the man with the dry hand, but the open confrontation of Jesus with
their hostile critics and the revelation of their bad motives.

5. Correlate the ideas, do not leave them as solitary orphans. Jean Agassiz, the
Swiss paleontologist from Harvard University, he was not only a brilliant man of
science, but also an outstanding teacher. He often told his students: "The
Facts are stupid things until they are linked to some general law.

Example: Examine in Lk. 5:1-11 how all of Jesus' actions are interconnected.
yes to show his progressive way of "fishing" for Simon Peter for his work.

6. Investigate the difficult or uncertain points. Seek help for this from a
commentary or a biblical dictionary.

Example: Based on the text of 1 John 1:1 alone we cannot know that
Juan's readers faced the specific heresy of Gnosticism. But use
external references only after having done your research
personal. If it starts with the viewpoints of someone else, it is likely that it
tend to rely too much on them and distrust their own efforts.

Summarize the author's message to his original readers. At this point, you are
gathering all the particulars that he has been observing and interpreting, drawing
your own conclusions. Do not simply limit yourself to narrating the story. Rather

INDUCTIVE BIBLE STUDY

show your unique meaning. Use contemporary language. This is a test of
What has been understood from the text? As help, try to answer the following questions:
In historical passages: 'Who is doing what to (or for) whom, in what
circumstances and what results?
Who is telling whom what, for what reasons, and with what possible
implications?

Inductive Bible Study

Subject: INDUCTIVE BIBLE STUDY.
Class 9: HOW TO REACH MEANING.

First step. Know the facts. Paul wrote to Philemon to beg him to receive
again and will forgive Onesimus, his runaway slave, who had converted to Christ
Jesus.

Second step. The biblical principles.

• We must be active in sharing our faith.

• We must make requests of one another based on love and not on duty.
• Sinners who believe in Jesus become useful in the service of God.
• We should not assume that others are obligated to do us favors.
• We are beloved brothers in the Lord and we must welcome each other.
• We must enjoy the satisfaction of accepting and forgiving others, because Christ has us
forgiven and received by us.

Third step, We know the facts, we must know the students.

• Write something about what you know about your students. Ages, hobbies, their families,
general problems, specific problems, etc.

Preparation of the inductive Bible study.

1. First division. What behavior changes do I expect? Generally, the

Objectives should appeal to three areas: knowledge, feelings, and actions.
2. Second division. According to the characteristics of your group select the
methodology and the materials you will need.
3. Third division. According to the knowledge of the facts and of the students in the group.
Plan your introduction to the lesson.

Every lesson plan must be written in this order:

I. Objectives of the class.

II. Introduction.
III. Teaching of the facts.
IV Conclusion.
In Application with Challenges or tasks.

Inductive Bible Study

Subject: Inductive BIBLE STUDY.
Class 10: HOW TO ANALYZE CONTEXTS.

• It is important to study the biblical passages and stories within their context.

• Taking verses out of context leads to all kinds of error and bad.
interpretations.

• Understanding of context begins with four principles: the literal meaning (the...
what it says), the historical framework (events of history, who it is aimed at and
how it was understood at that time), the grammar (the immediate word or phrase
within which there is a word or phrase) and the synthesis (the comparison
with other parts of the Scripture).

• The context is crucial for biblical exegesis. After considering the

literal, historical, and grammatical nature of a passage, we must focus our
attention to the structure of the book, then the chapter, and afterwards, the paragraph. Everything
this is understood in the 'context'.

• Taking phrases and verses out of context almost always leads to bad outcomes.
understood.

For example, if we take the phrase 'God is love' (1 John 4:7-16) out of
In context, we can think that our God loves everything and everyone all the
time, with a type of emotional and romantic love. But in its context
grammatical and literal, 'love' refers in this case to agape love, the
essence of which is to sacrifice oneself for the well-being of another, and not a
romantic and sentimental feeling.

The historical context is also crucial, because Juan was addressing.

to the believers of the first-century church and instructed them not in the love of
God in itself, but on how to distinguish true believers from the
false masters. True love - the one that sacrifices for it
the well-being of others - is the hallmark of the true believer (v. 7). Those who
They are not capable of loving; they do not belong to God (v.8). God loved us first.
that we love Him (v. 9-10), and it is why we must love one another
others and thus prove that we are theirs (v. 11-12).

Additionally, considering the phrase 'God is love' in the total context of the
Writing (synthesis) will prevent us from reaching the popular conclusion that
God is only love, or that His love is greater than all His
other attributes. We know, from many other passages, that God is

INDUCTIVE BIBLE STUDY

 also holy, just, faithful, reliable, kind, merciful, good,
compassionate, omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient, and many others
things. We also know from other passages that God not only loves,
but also hates. (Psalm 11:5).

• Our study will benefit significantly by staying diligent in the

the question of context. It is not difficult to point out passages that apparently are
they contradict another portion of Scripture, but if we observe
carefully their contexts and we use the entirety of Scripture as
reference, we will be able to understand the meaning of a passage, and the apparent
contradictions will be explained.

• "The authority of context" means that the context often determines the
true meaning of a phrase. Ignoring the context places us in a
tremendous disadvantage.

INDUCTIVE BIBLE STUDY

Subject: INDUCTIVE BIBLE STUDY.
Class 11: HOW TO RECOGNIZE GENRES.

Within a given passage there is also a third element that we must observe; the
genre or literary form. This element is completely different from the terms and from the
structure, since the same terms and structural relationships used in the
material can be used to produce different kinds of literature. Therefore, if
we wish to make a detailed observation it will not be enough to simply study
the terms and structural relations; we also need to look at what kind of form
literary has been used by the author.

