Suggested months: September, October, December. Students can oft at their own schedule, at their own phase and speed to finish the required for each subjects.
SEPTEMBER LESSONS
1. BIBLICAL HERMENEUTICS
Biblical Hermeneutics is the science and art of interpreting the Bible correctly.
Science – because it follows principles, rules, and methods.
Art – because it requires wisdom, skill, and spiritual discernment to apply those rules.
Meaning
The word hermeneutics comes from the Greek word hermēneuō, meaning to interpret, explain, or translate. In the Bible, Jesus Himself interpreted (diermēneuō) the Scriptures to His disciples (Luke 24:27).
Purpose of Biblical Hermeneutics
1. To know God’s intended meaning – not man’s opinions.
2. To bridge cultural and historical gaps – since the Bible was written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek across different contexts.
3. To avoid misinterpretation – protecting against heresy or false doctrine.
4. To rightly apply the Word – as commanded in 2 Timothy 2:15.
Principles of Biblical Hermeneutics
1. Literal Interpretation – understand words in their normal meaning unless context shows otherwise.
2. Historical Context – consider the time, culture, and setting of the passage.
3. Grammatical Context – study word meanings, sentence structure, and original languages.
4. Contextual Interpretation – always read verses within their chapter, book, and whole Bible.
5. Scripture Interprets Scripture – compare clear passages with difficult ones.
6. Christ-Centered Interpretation – since the Bible ultimately points to Christ (John 5:39; Luke 24:44–45).
7. Spiritual Dependence – interpretation must be guided by the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 2:10–14).
Types of Interpretation to Avoid
Allegorical-only – forcing hidden meanings everywhere.
Mystical – relying on feelings rather than text.
Subjective – reading one’s own opinion into the text (eisegesis) instead of drawing meaning out (exegesis).
✅ In short, Biblical Hermeneutics is the disciplined way of understanding and applying the Word of God faithfully and accurately, guided by the Holy Spirit, to know God’s truth and live it out.
👉📖👉 DOWNLOAD:Text: Bible Analysis by Albert Garner
✝️Guide:✝️
Perfect! 🙌 Since you said yes, I’ll prepare a lesson outline with discussion questions for your seminary course on Biblical Hermeneutics. I’ll also include examples of correct vs. incorrect interpretations, so your students can practice discernment.
📘 Lesson Outline: Biblical Hermeneutics
Course: Bachelor of Theology – Foundational Studies
Subject: Biblical Hermeneutics
Session Length: 2–3 hours
I. Introduction to Hermeneutics
Definition: The science and art of interpreting Scripture.
Etymology: From Greek hermēneuō – “to interpret, explain.”
Purpose: To discover the intended meaning of God’s Word (2 Timothy 2:15).
Discussion Question:
Why do you think God requires us to study His Word carefully instead of leaving interpretation up to feelings or tradition?
II. The Need for Hermeneutics
1. Cultural Gap – The Bible was written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek.
2. Historical Gap – Written across different eras and nations.
3. Geographical Gap – Palestine, Egypt, Mesopotamia vs. our modern world.
4. Spiritual Gap – Only the Spirit helps us understand truth (1 Cor. 2:12–14).
Discussion Question:
Can you give an example where misunderstanding culture or history could change the meaning of a Bible verse?
III. Principles of Biblical Hermeneutics
1. Literal Principle – Take the plain meaning unless context shows otherwise.
2. Historical Principle – Consider background, author, and audience.
3. Grammatical Principle – Study original words and sentence structure.
4. Contextual Principle – “Never take a verse out of context.”
5. Scripture Interprets Scripture – Use clear passages to understand difficult ones.
6. Christ-Centered Principle – All Scripture points to Christ (Luke 24:27; John 5:39).
Discussion Question:
Which of these principles do you think is most often ignored today? Why?
IV. Common Errors in Interpretation
1. Allegorizing everything – Example: Saying the 5 stones of David represent the 5 wounds of Christ (not in the text).
2. Mystical interpretation – Using feelings, dreams, or “secret codes” instead of the text.
3. Eisegesis – Reading one’s own opinion into Scripture.
4. Over-spiritualizing – Ignoring historical meaning for a forced “hidden” meaning.
Correct Example:
John 3:16 means God’s love is shown through Christ’s sacrifice for salvation.
Incorrect Example:
Saying John 3:16 teaches “universal salvation” (everyone will be saved regardless of belief).
Discussion Question:
Why do you think people often prefer allegorical or mystical interpretations instead of careful study?
V. Tools for Hermeneutics
Concordance (e.g., Strong’s)
Bible Dictionaries & Lexicons
Commentaries (used with caution)
Study Bibles (helpful but not final authority)
Original Languages (Greek/Hebrew basics)
Activity:
👉Try: Philippians 4:13 (“I can do all things through Christ…”). Ask them to apply context: Does this verse mean I can fly, or does it refer to strength in hardship?
VI. Application of Hermeneutics
Hermeneutics is not only about knowledge but about obedience.
