Studying with Others

There are essentially three basic scenarios in which it is likely you will be studying with others. The first scenario is in a Bible class “at church.” The second is with other brethren at home in a less formal setting. The third is in trying to convert the unbeliever. It is worth considering what preparations should be made in advance to each of these types of group study.

In Bible Class
Typically, someone will be the teacher, the topic or book of the Bible has been chosen, and often there will be workbook or lesson sheets handed out in advance. Preparation and study on one's own time, however, is vital for the study to be of the most benefit. It is important for the student to spend time during the week in study of the subject or passage that has been chosen. If it has been studied thoroughly, then the basics will be well grasped by the time for class to begin, and in class it will be possible to delve more quickly into the matter at hand. Ideally, the students are as knowledgeable and studied as the teacher.

If it is a book or passage being studied, the student should read, re-read, and then read again. The student should come to class having an understanding of the passage's context and meaning. A student may find it helpful to make a list of questions or jot down things he or she does not understand and wishes to ask the teacher about the text.

If the class is studying a subject, the student should also study that subject as though he or she were studying independently. Be sure to understand and define what is being studied. Find passages (a concordance is useful here) that deal with the specific topic under consideration. Find Bible examples of the topic (for example, Jeroboam's golden calves if idolatry is the subject). Then look for less commonly talked about examples.

Do not forget the basics of Bible study when studying for a class. Do not limit your study to what is in the workbook or handouts, if such are being used. And always begin your study with prayer and supplication for wisdom and understanding.

In Private Studying with Brethren
Perhaps it is just you and another. Perhaps you are meeting in someone's home with several brethren. Regardless of which of these may be the case, it is common and good to study the scriptures with other Christians.

However, it is useful to have some general guidelines. Decide together what needs to be studied. This should be decided as far in advance as possible to allow everyone involved to study it privately. It is far more effective to study with others if everyone has had time to come to an understanding of it in advance.

Stay on topic. In less formal studies, there is often a tendency to wander from what is being studied. While it can occasionally be useful to briefly cover a side issue that is pertinent, it is important to remember what you had originally decided to study, as there is probably a reason it had come up in the first place.

Another thing that can be useful is not to set a time limit on the study. If at all possible, don't simply say, “we'll study for an hour and then go do something else.” It may be that that hour is all that will be needed. It is also possible that much more time will need to be devoted to the matter at hand. Have the willingness to devote more time and energy into a study if needed. Remember, it is God's word, and it should be important enough in our lives to give it our full attention.

Like all studies, remember to begin with prayer to the Lord. We must always prepare our hearts to seek the word of God.

A regularly scheduled study can be of benefit. My parents used to invite young people over for group studies once a month. These studies were of great benefit for me, my siblings, and others that we knew. They were edifying for those of us who were Christians, and they were an opportunity to invite those outside the body of Christ to a Bible study.

In Private Studying with Unbelievers
Hopefully this is something we all do. Opportunities abound, but we must be looking for them. Sometimes it is because someone will ask questions and we need to provide an answer. Sometimes it is because a group of people from one denomination or another will show up at your front door. And sometimes asking someone if they want to study will lead to a study. However it begins, there is opportunity to teach others the gospel.

It is good to be prepared in advance for studying with others. Sometimes you are given a heads-up about what will be studied. Other times you won't. Even if you do not have forewarning, you can still often be prepared. Talk to others and consider what subjects often come up. Common topics that need to be studied are faith, baptism, obedient works, Bible authority, and of course, anything that has to bear on salvation. Be knowledgeable enough about these things that you can study them with people without any warning. It may help to jot down notes in the front or back of your Bible on subjects such as these so as to always have pertinent passages at hand. I carry around a small notebook (3.5” x 5.5”) of notes with me, as my memory is poor.

Remember to stay on topic as you study. It does no one any good to be shifting from one subject to another so quickly that nothing gets fully explained or examined. It is also important to devote time to a passage before moving on to another one.

Remember the purpose of the study. It is not to know how much you know. It is not to prove the other person wrong. It is to win souls. Keep this always in your mind, and remember to speak with humility.

Do not become discouraged. It may be that you are asked a question you do not know the answer to. If that occurs, tell them that you aren't sure, and then study it and discuss it with them at the next opportunity. Never be afraid to admit ignorance: no one knows everything. It may be that after much studying with a person, they will not heed the gospel. If that happens, don't give up studying and teaching others.