SDA Sabbath School Lessons
February 17, 1996

Read for this week's study:

• Ephesians 2:1-22

Memory text: Ephesians 2:4, 5.

Key thought:

Inductive Bible study seeks to determine the exact meaning of a passage on the basis of language and context. By exploring a specific chapter or section of Scripture, we can learn inductively more of God's will for our lives and the manner in which He wishes to transform us. We learn about God's grace, the means of reconciliation with Him.

Grace and reconciliation.

The Bible explains how God saves us. Through Bible study we discover the "how" of salvation, as well as its personal results, the "so what." Inductive Bible study is the process of letting the text speak to us, rather than bringing our own agenda to the text. The primary purpose of this type of study is to find out what the Bible says, and its secondary purpose is to determine what the message means to us. We carefully observe the text, its content, and context. We look at each paragraph, sentence, and word in an intensely detailed and systematic manner. There are at least six steps in this method:

1. Discover what the chapter is about; write a chapter title and summary.
2. Make a list of everything you observe in the passage.
3. Ask questions about the passage.
4. Relate your chapter to other similar passages.
5. List some possible applications.
6. Write down concluding thoughts and observations.

Outline:

• Sunday Feb. 11: Finding out the main purpose of the text. John 1:14-16 & Ephesians 2:8-10
• Monday Feb. 12: Making sense out of your observations. Ephesians 3:7-8 & Galatians 3:18
• Tuesday Feb. 13: How to glean information as you interpret the passage. Romans 11:5-6
• Wednesday Feb. 14: Making sense of a chapter. Romans 5:17
• Thursday Feb. 15: Applying the passage to our lives. 1 Corinthians 2:14-3:4
• Friday Feb. 16: Review and further study.
  • How do you determine what questions to ask of a Bible passage so as to determine its meaning? How do you decide whether or not your questions are valid?
  • What physical and spiritual preparations are needed for deep, thoughtful Bible study?
  • What have you learned from this study of Ephesian 2? What difference will it make in your life?

Summary

Using the inductive method (detailed study of content and context), we can determine the meaning of Ephesians 2:1-22. Christians who understand the depth of love revealed in Jesus' death on our behalf are aware of the true motivation for abiding in Christ--His infinite sacrifice for us. God's love in His gift of grace enables us to live, learn, and serve according to His will.