How to Prepare and Conduct Group Bible Studies
Are group Bible studies at home SCRIPTURAL? Aquila, a Jewish tentmaker, was born in Pontus, then moved to Italy, and later was thrust out by Emperor Claudius' persecution of the Jews. He settled in Corinth where he soon encountered the Apostle Paul. Together, Paul and Aquila dwelt together and made Cicilian tents of haircloth (Acts 18:1-4). Catacomb inscriptions indicate that Aquila's wife Priscilla came from a distinguished family of high standing in Rome and was a woman of unusual talent (Nave's Topical Bible, page 576). After 18 months of working with Paul, Aquila and Priscilla accompanied Paul on his journey to Syria. At Ephesus, Aquila and Priscilla expounded God's word to zealous Apollos, helping him understand more than just the baptism of John (Acts 18:24-28). According to the apostle Paul, Aquila and Priscilla led a church in their house: Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ. (Romans 16:3-5).
In Colossians 4, we are told by Paul that Nymphas of Laodicea had a church in his house. Philemon also had a church in his home, Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house. And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea. (Colossians 4:15-16)
We also read, And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house. (Philemon 2)
Henry H. Halley writes in Nave's Topical Bible, page 632:
"There were no church buildings [in Ephesus]. Houses for Christian worship did not begin to be built till two hundred years after the days of Paul, and were not general till Constantine put an end to the persecutions of Christians. In Paul's day churches met, mostly, in the homes of Christian people. Thus, the scores of thousands of Christians, in and around Ephesus, met not in one, or a few, great central congregations, but in hundreds of small groups in various homes, each congregation under its own pastoral leadership. . . [the evangelist] Timothy's work was primarily with these pastors [elders], or congregational leaders." Religious services and Bible Study in the home is certainly the Biblical way.
WHY have group Bible Studies? Why not just study ON OUR OWN? In Hebrews 3 we are told to exhort EACH OTHER daily, lest we ourselves be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin, Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin (Hebrews 3:12-13)
The apostle Paul states we are exhort and encourage others so that all may learn, But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. (1Corinthians 14:3, 31)
Paul also told Timothy, his best friend and fellow laborer in the gospel, that he must be an example to other believers with his words, conduct, faith, etc. Needless to say, we cannot be an example to others by studying the Bible strictly on our own. Paul also states that giving attention to what the Bible teaches can save not only ourselves but others, which assumes regular interaction with others in the faith, Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. (1Timothy 4:12-16)
Lastly, we are told in the book of Hebrews to not forsake meeting together with other Christians, And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. (Hebrews 10:24-25)
What is the BIBLICAL method of teaching? 1Corinthians 14 describes the worship services in the church at Corinth,
Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe. If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad? But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth. How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, everyone of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying. If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God. Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church. What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only? If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant. Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. Let all things be done decently and in order. (1Corinthians 14:22-23, 26-27, 29, 31, 33, 40)
These are the major scriptures given to show how the New Testament worship services were conducted. The Corinthians were doing it WRONG. In their zeal, everyone wanted to proclaim a doctrine, an interpretation, or give a revelation. There was too much chaos and confusion. Some spoke in foreign languages that couldn't be understood by the others. Paul admonished the Corinthians that services must be conducted with proper order and decorum, because God is not the author of confusion.
Matthew 13:10-11, 36, 51 shows that Jesus' method of teaching His disciples encouraged questions and discussion. In Matthew 16 Jesus asked questions, to make sure the disciples understood: And when his disciples were come to the other side, they had forgotten to take bread. Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees. And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have taken no bread. Which when Jesus perceived, he said unto them, O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread? When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? (Matthew 16:5-8, 13-15)
Acts 17 shows that Paul "reasoned" with others in the synagogue concerning the gospel. First Century A.D. Jewish synagogues allowed a great deal of discussion and reasoning:
Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews: And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures. (Acts 17:1-2).
The Bereans didn't fall over and play dead, but checked Paul's teachings against the scriptures to see if they were true:
And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. (Acts 17:10-11)
The Biblical method of teaching and religious services, or Bible Studies, should be balanced between the allowance for free and open discussion and reverent order and harmony.
Keep the message simple! A preacher may deliver a forceful sermon that is inspiring but if the listener can not summarize the message, then the speaker may well have spoken in a foreign language.
