"SERVING THE LORD WITH GLADNESS"

Getting More Out Of The Bible Classes

INTRODUCTION
  1. In this series, our theme has been "Serving The Lord With Gladness"...
    1. Taken from Psalm 100, especially the second verse
    2. With a goal to enjoy our service to the Lord more
  2. We have examined how one can get more out of...
    1. The assemblies of the church
    2. The singing offered in praise and edification
    3. The prayers rendered to God and for one another
    4. The Lord's Supper in which we commune
    5. The collection for the saints and work of the church
  3. Our final study addresses the subject of Bible classes, an opportunity...
    1. To serve the Lord in most congregations
    2. Not taken by many, nor fully utilized by most

[Yet proper utilization of our Bible classes can contribute much toward serving the Lord with gladness in all other areas! To understand how, let's first summarize...]

  1. THE ROLE OF BIBLE CLASSES
    1. THE OPPORTUNITIES OF BIBLE CLASSES...
      1. Provided by the local congregation
        1. Most churches offer classes for both children and adults
        2. Usually this includes classes on Sunday mornings and a midweek evening
      2. Provided by individuals
        1. Bible classes also occur frequently in the homes of Christians
        2. At the direction of church leaders, or by personal initiative
        -- The opportunities to participate in Bible classes are many
    2. THE BENEFITS OF BIBLE CLASSES...
      1. To study the Word of God more deeply
        1. Textual studies often examine the Word verse by verse
        2. Topical studies allow for more in-depth examination
      2. To ask questions about what is studied
        1. Classes are less formal, allowing for questions and answers
        2. When the whole church is gathered, there is not as much flexibility - cf. 1Co 14:34-35
      3. To share one's own knowledge of the Bible
        1. Preaching allows the speaker to share his knowledge
        2. Comments in class allow for those in the class to share their knowledge
      4. To accelerate the rate of one's spiritual growth
        1. Spiritual growth is related to one's knowledge of the Word - cf. 1Pe 2:2
        2. The more often you study, the faster you will grow!
      5. To enjoy the fellowship of studying with other Christians
        1. Bible classes are more informal, allowing for mutual sharing of comments
        2. Often the comments of other students is just as edifying as those of the teacher
      6. To encourage other Christians by your presence and participation
        1. Your presence encourages others; likewise, your absence discourages them
        2. Your participation can inspire others to want to learn
        -- The benefits of Bible classes are indeed many!

      [Yet despite such benefits, many people fail to attend the Bible classes. Some who do, don't get much out of them. Allow me to offer some suggestions on...]

  2. GETTING MORE OUT OF THE BIBLE CLASSES
    1. ATTEND...
      1. One must attend if they are going to benefit from Bible classes
      2. One must attend regularly to truly benefit from the studies
      3. Remember, the rate of one's spiritual growth is affected by how often you attend
      -- Do you make it a habit to attend the Bible classes regularly?
    2. PREPARE...
      1. Again, you get out of something based on what you put into it
      2. Prepare by studying the lessons ahead of time
      3. Obtain other aids to assist you in studying the text or topic
      -- Do you come to Bible class ready the subject at hand?
    3. CONTRIBUTE...
      1. By sharing the fruits of your own study with comments
      2. By asking questions when something is not clear
      3. Good teachers like feedback, it helps to know if the message is getting across
      -- Do you add to the overall value of the study by contributing to the class?
    4. TEACH...
      1. One of the best ways to learn a subject is to teach it
      2. You will likely get more out of the class than anyone else
      3. By teaching, you will of necessity attend, prepare, and contribute!
      -- Are you willing to teach that others might benefit? - cf. 2Ti 2:2; Tit 2:3
    5. ASSIST...
      1. Those not ready to teach can learn by assisting those who do teach
      2. They learn from mentors, observing how others teach - e.g., Timothy
      3. They are especially helpful in classes with small children
      -- Are you willing to develop more teachers, by taking this small step?
    6. PRAY...
      1. Beginning study with a prayer like this: "Open my eyes, that I may see Wondrous things from Your law." - Ps 119:18
      2. As you study, asking God for understanding with a prayer like this: "Oh, that my ways were directed To keep Your statutes! Then I would not be ashamed, When I look into all Your commandments." - Ps 119:5-6
      3. Ending a study with a prayer like this: "With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You!" - Ps 119:10-11
      -- Prayer puts one into the proper frame of mind to benefit from Bible study!
CONCLUSION
  1. People actively involved in the Bible classes...
    1. Learn the Word of God much faster
    2. Benefit from the Word of God much sooner
    3. Contribute to the health and growth of the church much more
  2. Those who do not attend the Bible classes...
    1. Rarely have more than a superficial knowledge of God's Word
    2. Often struggle in their spiritual lives because of their lack of knowledge
    3. Are usually of little use to others in providing spiritual help and understanding

Yes, I believe very strongly in the value of attending and actively participating in Bible classes. In fact, I would go so far to say that it is a key element to truly "Serving The Lord With Gladness"...!