My parents always encouraged me to learn the difference between my wants and my needs. I think it is good to know the difference, but
sorting them out isn’t as easy as you might think. To just stay alive I don’t need much; food, water, shelter is about it. But I don’t want to just stay alive, I want to live my life to the fullest. As David Thoreau said, “I wanted to live deep and suck out all the marrow of life.” What do I need to do that?
Over the last couple of weeks I have been thinking that if I am going to live my life to the fullest one of the things I need is to be part of a Bible Study with other believers. Over the years I have led and been part of different kinds of Bible Studies that had different goals. I have been part of and led Bible studies where a Bible teacher would tell us what the Bible said and how it applies to our lives. This kind of Bible study was helpful to me when I was a new believer and helps others when they are new believers and know little about the Bible.
I have also been part of Bible studies which had no real leader. These were studies where believers would get together, read the Bible, and all of us would share our opinions on what we thought the Bible meant; usually repeating what our pastors had taught us. I didn’t learn much from these studies, but the fellowship was great and good fellowship is something else I need if I am going to live the life I want.
Recently I have been leading a “non-religious” Bible study. This is a study where I begin our time with a Bible verse, often a film clip, and then I lead a discussion on the possible application. The goal is to allow maximum participation from those who come, especially inviting comments from people who have never been part of a Bible study, don’t believe in God, and know very little about the Christian faith. The goal is to have those who attend leave with the feeling that the Bible might be true and helpful for leading the kind of life they really want.
I am also leading a study which begins with the assumption that the Bible is the Word of God and is authoritative. I spend several hours preparing for this study. I read various technical books and think about what other respected authors have had to say about the passage we are studying. Then I write a study guide which has leading questions to help our group think about different possible meanings and
applications. At this point in my Christian life, this is the study that I can’t live without if I am going to live the kind of life I want to live.
In this kind of a study, I find that God speaks to me in my preparation. As I read a passage and then pray, think, and study it, I hear Gods “quiet voice” telling me what He wants me to know. Then as I discuss this passage with other believers, I gain new insights which I hadn’t seen before.
I meet many folks- some- are ministers of the gospel, who don’t think they need to be part of a Bible study. They often treat Bible study as an option, and they go only if there is nothing better to do. I don’t want to be judgmental; it is possible that others don’t need this kind of fellowship as badly as I do. But I know that if I am not seriously studying the Word of God with other like-minded believers, I will miss the best life that God has for me.
I hope all of you are part of a Bible study which is a good fit for you. I pray that you have found, or are seeking, a Bible study that fits where you are in your Christian journey. If you are not part of a Bible study, maybe this week you will begin to search for one.
When I used to attend your Bible studies I deeply appreciated them. It’s remarkably profound how everyone has their own interpretation of the readings and were able to talk amongst ourselves for what it truly means. But there are other times where we need just ourselves and people who are closer with to talk in the ways of the lord without structure. The interpretation I have is because I do struggle with my faith and yes it would be helpful to have some guidance or a group of others to show me the way; but It’s more crucial for me to discover it on my own. Yes some of the choices I make may not be adequate to my faith but I’m learning and understanding myself as a Christian. Maybe I’ll return soon since it has been awhile.