The purpose of preaching or Bible Study, according to the apostle Paul, is: But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. (1Corinthians 14:3)
How to PREPARE for Bible Study in your home Choose a topic that will edify, instruct, help, and encourage others. Do not choose a pet theory, a subject too close to you, something to "preach at" someone else. Pray about it. Prepare notes with scripture references and subtopics, using a concordance, topical Bible, Bible dictionary, or your Bible center margin.
Often you will find that you need to write down all the relevant scriptures with brief quotes, then later arrange them in topical order. Think about your subject during the week, especially when praying. You will be amazed at the new ideas that "come" to you! At least 4-5 hours preparation go into most short Bible Studies.
Always keep in mind the purpose is to HELP others, and in so doing, you will learn a great deal yourself.
How to CONDUCT a Bible Study in your home
There are many forms and varieties of Bible Studies that can be educational and done in a respectful manner to the Eternal. One form of Bible Study is where the leader has prepared a list of scriptures on a particular subject, and has each person in turn read a scripture, after which he or others may comment. At Troas, Paul resorted to straight preaching, his speech continuing from the evening meal until midnight (Acts 20:6-7). Obviously, being accustomed to the synagogue form of worship, questions and discussion were more than welcome after the completion of the discourse.
The scriptures should speak for themselves. The participants can often add color and meaning by stating what the scripture says in their own words, and how it relates to their lives. The leader can stimulate discussion by asking questions, reading or having the scripture read, and then stating or asking someone to state the answer. When studying the Bible, always ask and answer two questions:
Here are some common problems you may experience while giving a Bible study in your home:
Usually one to two hours is the longest that most people can keep their attention. One to two pages of notes (both sides) usually is sufficient to keep the study going this long. The conclusion, or summation of what has been learned, is usually done by the leader. Prayer and dismissal is then a natural process. Sometimes, a common meal concludes the day.
In Colossians 4, we are told by Paul that Nymphas of Laodicea had a church in his house. Philemon also had a church in his home, Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house. And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea. (Colossians 4:15-16)
We also read, And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house. (Philemon 2)
Henry H. Halley writes in Nave's Topical Bible, page 632:
"There were no church buildings [in Ephesus]. Houses for Christian worship did not begin to be built till two hundred years after the days of Paul, and were not general till Constantine put an end to the persecutions of Christians. In Paul's day churches met, mostly, in the homes of Christian people. Thus, the scores of thousands of Christians, in and around Ephesus, met not in one, or a few, great central congregations, but in hundreds of small groups in various homes, each congregation under its own pastoral leadership. . . [the evangelist] Timothy's work was primarily with these pastors [elders], or congregational leaders." Religious services and Bible Study in the home is certainly the Biblical way.
WHY have group Bible Studies? Why not just study ON OUR OWN? In Hebrews 3 we are told to exhort EACH OTHER daily, lest we ourselves be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin, Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin (Hebrews 3:12-13)
The apostle Paul states we are exhort and encourage others so that all may learn, But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. (1Corinthians 14:3, 31)
Paul also told Timothy, his best friend and fellow laborer in the gospel, that he must be an example to other believers with his words, conduct, faith, etc. Needless to say, we cannot be an example to others by studying the Bible strictly on our own. Paul also states that giving attention to what the Bible teaches can save not only ourselves but others, which assumes regular interaction with others in the faith, Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. (1Timothy 4:12-16)
Lastly, we are told in the book of Hebrews to not forsake meeting together with other Christians, And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. (Hebrews 10:24-25)
What is the BIBLICAL method of teaching? 1Corinthians 14 describes the worship services in the church at Corinth,
Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe. If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad? But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth. How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, everyone of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying. If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God. Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church. What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only? If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant. Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. Let all things be done decently and in order. (1Corinthians 14:22-23, 26-27, 29, 31, 33, 40)
These are the major scriptures given to show how the New Testament worship services were conducted. The Corinthians were doing it WRONG. In their zeal, everyone wanted to proclaim a doctrine, an interpretation, or give a revelation. There was too much chaos and confusion. Some spoke in foreign languages that couldn't be understood by the others. Paul admonished the Corinthians that services must be conducted with proper order and decorum, because God is not the author of confusion.
