Have you ever tried to drive a car without gas? It’s impossible! The only way you could possibly move that car would be to either have it towed or put it in neutral and get out and push it. Either way it defeats the purpose of having a car in the first place. Without gas the car is useless and you will go nowhere. The same is true of one essential element of Inductive Bible study. Without the Holy Spirit at work enabling you to understand and working to transform you Inductive Bible study is useless. By itself it will not accomplish the purpose for which it is intended – that being transformation!
The Holy Spirit is the one who illuminates scripture for us. He is the one to show us the things we need to see and he is the one who brings conviction and moves us to respond in obedience. He is the one who does a transformative work in our hearts. As we use the inductive method to study the Bible we partner with the Holy Spirit in the transformation process. That’s why saturating our Bible study in prayer is essential. In prayer we invite the Holy Spirit to speak and to work in our hearts. In prayer we enter into conversation with God surrounding the passage or book that we are studying. In prayer we place ourselves into a listening position ready to hear from Him. In prayer we respond to what he has shown us through His Word.
Remember, it’s all about relationship with God. It’s about growing more in love with Him, getting to know Him and His ways, and responding in trust and obedience. He’s ready and eager to meet you in the pages of the Bible. Psalm 119:35-32 demonstrates the close connection between the word of God and His transformative work in our lives. When we mourn, the word gives life and strength. When we speak to God, He answers and teaches us his ways. When we choose to live according to his instructions he sets us free and removes shame. The Psalmist recognized that God’s transformative work was rooted in His Word.
From the beginning of my journey of studying the Bible using inductive method Psalm 119:18 has been a repeated prayer in my heart. “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.” I need the Holy Spirit to open my eyes so that I can understand what is written in His Word. When he opens my eyes I am overcome by the beauty of scripture. I see the Masterful Hand that unified its story. I see the beauty of God. I gaze at the magnificence of the gospel. And all I can do is worship! What an amazing God we serve! I am overwhelmed by Him!
Invite the Holy Spirit to be your teacher on this journey. Ask Him to open your eyes to see His beauty and His wondrous ways in the pages of the Bible.