Correct interpretation leads to correct application (James 1:22).
The goal: transformation, not just information.
Discussion Question:
How can wrong interpretation of Scripture lead to false doctrine or even false religion?
VII. Conclusion
Hermeneutics is essential for pastors, teachers, and every believer.
Rightly dividing the Word protects the church and strengthens faith.
Memory Verse: 2 Timothy 2:15 – “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
2. OLD TESTAMENT SURVEY CONTINUATION:
ISAIAH
JEREMIAH
LAMENTATIONS
EZEKIEL
DANIEL
HOSEA
JOEL
AMOS
OBADIAH
JONAH
MICAH
NAHUM
HABAKKUK
ZEPHANIAH
HAGGAI
ZECHARIAH
MALACHI
👉 REQUIRED: Make your own outline of the contents of the Old Testament Books from Genesis to Malachi, with it's theme, stories, etc.
3. ENGLISH COMPOSITION AND RESEARCH
DOWNLOAD: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Here’s a simple research methodology tailored for Seminary Biblical research. I’ll keep it clear and practical so it can be applied by your students or for your own study:
Simple Research Methodology for Seminary Biblical Research
1. Identify the Research Problem or Topic
Choose a subject relevant to biblical theology, doctrine, or ministry (e.g., “The Doctrine of Eternal Security in the Pauline Epistles”).
Make the research question specific (e.g., What does the New Testament teach about eternal security?).
2. Set Objectives
State what the research aims to achieve.
Example:
To explain the biblical foundation of eternal security.
To evaluate different theological views.
To apply findings to Missionary Baptist doctrinal teaching.
3. Review of Related Literature
Gather existing writings (books, commentaries, journals, church history, confessions of faith).
Summarize what scholars and preachers have said.
Compare agreement or disagreement with Missionary Baptist distinctives.
4. Biblical Textual Analysis (Primary Source)
Select key Scripture passages related to the topic.
Use proper hermeneutics:
Historical – consider background, culture, setting.
Grammatical – study words, syntax, original languages (if possible).
Contextual – read verses in their literary and biblical context.
Interpret Scripture with Scripture (comparing passages).
5. Theological Analysis
Synthesize biblical findings into doctrinal truths.
Identify how the doctrine fits within Missionary Baptist theology.
Clarify differences with other denominations if necessary.
6. Practical/Ministry Application
Show how the research applies to Christian living, church ministry, or seminary teaching.
Example: Eternal security strengthens assurance and encourages holy living.
7. Conclusion
Restate the findings briefly.
Answer the research question clearly.
Suggest further study areas if needed.
8. Documentation & References
Use proper citation (APA, Turabian, or Chicago style commonly used in seminaries).
Always list: Bible (KJB), books, commentaries, journals, online sources.
✅ Formula for Students to Remember:
“Topic → Purpose → Sources → Biblical Analysis → Theological Synthesis → Application → Conclusion → References.”
Great! Here’s a Step-by-Step Checklist Guide for Seminary Biblical Research that your students can follow easily.
📖 Simple Biblical Research Methodology – Student Checklist
✅ Step 1: Choose a Topic
Is it biblical and doctrinal (e.g., Salvation, Church, Christ, Holy Spirit)?
Is it specific (not too broad)?
✔ Example: Instead of “Salvation,” use “Eternal Security in John 10:27–30.”
✅ Step 2: Define the Purpose
What is the research question?
✔ Example: What does the Bible teach about eternal security?
What do you want to prove or explain?
✅ Step 3: Gather Sources
Primary Source: The Bible (KJB).
Secondary Sources: Commentaries, theology books, Baptist history, journals.
Write down key notes from each source.
✅ Step 4: Analyze the Bible Text
Historical: What was happening at that time?
Grammatical: What do the words mean?
Contextual: How does the verse fit in the chapter/book?
Compare with other supporting verses.
✅ Step 5: Compare and Evaluate
What do different scholars/denominations say?
How do their views compare with Baptist doctrine?
Which interpretation is most faithful to Scripture?
✅ Step 6: Organize Findings
Write down main points in order.
✔ Example:
1. The Bible clearly promises security (John 10:27–30).
2. Eternal life is a gift, not dependent on works (Rom. 6:23).
3. Believers are sealed by the Spirit (Eph. 1:13–14).
✅ Step 7: Apply to Christian Life
How does this truth strengthen believers?
How does it guide church teaching and ministry?
✅ Step 8: Write Conclusion
Restate the main answer to the research question.
Keep it short and clear.
✔ Example: The Bible teaches that eternal security is guaranteed by God’s promise, Christ’s work, and the Spirit’s seal.
✅ Step 9: Cite References
Always give credit to books, authors, and online sources.
Use a simple citation style (APA, Turabian, Chicago—depending on seminary rules).
📝 Quick Reminder for Students:
Topic → Purpose → Sources → Bible Study → Comparison → Findings → Application → Conclusion → References
👉 REQUIRED: CHOOSE A TOPIC OR TOPICS THAT YOU MAY RESEARCH.