Discursive literature and logic:

This category includes stories of extensive discussions and those that
they present the ideas in an argumentative form. The epistolary literature, some of the
prophetic sermons, and the longer speeches of Jesus can be placed in this
category.

Narrative prose:
This type of literary form is generally found in the book of Genesis and in the
gospels. Their purpose is not to narrate impersonal historical facts but rather to
present the evangelical or theological history. Consequently, it consists of stories
personal stories in the form of narratives and biographical sketches. It mainly touches on the
imagination and emotions, so trying to interpret it without the broad contribution of the
imagination in its most legitimate sense will result in a partial interpretation or
deficient.

Poetry:
Biblical poetry has three main characteristics: first, frequent use of
figurative language; second, emotional nature; third, employs different types of
parallelism, like synonyms, antonyms, and synthetic. To be, therefore, aware of the
the presence of the poetic form prepares us against a misinterpretation. Because
when it is remembered that the poet uses a completely flexible language that expresses
feelings rather than rigid concepts or ideas, there will be no need to explain
this language in the same way as if the author had used a literal vocabulary
the scientist, nor will all his words be examined with a systematic theology
and precise. Likewise, taking into account the presence of the parallels will help us
to obtain a correct exposure.

Drama and dramatic prose:

The dramatic method primarily comprises personification, singularization, and
vivid description of facts and ideas solely by their emotional effects. It is
closely related, without a doubt, to the poetic expression of truth. In

INDUCTIVE BIBLE STUDY

In view of this, one must determine whether a writer is speaking in truly terms
historical or if it is using a dramatic approach to highlight the truth that
try to communicate with us. For example, it should be known that the prophet Isaiah, in chapter
In his book, he may very well be using drama in his description of the future and
of the fate of Jerusalem, and it would not be very accurate to assume that what the prophet
It is declared to be fulfilled to the letter. We must avoid classifying everything as drama.
most of the literature of the Old Testament. One must study the literature
in itself to ensure its correct literary form, and not try to give it
dramatic treatment of what is truly historical. But, at the same time, the
The observer must recognize that the dramatic method is a legitimate form of
literary communication and that its presence should be taken into account in the
process of interpretation.

Parabolic literature:
The parabolic shape employs the principle of analogy. This is indicated by the
meaning of the word 'parable', which is a combination of the Greek words
for and ballo, which literally means 'that which is thrown or placed next to'
another thing." Therefore, the parable consists of two parts: the spiritual truth that is
being illustrated and the brief physical narration that accompanies it for clarification.
Matthew 13, Mark 4, and Luke 15 have admirable examples of parabolic literature.

Apocalyptic literature:
The term 'apocalypse' literally means 'discovery' or 'revelation.'
Apocalyptic literature is often characterized by the use of symbolism and
description of visions that are of a prophetic nature. The book of Daniel in the Old
The Testament and the Apocalypse in the New Testament are good illustrations of these.
characteristics of apocalyptic literature.

INDUCTIVE BIBLE STUDY

Subject: INDUCTIVE BIBLE STUDY.
Class 12: HOW TO UNITE EVERYTHING.

HOW TO PREPARE THE BIBLICAL LESSON

First step. Know the facts.

• Pablo wrote to Philemon to beg him to receive and forgive again

Onesimus, his runaway slave, who had converted to Christ Jesus.

Second step. The biblical principles.

• We must be active in sharing our faith.

• We must make requests to one another based on love and not duty.
• Sinners who believe in Jesus become useful in the service of God.
• We should not assume that others have an obligation to do us favors.
• We are beloved brothers in the Lord and we must welcome each other.
• We must enjoy the satisfaction of accepting and forgiving others, because Christ
has forgiven and received us.

Third step, We know the facts, we must know the students.

• Write something about what you know about your students. Ages, hobbies, their
families, general issues, particular issues. etc.

How to make the plan.

First division. What changes in behavior do I expect from my group?

Generally, the objectives should appeal to three areas: knowledge, feelings, and
actions.

Second division. According to the characteristics of your group, select the

methodology and the materials you will need.

Third division. According to the knowledge of the facts and of the students of
group plan your introduction to the lesson.

INDUCTIVE BIBLE STUDY

Subject: INDUCTIVE BIBLE STUDY.
Class 13: FINAL PRESENTATIONS.

Sketch.

• 1-3 Greetings.
• 4-7 Praises to Philemon.
• 8-16 Plea to Philemon (request).
• 17-22 Promise to Philemon.
• 23-25 Farewell.

Development.

• Verses 1-3 Greetings to the church, greetings to Philemon 'beloved...our fellow worker.

• Verses 4-7 Paul praises Philemon for his conduct, it is not flattery.

He has great faith in Christ.

He/She shows great love for the saints.
He was faithful in sharing his faith.
Console the hearts of the saints.

• Vs. 8-16 Paul and his good heart.

He doesn't use his authority, he pleads, he begs.
Paul "elder" and "prisoner in Christ."
Onesimus, now a useful believer.
It is correct to send Onésimo with his master.
The request is that Philemon responds with love.
The plea includes; receiving him, forgiving him, and restoring him.

• Verses 17-22 Paul supports his plea with a promise.

Any damage caused by Onésimo Pablo would be paid for.

• Verses 23-25 Farewell greeting

Pablo accompanies his farewell with greetings from several brothers.

Pablo's applications.

• gold so that you understand

• Having the freedom to give you an order, I prefer...
• I know he will do even more than I ask

INDUCTIVE BIBLE STUDY