Having shown the expediency and authorization for Bible classes last week, this week we attempt to suggest ways that will make for more productive time spent in our classes.
Suggestion #1: Form The Big Picture
This is most important when studying a Biblical book, even more than studying a topic. Outlining is always necessary when attempting to study through one of the books of the Bible; it is the only way one can successfully follow the author's train of thought. It is also the only safeguard against taking Bible passages out of context (2 Tim. 2:15). The old adage, "You can't see the forest for the trees" rings especially loud here. It is well and good to "go through the text" and learn what God has committed to us. However, this can be done to our detriment if we focus too much on the individual trees and lose sight of the forest. If, after completing a Biblical book we cannot remember its overall outline, how wise has been the use of our time?
This big picture should not only be sought within the book itself, but also how one book fits into the overall teaching of the Bible. The books of the Bible are not 66 disjointed essays thrown together inside a leather cover. The Bible is one thematic story from Genesis to Revelation. Being careful to remember "the forest" would also include remembering how the 1 book I'm studying fits overall into the Bible.
Suggestion #2: Come Prepared To Participate
The church has made plans to have Bible classes for the members' education & edification. Time & money have been invested in materials preparation. If brethren come without having done their lesson, what does that say about their attitude toward God and His word? What does that suggest about how much they want to help their brethren learn more of the Bible's message? How can they particiapte in the "dialogue" if they've made no effort at home? While some questions may give us trouble, I doubt devoted saints should ever come to class with blank pages (cp. Eph. 4:11-16). Indeed...we all struggle with some of the "hard sayings" of the Bible (2 Pet. 3:16). But class time is the time to help each other out.
