Steps for IBS: Observation, Interpretation, Application
By Ben Durbin in Leadership Cell
Step 1: Begin with prayer
Step 2: Identify context
What goes with the text
Look at the surrounding verses, chapters, book
Step 3: Look for the obvious
Write out obvious facts, details, or ideas
Observation Questions:
Who is the audience, the author, the main characters
What are the main events? What is the major idea? What are the people like? What does he talk about most.
When was this written? When did it take place? When was it received?
Where did this event occur
Why was it written? Why did he say that, go there, or respond that way? Why is so much or so little space given to a topic.
How did this happen? How is it done? How is this truth illustrated
Step 4: Meditate on the passage and observations and pray some more
Step 5: Identify key words (anything used multiple times), topic, or theme
Step 6: Keep in mind a few rules of interpretation
Seek the full teaching of God's word for any topic you find. (e.g. -- the bible has a lot to say about prayer)
Interpret Scripture with Scripture (Start with the author's writings, and expand out)
Remember: The New Testament interprets the Old
That which is said multiple times interprets that only said once
Clear interprets unclear
Does what you are concluding fit into the whole of the Bible? Does it reject teaching of the Bible--if so, try again. Meditate on it. Work it out.
Follow the literal sense. You typically want to go with the "obvious" meaning and not a "hidden" message
Look for the authors intended meaning
Step 7: Make your interpretation (only 1)
How was this relevant to the original audience?
What are the key words phrases, or themes
What was the author's purpose of intent
What are the key truths/and or principles
What is the TIMELESS truth!!
Does your interpretation fit within the context of THIS passage
Does your interpretation harmonize with the whole scripture
Step 8: Check your conclusions using reliable study aides
Concordance -- cross references / parallel passages
Bible Dictionary -- word definitions and meanings
Commentaries --- input from professional students of God's Word
Bible foot-notes -- study bibles can include all of the above
Step 9: Make your application(s)
Tip 1: Start with your discovery of God's word
Tip 2: Accept God's truth and work it out into daily living
Tip 3: Be Specific: application must be personal and measurable to each individuals life.
Tip 4: Practice: maturity isn't measured by how much we know, but by how much we actually live out.
The application questions
How did this message apply to the original audience?
What are the similarities between us and them?
How does the meaning of the passage apply to me?
What are the theological principles of the passage?
What truth(s) am I to embrace, believe, or order my life by?
What changes should I make in my belief, in my life?
How can I practice what I have learned from this passage everyday?
Step 10: Pray before you share
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