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.

Some Methods of Bible Study

There are different ways of identifying different ways of studying the Bible. Usually, I think of there being three main approaches. The first is the text study. In a text study, a portion of scripture is examined (for example, the book of Acts or Romans 14). The second type of study is a topical study. In a topical study you look at a specific subject (for example, the apostle Paul or baptism). The third type of study is the word study, where a specific word is looked up and studied to see what the Biblical meaning is (examples may include love or edification). Each of these can have value if done correctly. We will look at each of these types of study, using the book of III John to explain and better understand each method.

The Text Study
The text-based study is one that is most commonly done in Bible classes, but should be done regularly by all Christians (both with other Christians and alone). It is important when studying a passage to remember the context it is found in. If possible, it should be established who wrote it, who it was written to, and what the dominant theme(s) is/are. Depending on the text, it can be useful to look at parallel accounts (such as the gospels) or other books which give a fuller setting and context (examining the appropriate passages in the books of Kings and Chronicles to better understand the minor prophets, for example). To use our example of III John, we find that the apostle John wrote it. He wrote it to Gaius (v. 1). And he wrote it largely to commend Gaius (vv. 5-8) and to condemn Diotrephes (vv. 9-11).

At this point, one would begin at the beginning and study through to the end. Two methods are commonly used in this endeavor. The most common is to exhaust one verse before moving on to the next. This has the advantages of arranging it in easy to handle sizes and of allowing the reader to make connections to other passages that may shed light on the verse at hand. For example, the first verse of III John would give opportunity to examine the respect due to one's elders and also the bond of love between Christian brethren.

The other method of studying from the beginning to the end is to look not so much at individual verses, but rather at sentences or paragraphs. For example, instead of looking at verse 5 by itself, you would look at verses 5-7 at the same time. This has the advantages of keeping the greater context in mind throughout the study, as well as not hitting the same points several times in a row (as the same sentence may continue for several verses).

Some questions to find answers to during a text study include:
1.Who wrote this book? Did he write anything else? What did he do?
2.Who is this book written to? And why was it written to them?
3.How can this passage apply to me?
4.How does this passage fit into the context of the rest of the Bible? Does my understanding contradict something else?

The Topical Study
The topical study will often be done in order to answer a question that is asked. For example, “what does the Bible say about reputation?” For this, you will often begin with a concordance looking up “reputation” (which will likely yield few results, by the way), and then at other associated phrases (such as “good name” or “good testimony”), each time seeing what the Bible has to say about it. This search may easily lead you to III John 12, where John commends Demetrius and the good reputation that he has. One would note that the good repor Demetrius has comes from other Christians, but also that his reputation is justified in that “the truth itself” speaks well of him. This is a good piece of information in understanding what reputation a Christian is supposed to have.

When looking at passages in a topical study, it is important not only to see the verse that mentions what is under study, but the context as well. In the study of Christian reputation, it would be worth looking at the preceding verses and seeing Diotrephes' desire to be “first,” and what that desire for making a name for himself has done to his relationship with Christ and other Christians. Once the pertinent information has been studied, one would then move on to another passage dealing with the topic in order to gain further insight. A topical Bible may be of value in a topical study.

Some questions to find answers to during a topical study include:
1.Have I found all the information on this subject that the Bible has? Are there other verses that pertain to the subject that I have not seen?
2.Have I exhausted this verse in regard to the subject being studied? Is there information I have not gleaned yet?
3.How does the conclusion I reach fit with the rest of scripture? Is it compatible or contradictory?
4.Have I looked at both commands/statements regarding it (“thou shalts” and “thou shalt nots”) and examples of men/women/places?

The Word Study
The word study is, on the one hand, one of the easiest to do. It is also, perhaps, the hardest to do well. A word study is often done to clear up confusion from a word that is immediately understood. Considering the view that many take regarding truth (that it is indefinite and variable), it may be worth examining the word “truth.” A common and easy place to start is with a lexicon or Hebrew/Greek-English dictionary. For example, one may look up “truth” in a Vine's Expository Dictionary and be directed to the entry for “True” which gives the variants on the original Greek word, including “truth.” There will be a definition provided, as well as passages that the word appears in. At this point the student will have a basic understanding of the word.

From here, it is simple to use a concordance (a Strong's, following the same numbered word, or a Young's by section) to look up each place that the word appears in scripture. In this way, you can see the word in context (for example, in III John 4, 8, and 12) each time it is used, and gain a more full understanding of what the word actually means. By the end of the study on truth, I think you would find that truth is not variable or changing based on perspective or perception. Instead, it is a rock-steady reality that is Divine in origin. Instead of truth changing to fit the person, it is Biblically clear that man must change to fit the truth.

Some questions to find answers to during a word study include:
1.Is there a parallel word in Greek to this Hebrew (or the other way around) word? Would this give me more information to better reach a conclusion?
2.Am I remaining with the same Greek/Hebrew word? Or am I following a different original word that is translated the same way into English?
3.What is the usage of this word in context? Am I trying to fit my understanding into the passage, or am I understanding the word because of the passage?
2.How can I apply this word and its meaning to my life in a way that will be best pleasing to God?

Imitation

Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God

III John 1:11 (KJV)

I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you. For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.

I Corinthians 4:14-16 (KJV)

That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

Hebrews 6:12 (KJV)

Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation

Hebrews 13:7 (KJV)

Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

I Corinthians 11:1 (KJV)

For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.

