What is the Inductive Bible Study Method? Have you ever been in the situation where you had to lead a Bible study group or show a friend where the Bible proves one of your beliefs? Without knowing where to start, you look to a concordance to lead you to the verses that you could use to prove your point? I know I have. This way of studying the Bible may work to a certain degree, but in the long run, we are just proving what we think rather than letting the Bible speak for itself. The goal of inductively looking at the Bible is to be taught by the Word, letting it guide us into truth. In the inductive method of Bible study the goal is to allow the Holy Spirit to be our teacher as we let our conclusions evolve from what we observe in the Bible. In this way, we begin by becoming listeners of the Scriptures rather than starting with a thesis that we are trying to support. To do this, preconceived ideas (or beliefs that we have come to accept from sources outside of the Word) must be laid aside as they may blur our vision of seeing what the Bible may really be saying. What is the advantage of using the Inductive Method? In our relationship with God, it lets the Holy Spirit guide us into the truth of what the Word is saying. In this way, our relationships with God are built on what He has shown us in His Word rather than built on other peoples' opinions. As students look at the Word for themselves they are dynamically changed by the power of God attached to His Word. Bible study becomes more connected to one's relationship with God. Overall, inductive Bible study gives God the chance to draw deeper in relationship with Him through His Word. I. The Inductive Approach. 1. Pray, the Holy Spirit is your teacher. 2. Independent - no helps. 3. Let the text speak for itself. 4. Your conclusions evolved out of what you have observed. • Lay aside your preconceived ideas and let the Bible speak for itself. • Try to be impartial. 5. Become a listener and hearer of the Scriptures. A thorough examination of the content becomes the basis for one's conclusions.