In our busy society, few people have tolerance for anything they perceive to be a waste of their time. The Scriptures do teach us to make the most of our time (Ephesians 5:16), so we should strive to do this in all things. When it comes to our periods of Bible study, how can we be sure our time is spent profitably? This will depend on actions and attitudes.
Let us notice some factors that will help determine the profitability of our Bible studies.
Content – This should go without saying, but when it comes to the content of our Bible studies, we need to be studying the Bible. The word of God is truth (Psalm 119:160; John 17:17). It shows us the way of salvation (Romans 1:16), is able to build us up (Acts 20:32), and contains “everything pertaining to life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3).
But it is not just part of the word that is helpful to us, but all of it. Paul wrote, “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Studies may be either topical or textual, provided the content that is taught is the word of God.
Material – Many regular Bible studies use some sort of class material which has either been written by the class teacher or purchased by a congregation for use by the students. Such material can be useful at times as those who produce the material do as the wise man who “sought to find delightful words and to write words of truth correctly” (Ecclesiastes 12:10). But we must be careful that any material we use will aid and not hinder study. It must complement rather than replace the Scriptures.
While there is certainly nothing wrong with using good and helpful class material in our Bible studies, we must not use it as a crutch, thinking that we cannot possibly have a profitable Bible study without some man-made class material. Paul told the Ephesians, “By referring to this, when you read you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ” (Ephesians 3:4). To understand Paul’s letter, the brethren in Ephesus did not need a “Study Guide on the Book of Ephesians” written by some well-known preacher in another location. They simply needed to examine what Paul wrote.
Teacher – If a teacher wants to know how to conduct a Bible study that will be most beneficial, he should learn from what faithful men in the Bible did when they taught others in a public setting. Ezra opened the book of the law, read it, and explained the meaning of it (Nehemiah 8:5, 8). Paul reasoned from the Scriptures, explained them, and gave evidence for his arguments (Acts 17:2-3). For Paul, it did not matter if some believed that “his personal presence [was] unimpressive and his speech contemptible” (2 Corinthians 10:10). He was not seeking to fit their desires, but was “determined to know nothing among [them] except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2). This was sufficient.
A teacher must not only focus on the Scriptures, he must also avoid certain things if he wants to have a profitable Bible study. He must not promote personal opinions (Matthew 15:9), waste time with myths and fruitless discussions (2 Timothy 4:4; 1 Timothy 1:4-6), attempt to teach when he is unprepared and unable to explain the Scriptures (1 Timothy 1:7), or seek to elevate himself (2 Corinthians 4:5). Rather, he must speak “as one who is speaking the utterances of God” (1 Peter 4:11).
Students – Sadly, you can have Bible studies in which the word of God is examined, material is used effectively to help one understand the Scriptures, and the teacher is careful to teach the truth accurately, yet some of the students still claim that the class is ineffective and they get nothing out of it. In such cases, these students must learn that they also have a responsibility for making Bible studies profitable. Elders are told, “Shepherd (feed, KJV) the flock of God among you” (1 Peter 5:2). Teaching needs to be done, but no one can force feed anyone and compel them to take advantage of the spiritual nourishment that is provided in the word of God (1 Peter 2:2).
As students, we must understand what we must do to help ensure our Bible studies are effective. We must be attentive to what is taught, as Jesus said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear” (Luke 8:8). We must be eager to learn, as the Bereans who “received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so” (Acts 17:11). We must be diligent to mature in our knowledge of the Scriptures (2 Timothy 2:15) and in our ability to apply those things that we learn (Hebrews 5:14; James 1:22). And we must love the truth, for without this we cannot be saved (2 Thessalonians 2:10).
Conclusion
Any Bible study can be profitable when teachers direct student toward the word of God and represent it accurately; students seek to listen, learn, apply, and grow; and the Scriptures are emphasized and carefully examined.
Thanks, Andy!