John 13:15 (KJV)

The verses above encourage us to imitate some things. We are instructed to imitate that which is good. When something godly is done, we should strive to do such. Conversely, we are to avoid imitating those thing which are evil (that which is not approved by God). Paul encourages the Corinthians several times to imitate him, as he had previously taught them, and continued to teach them. However, he adds one restriction. They are only to imitate him in as much he imitates Christ. Paul, like all men, were fallible. Christ, however, is not. The Hebrew writer admonishes the reader to be imitators of those who receive Christ's promise of salvation. Which makes sense, really. If you want to be saved, follow in the footsteps of those are saved. Later in the book of Hebrews, the reader is encouraged to imitate the faith of elders. The last verse above is what was spoken by Christ after demonstrating humility and service to His apostles, and is His instruction to imitate Him in that way.

It is really quite simple: we are to imitate those godly things which are done by godly men, and most especially to imitate Christ. We are given many examples, first in scripture and also by godly brethren, of what we need to be doing.
On the other hand, the Bible also warns against imitating the wrong actions and the wrong people.

When thou art come into the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations.

Deuteronomy 18:9 (KJV)

Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.

Hebrews 4:11 (KJV)

And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an example unto those that after should live ungodly;

II Peter 2:6 (KJV)

Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.

Jude 1:7 (KJV)

Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

I Corinthians 10:11 (KJV)

In the above verses, Israel is instructed not to imitate the nations around them, but to remain faithful to the Lord. As Christians, we also are to adhere to this concept. The Hebrew writer again provides an example for us: this time of those who were unfaithful to the Lord. This example, however, is not one we should imitate, but instead should strive to do the opposite. Sodom and Gomorrah, with all of their sin, immorality, and wickedness, is set as an example for us to avoid, lest we too be destroyed. The last verse, in I Corinthians, wraps up a section of scripture that provides many examples we should not imitate.

So the question is, who do you imitate in your life? What actions are displayed in your life? Whose footsteps do you follow? And in like manner, what example are you setting for others? Would imitating your life help someone follow Christ and receive eternal life? Or is the example you set a hindrance to others?

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.

I Timothy 4:12-16 (KJV)

The One Hundredth Psalm

There are 150 psalms. Some, like the 117th psalm, are very short. Others, like the 119th psalm, are very long. Two thirds of the way through is, of course, Psalm 100, a psalm of praise unto God. This short, five verse psalm instructs us in how to praise God and in why we should offer praises and thanksgiving to the Lord. It is worth our while to keep these things in mind as go throughout our lives, as we are to be always thankful to God for all that He has done (Colossians 3:17 I, Thessalonians 5:18).

Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.

Psalm 100:1 (KJV)

The psalm begins with instructions to all the lands (that is, all the earth). The instruction is simple: to shout joyfully to God. Have you ever been so happy, so full of rejoicing that you can not contain it, but have to loudly tell others? That is the sort of joy we should all have in the Lord. The latter part of this psalm gives us the reasons as to why we should be so joyful.

Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.

Psalm 100:2 (KJV)

Two things are mentioned in this verse. The first is serving the Lord. Often when we serve someone, it is done grudgingly. Here, we are told that we should be glad to serve the Lord. Serving God is something that we should each want to do, and is something that we should each be excited to do. The second part of this verse tells us to come before Him with singing. To come before the Lord is to follow Him dutifully, being upright in His sight and so not separated from Him by sin. The singing in this verse most likely represents the idea, once again, of joy and gladness. Instead of wishing we could partake of sinful activities and thoughts, we should glad that we can have our sins forgiven, and so approach God. Also, as many of the psalms, some songs may be a form of prayer, and in this way (prayer) we approach God and speak to Him.

Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Psalm 100:3 (KJV)

First, this verse instructs us to know that the Lord is God. This is not simply an intellectual piece of information we are to store, but rather a fact that we are to base our lives, beliefs, and actions on. This is confirmed by the fact that God made us, we did not make ourselves. We belong to God, and are compared to sheep in this passage. That is, we follow the Lord, remain close to the Lord, and are protected and nurtured by the Lord.

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

Psalm 100:4 (KJV)

Again, we are instructed to draw close to God with thanksgiving. In this verse it is described as entering the gates and court of a building. It is not only when we are obviously and clearly presented with blessings from God that we are to praise Him and thank Him, but we should go to Him in praise. The impetus is on us to go to Him. We are told to be be thankful to Him in addition to praising Him. Praise and thanksgiving are very closely related. Praise to God will note the awe that is felt when His righteousness and works are seen. Thanksgiving to God is recognizing that all such things come from God, and being glad that the Lord has seen fit to bless us.

For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

Psalm 100:5 (KJV)

Here, in the last verse of the psalm, three reasons are given for offering the Lord praise and thanks. The first is that the Lord is good. While we might describe men and women as good, none can approach the perfect righteousness of God. To say that the Lord is good seems almost an understatement. It is a comfort to have a God that is good, and not one that is evil or twisted, is it not? The second reason is that the Lord's mercy (sometimes translated as love or lovingkindness) is everlasting. The clearest example of this love is, of course, our salvation. When we reach the end of our life, if we have diligently followed the Lord to the end, we are promised eternal life. And the third reason is that His truth endures. There has never been, and will never be, a time when the truth of God, contained in His holy word, the Bible, will not be true. It is perfect and absolute, and as such can be depended on. God will not suddenly change His mind and abandon the plans He has put in place.

How often do we offer God praise and thanksgiving? Once or twice a week? Once or twice a day? Once or twice an hour? No matter how often you may offer such to the Lord, He is owed more. Because of Him, we are. Because of Him, we can have hope. Because of Him, there are so many blessings to be thankful for. Let us all strive to draw close to God, to offer Him praise, and to thank Him for what He has so freely given to us.