"Your word is a lamp for my feet , a light on my path" Psalm 119:105
Over the years, I have had the honor of being involved in several home groups and on occasion even leading the discussions. I do not think that I am particularly good at leading, despite others' comments about it. When I do lead, my main goal is that we would all learn something and that I am there to facilitate discussion and follow where that leads. It is important to let those around me be fully engaged rather than throwing facts and what I know at them. Granted, my main weakness is not teaching but rather than letting it be a discussion. I should trust what I know at times, especially from a teaching perspective.
First and foremost, praying is very important in preparing to lead a bible study. We are not experts on the Bible - some do know more than others - but everyone I hear speak on the word always comments on how they constantly learn something new each time they engage the scriptures. Pray for vision and ask God what He wants to reveal during the study. It may be a particular subject or a series of studies in a particular book. Let the Lord lead the way.
My favorite leadings were when I taught on the Lord's Prayer, the Christmas story, Sermon on the Mount, and the feeding of the five thousand. Why? Because they were stories that I "knew" - really "know". I have known them since they were taught to me in Sunday School all those years ago. Yet, as well as I thought I knew them, I always came away learning a new aspect I never considered before. Thanks to these home groups. I get to see other people's perspectives and how particular passages affect their lives in ways differently than they did mine. It shows how powerful the word is in how it affects so many in so many ways.
The reason I enjoy being in home groups is the discussions we have. I am not very good at studying the word on my own (a variety of reasons, starting with laziness). This gives me an opportunity to ponder scripture. It never hurts to learn more, consider other perspectives, and most of all get new questions, or have questions answered.
"All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work" 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
That passage sums up why it is so vitally important to study the word. It is still relevant today as it was the day this passage was written to paper. People can say does the bible refer to my specific problem? Not necessarily, though yes in most cases. However, the principles mentioned are applicable to all situations. In any job or task you want to be successful in, don't you use the manual? The bible is the manual for life.
Knowing that, I still struggle spending the time studying the scriptures on my own. As I said before, laziness is such a big part of it. Using excuses as to where to begin hides my unwillingness to start. Maybe I'm afraid to learn something or rethink my comfort levels?
When I lead, I definitely pray on it. Then, I will go through the passage several times to determine what questions I have. Some are obvious and others require some digging. Usually, I end up with more questions than I think I can ask in a reasonable amount of time. Plus, I know that some answers may lead to questions I don't have right then. I then try to pull out questions which are random or may cause us to go off track. Thanks to the internet, I can look up other studies, sermons, and questions and gain other perspectives that I may have missed. Then, I go back to paring down questions. Sometimes, I will determine if this discussion will be a two parter and then I organize the questions. A lot more work goes into it than I ever expected. Usually, as a co-leader of the home group, I would only lead once a month. It makes me amazed about pastors who do sermons weekly. It gives me appreciation for them and I realize how much God is needed for these things.
The important thing I get from preparing is getting closer to God. Really exploring the word and diving in and just hearing what God has to say. God just revealing his vision while I explore the word during my preparations.
Currently, though, I am not involved in a home group. My wife and I have been praying and discussing what we should do. As I have said, it is important to study the word and I have let that training lapse in my life. I need to get back to practicing and studying.
Over the years, I have had the honor of being involved in several home groups and on occasion even leading the discussions. I do not think that I am particularly good at leading, despite others' comments about it. When I do lead, my main goal is that we would all learn something and that I am there to facilitate discussion and follow where that leads. It is important to let those around me be fully engaged rather than throwing facts and what I know at them. Granted, my main weakness is not teaching but rather than letting it be a discussion. I should trust what I know at times, especially from a teaching perspective.
First and foremost, praying is very important in preparing to lead a bible study. We are not experts on the Bible - some do know more than others - but everyone I hear speak on the word always comments on how they constantly learn something new each time they engage the scriptures. Pray for vision and ask God what He wants to reveal during the study. It may be a particular subject or a series of studies in a particular book. Let the Lord lead the way.
My favorite leadings were when I taught on the Lord's Prayer, the Christmas story, Sermon on the Mount, and the feeding of the five thousand. Why? Because they were stories that I "knew" - really "know". I have known them since they were taught to me in Sunday School all those years ago. Yet, as well as I thought I knew them, I always came away learning a new aspect I never considered before. Thanks to these home groups. I get to see other people's perspectives and how particular passages affect their lives in ways differently than they did mine. It shows how powerful the word is in how it affects so many in so many ways.
The reason I enjoy being in home groups is the discussions we have. I am not very good at studying the word on my own (a variety of reasons, starting with laziness). This gives me an opportunity to ponder scripture. It never hurts to learn more, consider other perspectives, and most of all get new questions, or have questions answered.
"All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work" 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
That passage sums up why it is so vitally important to study the word. It is still relevant today as it was the day this passage was written to paper. People can say does the bible refer to my specific problem? Not necessarily, though yes in most cases. However, the principles mentioned are applicable to all situations. In any job or task you want to be successful in, don't you use the manual? The bible is the manual for life.
Knowing that, I still struggle spending the time studying the scriptures on my own. As I said before, laziness is such a big part of it. Using excuses as to where to begin hides my unwillingness to start. Maybe I'm afraid to learn something or rethink my comfort levels?
When I lead, I definitely pray on it. Then, I will go through the passage several times to determine what questions I have. Some are obvious and others require some digging. Usually, I end up with more questions than I think I can ask in a reasonable amount of time. Plus, I know that some answers may lead to questions I don't have right then. I then try to pull out questions which are random or may cause us to go off track. Thanks to the internet, I can look up other studies, sermons, and questions and gain other perspectives that I may have missed. Then, I go back to paring down questions. Sometimes, I will determine if this discussion will be a two parter and then I organize the questions. A lot more work goes into it than I ever expected. Usually, as a co-leader of the home group, I would only lead once a month. It makes me amazed about pastors who do sermons weekly. It gives me appreciation for them and I realize how much God is needed for these things.
The important thing I get from preparing is getting closer to God. Really exploring the word and diving in and just hearing what God has to say. God just revealing his vision while I explore the word during my preparations.
Currently, though, I am not involved in a home group. My wife and I have been praying and discussing what we should do. As I have said, it is important to study the word and I have let that training lapse in my life. I need to get back to practicing and studying.
Comments
Post a Comment