1 Learning to Give a Bible Study
2 Ascertaining an InterestSome people are ripe to study, others are a little green but nearly ripe. Then there are those who haven’t even blossomed. How can we identify those who are ripe for Bible studies?
3 Some characteristics of people who may be classified as “ripe fruit”People who manifest an earnest desire to seek and find Bible truths. People who accept Bible studies and complete the lessons weekly. People who are lonely, unhappy, and dissatisfied with their lives.
4 More characteristics of people who may be classified as “ripe fruit”People who feel the need for change. People who are dissatisfied with their church. People who don't belong to a church or are backsliders.
5 More characteristics of people who may be classified as “ripe fruit”People who accept major doctrines and make positive decisions. People who display signs that they are under conviction. People who evidence a change in lifestyle as they learn truth.
6 More characteristics of people who may be classified as “ripe fruit”People who demonstrate a desire to share with others what they learned. These People are the category that you want to spend a major part of your time with.
7 Some Characteristics of “Green Fruit”These people usually will refuse Bible studies. If they accept studies, they do not have them completed on time. They make excuses over and over for not completing the study. They don't accept the clear teachings of Scripture.
8 More Characteristics of “Green Fruit”They are deeply involved and committed to their own church. They talk badly about the lesson, your church or doctrines. They are friendly but won't make any commitments.
9 General Principles for Giving Bible StudiesUse a good series of simple Bible studies. It’s not necessary to write your own set of Bible studies. There are many good, solid, proven sets of studies that have been found to be effective. Have a distinct plan. When giving Bible studies, determine to have a distinct plan; before you teach any subject, it is important that you understand each subject yourself.
10 More Principles for Giving Bible StudiesFollow the same basic sequence with all interests. Don’t skip the study even if the student says they already know the subject. Be sure the person understands the subject clearly before going on to another subject. Make Christ and salvation the central theme of every Bible study. It is Christ, the Christ on the cross, that attracts..
11 More Principles for Giving Bible StudiesPresent text after text. The most effective and powerful Bible study presents one text upon another—precept upon precept, line upon line, here a little, there a little (Isaiah 28:10) Present testing truths after conversion. When an individual experiences genuine conversion, they are open to receive more of God’s truth.
12 More Principles for Giving Bible StudiesKeep your arguments to a few on any subject. It is best to use only a few texts and notes on any subject. Encourage informal remarks and discussion. Answer questions from your students, but keep them on the subject you are studying. Give simple explanations. It is very important to keep the study from getting too complicated.
13 More Principles for Giving Bible StudiesWork with the love of God in your heart. Meet people where they are. Each person is different. Recount your own experience in conversion. Pray before each study.
14 What to Include in the Bible StudyDeal with felt needs. They may be fearful of the final events just before Jesus comes or His actual coming. You will want to weave into the study some promises that would take away the fear and give comfort, trust, and faith that Jesus will be there and will see us through. Use additional texts. Be sure that you include some texts that focus on Christ as the center of the lessons.
15 What to Include in the Bible Study (cont)Use a personal testimony. They can know that the Christian life is working for you, and this will give courage that it can work for them. Make an application. Make the Bible study relevant to everyday struggles. Ask for a decision. Always close your Bible study with an appeal for a decision. Study at the pace of your student . Keep in mind that future lessons will often answer the questions that your student asks.
16 Key Points to Remember Show confidence and thus inspire confidence.Look people in the eye. Don’t stare, but don’t avoid eye contact. Be a good listener. Use the person’s name frequently. Use good posture. Don’t slump. Sit and stand erect, but relaxed.
17 More Key Points to RememberSpeak clearly, not too fast. Have a pleasant volume, not too loud, not too soft. Focus on the person you’re talking to and on what you want to say. Have clear objectives and accomplish them. Trust God that He will bless your Bible study.
18 More Key Points to RememberDiscover your interest’s felt needs. This is so important. Weave Bible texts into the study that will address these needs with Scripture. Pray for discernment that you will be able to see their felt needs during your social time.
19 More Key Points to RememberIt is wise to leave quickly after prayer, leaving them in the presence of the Holy Spirit. Avoid entering into conversations that are not spiritual at the close of the study. Leave the Bible study guide and remind them of the date and time for the next study. Encourage them to take time for God’s Word daily.
20 More Key Points to RememberExpress your appreciation for their friendship and the pleasure of studying with them.
21 Time Outline of a Bible StudySocial Time - 8 to 10 minutes Bible Study Time - 30 to 40 minutes Application and Decision – 2 to 4 minutes Prayer
22 Dealing with ObjectionsDiscover what hinders them. Come close to your Bible study contacts. Getting close to your Bible study contacts will help them through the difficult time of meeting obstacles. Never argue. Avoid conflict.
23 Dealing with Objections (cont)Expect objections, don’t be surprised by them. Answer objections before they’re raised. Give short, concise answers. Listen carefully to each objection. Meet objections with texts.
24 When People Have ObjectionsThis might indicate that: The person has genuine questions that loom large in their minds. The person has not fully made up their mind on the topic. The person may be using an objection to defend themselves.
25 Helpful Suggestions Pray with your students before each study.Keep the Bible study simple. Keep the Bible study short and to the point. Be a learner. Don’t claim to be an authority on the Bible. It’s important not to give your students the impression that you think you have all the answers and they don’t know anything.
26 More Helpful SuggestionsStudy the lessons in their given order. Be consistent. Study every week at the same time. Study one lesson at a time, two at the most. Keep the student on track.
27 More Helpful SuggestionsLet the student ask questions. Questions will arise that you might not be prepared to answer. Don’t pretend you know the answer. If you don’t know the answer to a question, tell them you don’t know. Say, “I’m not sure about that answer, but I’ll find out and give it to you next week.” Ask for a decision at the end of each lesson.
28 More Helpful SuggestionsDepend on Christ. Read the introduction to the lesson. Explain to the student how you will review the lessons. If someone gives a wrong answer, never say they are wrong. Instead, say, “We seem to have different thoughts to this question.”
29 More Helpful SuggestionsRemember to be kind and tactful during the study period.. Be a good listener and ask questions. Tactfully postpone answering questions that will be covered in a future Bible study.
30 More Helpful SuggestionsDon’t be embarrassed if a student asks you a question you cannot answer. Encourage the student if he hasn’t completed a study guide when you return.
31 Conclusions After we have learned the “how to” of giving a Bible study, we must continually remind ourselves that, after all is said and done, it is the Holy Spirit that must bring the fruit to harvest. We may plant the seed, but only the power of God can make it grow.