Matthew 13:10-11, 36, 51 shows that Jesus' method of teaching His disciples encouraged questions and discussion. In Matthew 16 Jesus asked questions, to make sure the disciples understood: And when his disciples were come to the other side, they had forgotten to take bread. Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees. And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have taken no bread. Which when Jesus perceived, he said unto them, O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread? When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? (Matthew 16:5-8, 13-15)
Acts 17 shows that Paul "reasoned" with others in the synagogue concerning the gospel. First Century A.D. Jewish synagogues allowed a great deal of discussion and reasoning:
Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews: And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures. (Acts 17:1-2).
The Bereans didn't fall over and play dead, but checked Paul's teachings against the scriptures to see if they were true:
And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. (Acts 17:10-11)
The Biblical method of teaching and religious services, or Bible Studies, should be balanced between the allowance for free and open discussion and reverent order and harmony.
Keep the message simple! A preacher may deliver a forceful sermon that is inspiring but if the listener can not summarize the message, then the speaker may well have spoken in a foreign language.
The purpose of preaching or Bible Study, according to the apostle Paul, is: But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. (1Corinthians 14:3)
How to PREPARE for Bible Study in your home Choose a topic that will edify, instruct, help, and encourage others. Do not choose a pet theory, a subject too close to you, something to "preach at" someone else. Pray about it. Prepare notes with scripture references and subtopics, using a concordance, topical Bible, Bible dictionary, or your Bible center margin.
Often you will find that you need to write down all the relevant scriptures with brief quotes, then later arrange them in topical order. Think about your subject during the week, especially when praying. You will be amazed at the new ideas that "come" to you! At least 4-5 hours preparation go into most short Bible Studies.
Always keep in mind the purpose is to HELP others, and in so doing, you will learn a great deal yourself.
How to CONDUCT a Bible Study in your home
There are many forms and varieties of Bible Studies that can be educational and done in a respectful manner to the Eternal. One form of Bible Study is where the leader has prepared a list of scriptures on a particular subject, and has each person in turn read a scripture, after which he or others may comment. At Troas, Paul resorted to straight preaching, his speech continuing from the evening meal until midnight (Acts 20:6-7). Obviously, being accustomed to the synagogue form of worship, questions and discussion were more than welcome after the completion of the discourse.
The scriptures should speak for themselves. The participants can often add color and meaning by stating what the scripture says in their own words, and how it relates to their lives. The leader can stimulate discussion by asking questions, reading or having the scripture read, and then stating or asking someone to state the answer. When studying the Bible, always ask and answer two questions:
- What do the Scriptures being studied say or teach?
- What do they say to ME?
Here are some common problems you may experience while giving a Bible study in your home:
- The leader should not dominate the session by taking all the time talking. Preaching a sermon, closing the service and then leaving is certainly NOT an effective way of teaching! Not everyone grasps the contents of a message immediately. Discussion often helps to clarify what was said.
- Lack of preparation leads to lack of learning. As Thomas Edison said of his inventions, so a leader can say of an inspired message, that it is 99% perspiration (and preparation!) and 1% inspiration. Are you willing to put forth the effort to make Bible Studies in your home EFFECTIVE?
- Participants who lead the discussions off on tangents can disrupt and confuse the others. Don't do this!
- Don't argue! Argumentation has no place in worship services. Love does not argue and seek to have its own way. Few have learned to allow others to believe a little different than they do. (See Romans 12:1-10).
- People who do NOT listen to others, whether they are the host of the Bible study or one of the attendees, learn little if anything from the Bible and do not benefit others.
- Bible studies are meant to be interactive and dynamic. Listening or watching recorded messages as the main or sole part of a Bible study, especially when discussion does not occur either during or after the message, can lead to spiritual stagnation. God does not want His children to be spoon-fed automatons that cannot think and reason for themselves. Such study tools may be fine but they are better off left for individual study rather than study by a group.
Usually one to two hours is the longest that most people can keep their attention. One to two pages of notes (both sides) usually is sufficient to keep the study going this long. The conclusion, or summation of what has been learned, is usually done by the leader. Prayer and dismissal is then a natural process. Sometimes, a common meal concludes the day.