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TG
True Gospel Institute
Scripture Alone · Christ Alone
This course continues from Foundations: What Every Christian Should Know — complete that course first to unlock the lessons below. Go there now →
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Foundations

Bible Study Methods

This course teaches students how to study the Bible for themselves, not merely to receive teaching secondhand. Using the inductive method of observation, interpretation, and application, along with word studies, book studies, and topical study, students will build practical, lasting skills for reading and understanding Scripture accurately and applying it faithfully to their own lives.

True Gospel Canada 8 weeks Text
Start Week 1

Learning Objectives

  • Understand why personal Bible study matters and what distinguishes it from passively receiving teaching
  • Learn and practice the three stages of inductive study: observation, interpretation, and application
  • Learn how to conduct a word study using original language tools responsibly
  • Learn how to study an entire book of the Bible and how to study a single passage verse by verse
  • Learn how to trace a topic or theme across multiple passages of Scripture
  • Build sustainable, lifelong habits for personal Bible study

Syllabus

Overview

Bible Study Methods equips students to study Scripture for themselves rather than only receiving teaching secondhand. The course centers on the inductive method - observation, interpretation, and application - and adds word studies, book studies, verse-by-verse study, and topical study, closing with practical guidance for building a lasting personal study habit.

Reading Plan

Week 1: why we study the Bible. Weeks 2-4: the inductive method (observation, interpretation, application), practiced together on a shared passage. Week 5: word studies. Week 6: book studies and verse-by-verse study. Week 7: topical and thematic study. Week 8: building a sustainable lifelong study habit.

Required Materials

A personal Bible in one of the following standard translations: ESV, NIV, NASB 1995, CSB, LSB, or NLT; a notebook or journal for practicing the study methods taught each week.

Grading & Completion

Assessment focuses on engagement with Scripture and demonstration of comprehension. Students complete weekly reading assignments and a short weekly quiz covering that week's material. A final exam covering the entire course is available once every week has been passed.

Course Outcomes

  • Upon completion, students will be able to independently observe, interpret, and apply a passage of Scripture using the inductive method
  • Upon completion, students will be able to conduct a responsible word study and a topical study
  • Upon completion, students will be able to design and sustain their own ongoing Bible study practice

Weekly Lessons

  1. Wk 1 Why Study the Bible? Foundations for a Lifetime of Learning God's Word
  2. Wk 2 The Inductive Method: Observation - What Does the Text Actually Say?
  3. Wk 3 The Inductive Method: Interpretation - What Does the Text Mean?
  4. Wk 4 The Inductive Method: Application - How Should I Respond?
  5. Wk 5 Word Studies: Digging Deeper into Key Biblical Terms
  6. Wk 6 Book Studies and Verse-by-Verse Study: Seeing the Whole and the Parts
  7. Wk 7 Topical and Thematic Study: Tracing a Subject Through Scripture
  8. Wk 8 Building a Sustainable, Lifelong Bible Study Habit