“But the words ‘it was counted to him’ were not written for his sake alone, but for ours also. It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord” (Romans 4:23-24 ESV).
One beneficial method of engaging with the Scriptures involves the principles of inductive Bible study. This technique approaches a Biblical text with three concepts in mind:
- What does this portion of Scripture say?
- What does this portion of Scripture mean?
- How can I apply the answers to those questions in my life?
An inductive Bible study approach begins with observations from a Biblical passage in order to uncover the facts regarding that text. An interpretative stage then comes next. This is where we examine the context of each passage to help gain a deeper understanding of the text and determine its meaning. The final stage involves the act of applying those insights with respect to our beliefs, our behaviors, and our response to the events of daily life.
An inductive approach to the Scriptures does not obligate us to view God’s Word as a mere subject for academic study. The idea is to prayerfully immerse ourselves in a Biblical text to help derive actionable insights concerning ourselves, our relationships with others, our surroundings, and our relationship to God. The following Scriptures from the Old and New Testaments serve to support this approach…
“These words I am commanding you today must be kept in mind, and you must teach them to your children and speak of them as you sit in your house, as you walk along the road, as you lie down, and as you get up” (Deuteronomy 6:6-7 NET).
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God” (Colossians 3:16 ESV).
An inductive approach to Romans 4:23-24 tells us that Abraham’s example offers a lesson that applies to us today. For instance, Abraham’s faithful example serves as a model for us to follow. This portion of Scripture thus presents us with an observation, interpretation, and an application that we can apply in our lives…
- Abraham believed God and it was counted to him as righteousness.
- Abraham’s faithful example was not recorded for his benefit alone.
- We will also be counted as righteous if we similarly “…believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord.”