September 3, 2023— Leading Bible Studies with the church body is interactive and engaging. However, if this is your first time, it could be daunting. What questions should you be asking and have answered? Should the meeting be held virtually or in person? How should it be led? What can we learn from Jesus’s ministry?
Bible Studies is necessary for every believer. The Holy Spirit must lead each one in earnest prayer through the precious name of Jesus Christ. You must come to the Bible Study prepared with answers to some basic questions.
Questions and Answers
Before leading a Bible Study, you should have answers to a few questions. I outlined some below. While numbered, you do not need to answer them in this order. These questions will assist you in understanding the scriptures.
Who was the author or authors and scribes?
Where was the author or authors when this scripture was written?
Where is Jesus Christ within the Scripture?
Who was the targeted audience?
What is the message?
What Old and New Testament passages support the scripture you are reading?
Example
Let’s take Philippians 3:17-21 as an example:
Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things. For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.
Who was the author(s) or the scribes? The authors are Paul and Timothy.
Where was the author or authors when this scripture was written? The Holy Bible does not say where Paul and Timothy were when Philippians was written, but we know they corresponded to the church in Philippi.
Where is Jesus Christ within the Scripture? Jesus Christ warns of false prophets in the following passages:
Matthew 7:15, 24:11, 24:24
Mark 13:22
Luke 6:26
Who was the targeted audience? The targeted audience is the saints, bishops, and deacons (“the church”) in Philippi (Philippians 1:1).
What is the message? The message encourages Christians to follow faithful servants' example and avoid false prophets. In verse 21, Paul and Timothy also speak to the future hope of transformation and conformity to Christ’s glorious body.
What Old and New Testament passages support the scripture you are reading? Supporting scriptures for verse 21 exist across the Old and New Testaments as outlined in the table below:
Virtual or In-Person
There seems to be much debate about virtual or in-person meetings. Some people are for virtual, and others are against it. We see the same discussion among the Christian body. Should preachings and bible studies be performed virtual or in-person? You could argue that some can only access Christian content through modern-day technology, as the Holy Bible and churches are unavailable locally. Many countries consider the practice of Christianity illegal. However, preaching Jesus Christ to others across country lines benefits this world. On that note, many could say, “Current technology did not exist back then.” How do we know if virtual is beneficial or not?
We must turn to Jesus in this debate. Would Jesus Christ preach virtually? Jesus did not run after people and followers, no. He let them come to Him. He traveled throughout Galilee, Samaria, and Judea, preaching the truth—God’s Word. Using parables when Jesus started His ministry, He continued to do so until His trial neared. When healing people, performing miracles, and casting out demons, all this was done face-to-face with the afflicted. During Jesus’s earthly ministry, there is no case that He performed these actions from afar.
Another item to consider is that we should not conform to this world. Romans 12:2 says, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
Despite how you may feel, there is a verse that is clear as day. Let 2 John 1:12 dismiss any doubts you may have, “Having many things to write to you, I did not wish to do so with paper and ink; but I hope to come to you and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.”
For the reasons of Jesus’s example through His ministry, Romans 2:12, and the verse in 2 John 1:12, I say that bible studies should be performed in person. If you have someone you want to reach who lives far away, then invite them to your church and let the Holy Spirit work within them.
Takeaways
First, to God and His Son, Jesus Christ, being exalted through the Holy Spirit, the glory is Yours!
Bible studies are essential for believers and are especially beneficial to new believers. After all, the Holy Bible is the Word of God, and it is by His Word that we exist. Leaders must submit to the Holy Spirit and allow the Holy Spirit to lead the study. Before beginning, you need to answer questions surrounding the message you will discuss.
I pray that this article will guide you in your next bible study. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen!
Accepting Jesus
Did you happen to come across this article to lead a bible study but have not accepted Jesus as your savior? If so, I invite you to accept Him today by saying this prayer aloud:
God, I confess that Jesus came in the flesh and blood, paid the price for my sins, died on the cross, rose on the third day, ascended to the heavens, and sent the Holy Spirit to help me understand Your Ways. For that, I accept Jesus Christ as my savior and Lord, and I welcome the Holy Spirit in my life. In Jesus’s name, I pray, amen!
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