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Can you describe how each step builds on the previous one?
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We observe, interpret, and apply what we’ve learned.
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Observing is looking closely at what you’re reading. Interpreting is gathering and processing the facts and information. Application is using what you’ve learned in your every day life.
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One Observes to know what they are seeing. Then, with clear observation comes sound interpretation. Finally, sound interpretation is an indispensable key to properly applied action.
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If we don’t observe as carefully and comprehensively as we can, it is difficult to interpret accurately what we read. Observation of details gives us the evidence for arriving at a certain well-founded interpretation. Without these details, our interpretation may be one-sided, or worse still, totally erroneous.
Interpretation pushes us to seek the meaning of what the original writer intended to tell the original readers. Only after this, can we extrapolate to ask how the principles he states can be extended to our modern setting – this is application. Without sound interpretation, we may end up doing the opposite of what God intends!
That’s why we must study in this order: Observation – Interpretation – Application. -
Without seeing, observing, then I can’t interpret what it means nor how to apply it correctly. So I must observe first in order to be able to interpret what it means and then act accordingly
