"Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching" Hebrews 10:24-25
"Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective" James 5:16
I have grown up all my life attending many Bible studies, sometimes a few at a time. In youth group, I could always be found in my d-group or bible study before "Flood" (youth group) began. As an adult, I had a women's bible study I was a part of, as well as a bible study with just my friends. Those times of digging into God's Word, having hours of powerful prayer and the lessons I learned are forever etched on my heart and are wonderful memories in my relationship with God. I studied numerous topics (which can be found on my book shelf now) and often had the opportunity to bask in the wisdom of some amazing Women of God. I would not have the relationship with the Lord, the strength or the understanding I have today had it not been for those many many years of being His student.
Today, as I am married and my spiritual walk now effects someone else...my husband and I made it a goal to always be God's students. Throughout our courtship we did many studies, including; a study with my parents on relationships, a study on marriage called Love and Respect, and a study on finances called Financial Peace. All before we were even engaged! We also thumbed through the 5 Love Languages (which we will do more in depth one day I'm sure). Being married, we have become a part of a home group where we have the wonderful opportunity to grow with couples from our church on a weekly basis. We took part in Experiencing the Heart Of Jesus, Sacred Marriage (I highly recommend) and now we are digging into the minor prophets covering What Ticks God Off.
The thing about small groups, home groups and Bible studies, is you don't have to be a scholar to attend or have something to say. You just have to show up! Everyone is normal, and a lot of times you're all just learning together, there's no teacher but God's Word.
"For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, bones and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." Hebrews 4:12
My church has been advocating for Groups for a few years now as a tool for discipleship. Contrary to what most Christians think, discipleship isn't just for new believers, and no one person is exempt from needing a good home group and Bible study. No matter how perfect you think you are, no matter how wonderful your marriage is, and no matter how much you study on your own, nothing can compare to the benefit of being in a group. God's Word talks about sharing and studying His Word with others and not just keeping it to ourselves. He knows what a benefit it is and that's why He talks about it.
"Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God" Colossians 3:16
This concept of studying God's Word in a group is nothing new. Jesus kept His friends close, and spoke of God's Word with them often. They were His disciples, His friends, His accountability. They went with Him everywhere and when He left, they knew Him so well they were able to share His Words with others.
We must be students of God's Word. We can't merely read a few verses, say a few prayers and that be all there is. We need sharpening. "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another" Proverbs 27:17
"Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved" Acts 2:46-47
Here's some notes from my Pastor's message:
"All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work" 2 Timothy 3:16-17
- Teach = doctrine = body of principles and beliefs
- Rebuke = confronting us
- Correct = willing to change = how will God's Word direct me?
- Train = work = lead us forward
"so that we are equipped for every good work"
((The Word can't teach you if you never open it up!))
What can we do to apply this to our lives?
- Read the Bible
- Study with others
- Memorize
- Live it out - don't miss the destination
"Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says!" James 1:22
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