The need for this course is exemplified in 2 Timothy 2:15 as rendered by the Amplified Bible.
“Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth.”
It is not only the Pastor’s responsibility to rightly handle and skillfully teach the Word of Truth. It is the task of every Believer to study the Word of God and skillfully align their lives with the righteousness of God. Too many Christians today are woefully deficient in the skill of practical Bible study and pay the price. The admonition to diligently study the Word of Truth and enjoy its benefits is also found in Proverbs 2:2-9.
“Make your ear attentive to wisdom, Incline your heart to understanding; For if you cry for discernment, Lift your voice for understanding; If you seek her as silver And search for her as for hidden treasures; Then you will discern the fear of the Lord And discover the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding. He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk in integrity, Guarding the paths of justice, And He preserves the way of His godly ones. Then you will discern righteousness and justice And equity and every good course.”
The Bible is the God-given source of wisdom for mankind. To correctly understand and apply the principles found in the Bible to daily life results in blessing. I believe that the proper response to every incident that impacts our lives can be discerned from the principles God teaches us in the Bible, if we know where to look. That is why skillful Bible study is so important for the Christian walk.
In this course you will be introduced to specific tools and techniques that will enable you to mine the riches of the Bible, such as Bible Dictionaries, Bible Atlases, computer programs, and online resources. You will learn the four steps of the Inductive Bible Study method: Observation, Interpretation, Correlation and Application. With these tools in place you will be able to practice the single most important skill of Bible study: developing the exegetical outline. In addition, you will not be dependent on the opinions of others when it comes to Bible interpretation. You will be able to discern the quality of each man’s teaching and you will be able to feed yourself and others on the Word of God.
In the words of the famous Rabbi Maimonides, “Give a man a fish and you will feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” When you have completed this course you will know how to fish and feed yourself Truth for the rest of your life.
Download class notes and supplemental handouts:
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How to Study the Bible – Class Notes (PDF format) -
How to Study the Bible – Supplemental Handouts (PDF format)
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How to Study the Bible – Session 8
Lesson 8, Page 62 - Notice to online students: Due to an in-class exercise, this session concludes at the break.