Keys To Effective Bible Study

KEYS TO EFFECTIVE BIBLE STUDY:

HOW TO READ, INTERPRET, AND APPLY THE BIBLE (EC 105)

I. COURSE DESCRIPTION

During this six-week online course you will be equipped with the tools you need to effectively read,
interpret, and apply Scripture.

II. COURSE OBJECTIVES

As a result of this class, you should:

1. Develop an appreciation that poor biblical interpretation leads to chaotic living, while right biblical
interpretation leads to wise and fruitful living.
2. Develop and integrate tools for effective Bible study.
3. Gain an appreciation for how to accurately handle Scripture.
4. Grow in your love for God as you learn how to interpret the written Word of God.

III. TEXTBOOKS

(Suggested, but not required)

Duvall, Scott J. and Daniel J. Hays. Journey Into God’s Word: Your Guide to Understanding and
Applying the Bible. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008.

IV. COURSE REQUIREMENTS

It is fair to expect 2–3 hours of work for each week of the class. This time will vary if you choose to read the
suggested book Journey Into God’s Word and complete other optional resources in addition to the required
coursework. This time will include the following activities:

A. Reading Assignments
Each week you should read the required reading. You are NOT required to read the optional
reading, but it is highly encouraged and will maximize your learning during each class session.
If you choose to read Journey Into God’s Word, it is suggested that you read the selected chapters
prior to listening to the audio for each week. An additional recommended reading list is found
at the end of this syllabus.

B. Audio and PowerPoints

Each week you should listen to two parts of the audio recorded from previous live Keys classes.
It is suggested that you print out the PowerPoint slides in order to take notes as you listen
along.

C. Discussion Questions
You should answer each discussion question and respond to at least one other student’s
answer by the following week of class.

D. Quizzes and Final Exam

The quizzes are for your benefit only, and the questions are taken from the PowerPoint slides
in addition to the required class readings. The final exam is comprehensive and is an
opportunity to see how much you learned during this class!
V. COURSE POLICIES

You are expected to complete the work for each week by the beginning of the next week’s class. Each week’s
class will open at 12:00 am on Thursday, and run until 11:59 pm the following Wednesday.

VI. COURSE SCHEDULE

DATE TOPIC ASSIGNMENTS

1. 5/30/19 Introduction Watch: Introduction
Read: Syllabus

Week 1: Genres, Watch: “Literary Styles in the Bible”

Context, and 4-Step Listen: Parts 1 and 2
Process Due: Quiz #1

2. 6/6/19 Week 2: Observation Optional Reading: Journey Into God’s Word, Chs. 1-3
Read: “Observation Handout”
Listen: Parts 1 and 2
Due: Discussion Question #1

3. 6/13/19 Week 3: Interpretation Optional Reading: Journey Into God’s Word, Chs. 4-6
Read: “Interpretation Handout”
Listen: Parts 1 and 2
Due: Quiz #2

4. 6/20/19 Week 4: Application Optional Reading: Journey Into God’s Word, Chs. 7-9
Read: “Application Handout”
Listen: Parts 1 and 2
Due: Discussion Question #2

5. 6/27/19 Week 5: Synthesis – Optional Reading: Journey Into God’s Word, Chs. 10-12
Old Testament Law Read: “Old Testament Law Handout”
Listen: Old Testament Law
Due: Quiz #3

6. 7/4/19 Week 6: Synthesis – Optional Reading: Journey Into God’s Word, Chs. 13-15
Gospels and Read: “How to Read & Apply the Gospels”
Revelation Listen: How to Read & Apply the Gospels
Read: “Wisdom for Reading Revelation”
Listen: Wisdom for Reading Revelation
7/11/19 Due: Discussion Question #3
ALL
WORK Conclusion Due: Final Exam, Final Discussion Question
DUE
 RECOMMENDED READING

BEGINNER

Leland Reyken, How to Read the Bible as Literature

E. Randolph Richards and Joseph Dodson, A Little Book for New Bible Scholars: Why and
How to Study the Bible

Blue Letter Bible (free online reference library)

Sonic Light (Dr. Thomas Constable’s study notes on every book of the Bible)

INTERMEDIATE

J. Scott Duvall and J. Daniel Hays, Grasping God's Word: A Hands-On Approach to Reading,
Interpreting, and Applying the Bible

Howard Hendricks, Living by the Book

Robert Traina, Methodical Bible Study

N. T. Wright, Scripture and the Authority of God: How to Read the Bible Today

Mark Yarbrough, How to Read the Bible Like a Seminary Professor: A Practical and
Entertaining Exploration of the World’s Most Famous Book

ADVANCED

Hans Boersma, Scripture as Real Presence: Sacramental Exegesis in the Early Church

Grant Osborne, The Hermeneutical Spiral: A Comprehensive Introduction to Biblical

Interpretation

Anthony Thiselton, Hermeneutics: An Introduction