MALAYSIA TAMIL BIBLE INSTITUTE

Course Syllabus: Methods of Bible Study

Lecturer: Peter Vela M.Div. (Hons), M.Ed., LLB (Hons)
Date: 3rd Trimester, 2009

I. Description:

This course is designed to give the student help in learning to study the
Bible. It emphasizes the importance of Bible Study, examines the different
attitudes towards Bible Study and various approaches to it.

II. Objectives:

At the end of the course, the student should be able to:

1. Know the importance and value of a systematic Bible study
2. Understand and apply the different methods of Bible Study in his
life and ministry
3. Experience the joy of personally discovering truths from the Word
of God.

III. Approach:

The student will be instructed on 12 basic methods of Bible Study.:

1. The Devotional Method of Bible Study – baktiviruthi/thiyanam
2. The Chapter Summary Method of Bible Study – athikarathin
surukkam
3. The Character Quality Method of Bible Study – gunam, iyalpu,
ollukkam
4. Thematic Method of Bible Study - karupporul
5. The Biographical Method of Bible Study – vaalkai sarithiram
6. The Topical Method of Bible Study - kaariyampadi
7. The Word Study Method of Bible Study - vaarthai
8. The Book Background Method of Bible Study – busthaga pinnani
9. The Book Survey Method of Bible Study – bustaga
araiyvu/aayvu/pagunthupaarke
10. The Chapter Analysis Method of Bible Study – athigare
vagaisuthiram/pathasetham
11. The Book Synthesis Method of Bible Study – karuthu inaippu
12. The Verse by Verse Method of Bible Study - vasanam

The study will include:

a. A brief overview of each method and a short definition.
b. A rationale for each method. This will help the student understand
the benefits and limitations of each method.
c. A procedure for each method. This will be explained step by step.

IV. Text:

Warren, Richard, with William A. Shell, 12 Dynamic Bible Study

Methods, Victor Books, Wheaton, Illinois, 1985

V. Requirements:
 1. Class Participation - 10%
2. Assignments - 30%
3. Pop Quiz & Memory Verses - 10%
4. Exams 1 & 2 - 50%

VI. Assignments:

1. Present a study method as a group – 1000 words (13 Oct. 2009)

a. The Character Quality Method of Bible Study – gunam,
iyalpu, ollukkam
b. The Biographical Method of Bible Study – vaalkai
sarithiram
c. The Topical Method of Bible Study – kaariyampadi
2. Submit a verse-by-verse analysis of a given passage – 600
words (Date due:10 Nov. 2009)

VII. Schedule
Wk Date Lesson/Activity Memory Verses Due
1. 8/9  Introduction Gospels
 Devotional
Method
2. 15/9  Chapter Pentateuch
Summary
Method
 Thematic
Method
3. 22/9 Character Josh - Samuel 1st group
Quality Method presentation
4. 29/9 Biographical Kings - Chron 2nd group
Method of Bible presentation
Study
5. 6/10 Word Study Ezra – Esther
Method
6. 13/10 Mid-term Exam
7. 20/10 Topical Method Poetic Books 3rd group
presentation
8. 27/10  Book Major Prophets
Background
Method
 Book Survey
Method
9. 3/11 The Chapter Minor Prophets
Analysis
Method
10. 10/11 Book Synthesis Acts – Thess
Method
11. 17/11 Verse by Verse Timothy - Rev Ind. paper
Method
12. 24/11 Final Exam