Bible Studies
Bible Study Guidelines


     What is  the purpose of a Bible study?  It is about the study of God’s Word in full, and using what we have read and studied by applying it to each of our lives individually.  By meeting together and studying God’s Word, we grow in our Christian walk.  There is nothing more important than our growth in our devotion to the Lord.  As easy as it is to look at someone else and say “Boy, Joe Blow could really use this teaching” or “that couple really needs to pay attention to this,” we need to remember to keep our porch clean and, by doing so, we won’t have time to clean anyone else's. 

     A Bible study is not about labels or religion.  When we come together it is in the name of Christ not as a Baptist, Lutheran, or even charismatic.  Religion is what the Pharisees and the Sadducees studied and burdened their people with.  Jesus came to take that burden onto himself for us so that we could live in freedom.

     It is a Bible study not a book study.  It is fine to use other resources to study from, but the final source is the Bible.  Other resources are the opinion of someone else on the matter, so a good rule of thumb is if you can’t back it up in the Bible it’s not worth bringing up.  Although it is always good to research something thoroughly with your study group to find out what God really says on the matter. 

     It is important to be sensitive to God’s Holy Spirit and His movement.  It is not about seeing how fast you can get through a topic or study.  It is about growing--if someone needs prayer over something it is important to be sensitive to that need.  Allow the Lord to lead, but it is important to remember that you do want to remain focused on the study.  Allow God to steer the study and the topic but always remember that He is not a God of chaos!

     It is important to stay in the boundaries of balance.  The Bible also talks about doing everything in moderation, meaning not going overboard on just one subject just to prove a point.  Recognize when you’ve learned enough out of a topic.  The goal isn’t to feel beat up, but to allow real growth.

     Be mindful of foolish talk that could lead to foolish arguments.  If our talk does not build each other up, it’s not worth bringing up.  Remember the goal is growth. 

     And finally, a Bible study is about being a Christian.  That means to be a doer of the word not a talker.  Christianity is a way of life, not a label you put on your forehead to let everyone see.  People need to see your faith in action so that they can tell the difference in you.