How to Study the Bible

Course Description

Welcome to “How to Study the Bible,” an 8-week discipleship course designed to help you engage Scripture deeply, devotionally, and confidently. Whether you’re a new believer or someone seeking to grow in biblical understanding, this course will help you move from just reading the Bible to living it—and teaching it to others.

You’ll learn how to:

• Study the Bible using a 3-step method (Observation, Interpretation, Application)

• Ask the right questions of the text

• Apply Scripture personally and practically

• Build confidence in leading others in God’s Word

Each week includes Christ-centered teaching, readings from Living by the Book and Rick Warren’s Bible Study Methods, reflections, and growth assignments to develop spiritual maturity.

📚 Required Readings:

• Living by the Book by Howard & William Hendricks

• Rick Warren’s Bible Study Methods by Rick Warren

TMAC is where disciples are formed and leaders are grounded.

Course Outline

Week 1: Why We Study the Bible

Lesson 1: Why People Dont Study the Bible?
Lesson 2: Why Study the Bible?
Primary Reading: Living by the Book, Chapters 1–2
Rick Warren Supplement: None
Zoom Meeting: None
Expositional Scripture Focus: Ephesians 5:15–16 – Redeeming Time and Eliminating Distractions
Assignments:

• Weekly Reflection: What’s held you back from consistent study?

• Quiz: Bible Study Mindset Check

• Discussion: Why do many believers avoid deep Bible study?

Week 2: Understanding the Process

Lesson 1: Overview of the Process
Lesson 2: The Value of Observation
Primary Reading: Living by the Book, Chapters 3–5
Rick Warren Supplement: None
Zoom Meeting: Friday, Week 2
Expositional Scripture Focus: Proverbs 2:1–6 – Pursuing Wisdom with Diligence
Assignments:

• Weekly Reflection: What changes are needed to grow spiritually?

• Quiz: Identify steps in the OIA method

• Discussion: How does intentional study lead to transformation?

Week 3: Observing Scripture Well

Lesson 1: Learning to Observe Carefully
Lesson 2: Noticing Key Details in the Text
Primary Reading: Living by the Book, Chapters 6–7, 8-11
Rick Warren Supplement: Chapter Summary Method (Method #2)
Zoom Meeting: None
Expositional Scripture Focus: Psalm 119:18 – Asking God to Open Our Eyes
Assignments:

• Weekly Reflection: What stood out in your observation of Psalm 1?

• Quiz: Observation Principles

• Discussion: What does it mean to read the Bible with fresh eyes?

Week 4: Observation Tools in Action

Lesson 1: Repetition, Contrast, Cause & Effect
Lesson 2: Practicing with Philippians 2
Primary Reading: Living by the Book, Chapters 14–17
Rick Warren Supplement: Thematic or Verse-by-Verse Method (Methods #4 or #5)
Zoom Meeting: Friday, Week 4
Expositional Scripture Focus: Hebrews 4:12 – The Word Discerns Our Hearts
Assignments:

• Weekly Reflection: What patterns helped you understand the text better?

• Quiz: Literary Features

• Discussion: Share a meaningful repetition or contrast from Philippians 2

Week 5: Interpretation – What Does It Mean?

Lesson 1: Asking Good Questions in Context
Lesson 2: Avoiding Misinterpretation
Primary Reading: Living by the Book, Chapters 18–22
Rick Warren Supplement: Biographical Method (Method #6)
Zoom Meeting: None
Expositional Scripture Focus: 2 Timothy 2:15 – Rightly Handling the Word of Truth
Assignments:

• Weekly Reflection: What interpretive shortcuts have you taken before?

• Quiz: Interpretation Techniques

• Discussion: What role does context play in faithful interpretation?

Week 6: Application – Living the Word

Lesson 1: What God Expects from Us
Lesson 2: Applying James 1
Primary Reading: Living by the Book, Chapters 23–25
Rick Warren Supplement: Application Method (Method #12)
Zoom Meeting: Friday, Week 6
Expositional Scripture Focus: James 1:22–25 – Be Doers, Not Hearers Only
Assignments:

• Weekly Reflection: What action is God calling you to take this week?

• Quiz: Application Strategies

• Discussion: Why do we often stop short of obeying the Word?

• Additional: Submit Devotional Study Form

Week 7: Practicing the Process

Lesson 1: Putting OIA Together in One Study
Lesson 2: Using a Warren Method of Choice
Primary Reading: Living by the Book, Chapters 26–28
Rick Warren Supplement: Student choice of method
Zoom Meeting: None
Expositional Scripture Focus: Philippians 4:9 – Practice These Things
Assignments:

• Weekly Reflection: What has changed in your Bible study lifestyle?

• Quiz: Discipleship Drill (90% required)

• Discussion: What method will you continue using and why?

• Additional: Retracing Prompt – Teach a method you’ve learned

Week 8: Teaching What You’ve Learned

Lesson 1: Creating a Devotional or Lesson
Lesson 2: Reflecting on Transformation
Primary Reading: Review and Wrap-Up
Rick Warren Supplement: Final Practice
Zoom Meeting: Friday, Week 8
Expositional Scripture Focus: 2 Timothy 2:2 – Entrust to Faithful People
Assignments:

• Weekly Reflection: What spiritual habits will you carry forward?

• No Quiz – focus on project submission

• Discussion: How has this course prepared you to disciple others?

• Final Project: Submit a 1-page lesson or 2-minute recorded devotional