Starting a Bible Study in Your Home
Priscilla and Aquila a husband and wife team who worked together for the kingdom of the Lord to bring glory to Him. They did not get paid to teach Bible studies in their home they did it to for the Glory of the Lord. They are an inspiration for us to follow. They were dedicated believers and were dedicated to the teachings of Jesus. It can be said that they lived their faith.
“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”
Matthew 18:20
It is important to study the Bible and to share that knowledge with those you cherish the most. Remember what Jesus said in Matthew 18:20 “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” You can study the Bible alone by why not invite Jesus to be a part.
Paul in 2 Timothy 2:15-16 tells us we should study to show ourselves approved unto God, proceeding on the right path of the Word of truth. We should shun or avoid profane and vain babblings (empty discussion) which will increase unto more ungodliness.
Robert French suggests the four steps to study the Bible:
1. Pray: Pray before and throughout your study of the Bible.
2. Say: What does the text say?
3. Mean: What does the text mean in its context?
4. Apply: How will I apply this text to my life today?
We should study the Bible not only because it is the source of truth, but also because it is the source of happiness or joy. Jesus, in Luke 11:28, says, “Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.” Now when we talk about obeying the Word of God we need to differentiate between two kinds of obedience: first, legal obedience, and second, gracious obedience. (Mac Arthur).
Starting a Bible Study requires careful planning, hard work and lots of prayers. There must be a plan and the Holy Spirit is imperative. “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” (John 14:26).
There needs to be good organization, this does not guarantee you will be successful. Poor organization will almost always guarantee failure. Organize your Bible study at home and within your family or close friends the people you love the most. You can together increase and improve your faith walk with Jesus.
Establish the purpose you hope to accomplish with this Bible study. Is it as a social gathering, building friendships, experiencing the Word of God together or maybe even to just pray together? The point is together you need to discover the purpose of your Bible study this will eliminate any chances of disappointment or confusion. The purpose should also include if it will be guided toward adults or children or a combination of both.
Find the time and day of the week that would work out best for all involved. You can institute it after dinner but not too late for young children who have bed times to consider. It is nice, not mandatory, to have light snacks and simple drinks. This should not be the focus but it is a nicety. Will you need a babysitter for younger children? What age group will you include in the study? All these questions are important to establish the type of subjects will be included.
Now that together you have the date and time set stick to it. The next guide line is to choose a topic or chapter in the Bible you would like to begin with. Everyone should participate in choosing the topics. Keep a list of the interests for further Bible Studies.
Next come research use all reliable resources around you. The Bible should be the final source of authority. Assign a family member to conduct the study that can last anywhere from an hour or longer depending on the attention span of the people in your group. This leader would lead the discussion and keep the study focused.
A great starting point for a solid foundation of Jesus Christ for newer Christians can be found at Guided Bible Studies for Hungry Christians. It goes step by step and has test questions that can be used for your group it can be found at: http://www.guidedbiblestudies.com/foundation.htm
Other worksheets for the Bible studies can also be found at Guided Bible Studies for Hungry Christians under the “Focus on the Word of God” http://www.guidedbiblestudies.com/006focus.htm
Next you have to pray then pray some more. It is not enough to just plan, and organize it takes the power of the LORD God and Holy Spirit. Prayer will establish the center of the Bible study not a single person. Prayers before the Bible study can help to stimulate new ideas or help allow the study to reach higher understanding of the Word of God. Prayer should be the glue that holds the Bible study together and keep it strong and going forward. Ask God for the Holy Spirit’s help so you can correctly understand the meaning of the text.
When you choose a Bible verse or a topic from the Bible for your Bible study outline the verses you have selected. Pull out the main points that are found in each verse and write it down. When you share these pain points with your family and friends you might need to allow them to find other main points you might have missed. Then begins a discussion of the points you have found together. The Bible study has begun and it is not a time for silliness or mindlessness. There must be respect and a willingness to learn.
When developing questions to help guide the Bible study begin with the; who, what, when, where, why and how. An example might be: what is happening in this passage, then ask if there is somewhere else in the Bible they remember something like this happening? Questions should be used to lead the group to make appropriate application for the Bible verses being used.
It is important for everyone to feel welcome to participate in the discussion. Care must be taken not to get off the task and the points that are being discussed. Personal problems should be avoided and handled at a different time. It is important to allow the Holy Spirit to flow in the discussion and any diversion of the topic at hand can squelch the Holy Spirit.
Enjoy your time together sharing Bible lessons with those you hold dearest to you and getting closer in your walk with Christ. Your Bible study is designed for you by you. It should be an occasion for growth in the Lord, not just simply information gathering and a chance to act superior. Keep the attitude of reverence and appreciation for your family and friends and most of all for the love of the Lord.
God’s Blessing in your strivings toward Him.
Reference
French,Robert A. (1999). Diving for Pearls in God’s Treasure Chest: An Easy Way to Study the Bible Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.
Mac Arthur, John, Jr., (1985). How to Study the Bible, John MacArthur’s Bible Studies. Chicago: Moody Press, 1985).
Cite Article Source
MLA Style Citation:
Holstein, Joanne “Starting a Bible Study in Your Home:.” Becker Bible Studies Library Jan 2015.< https://guidedbiblestudies.com/?p=2161,>.
APA Style Citation:
Holstein, Joanne (2015, January) “Starting a Bible Study in Your Home:.” Becker Bible Studies Library. Retrieved from https://guidedbiblestudies.com/?p=2161,.
Chicago Style Citation:
Holstein, Joanne (2015) “Starting a Bible Study in Your Home:.” Becker Bible Studies Library (January), https://guidedbiblestudies.com/?p=2161, (accessed).
