Bible Study, What's Really Involved?

[A.W. Bowman]

Digging4Truth (and others who may be interested) -

Some of the most memorable sermons - that had impact on lives - were those where the word was read, followed by a translation/interpretation of specific key words from the original language into English, then a rereading of the scripture in the expended format. Then to have the passage placed in its proper context and then, and perhaps most importantly, the relevance of that passage applied to the lives of believers.

Of course, there is no such thing as a 'stand a lone' verse in the Bible, even though we love to make it seem that there are, in many of our sermons. But, like the body of Christ, every verse in the Bible hangs together on other verses, a precept built upon a precept, and each line of scripture is built up upon yet another line, and all support additional precepts and lines of scripture. For what purpose?

So that the body of Christ might be built up "... as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, ..." (1 Peter 2:5)

The problem for preachers/teachers who desire to teach the word of God and present it for the edification and nourishment of the body, is that not many are willing to receive it.

For that observation come the pull to make the service more lively (entertaining), less strenuous in the study, and to leave everyone with a 'good feeling', rather than with a conviction concerning another area in one's life that needs to improved upon or even to be surrendered to Christ. It is a case of identifying the 'lukewarm' Christians and separating them out from those who are either cold or hot for Christ - and ministering to where each of these groups are. Can one man do all that is required of such a task? Most likely not.

Each congregational leader(s) must decide how the word needs to be shared (taught/presented) - when, where, and in what format, for was illustrated in the book of Revelation, not all local bodies are identical, face the same challenges or require the same correction(s).

Even so, we must also keep in mind that each individual is being built up and fitted into the living house of God (which is the corporate body of Christ on earth). Sometimes we get caught up in keeping our focus on our local assembly, which is appropriate, but frequently neglecting the relationship we have with the rest of the 'one' body, 'one' Christ, 'one' faith, and 'one' Spirit that we all have a share in.

While it is very difficult, even as it was for Jesus, sometimes we must allow those who reject the Christ and the good news, to go their own way, even if it is to leave the local assembly and its fellowship. Sometimes folks have done as Jesus suggested: Count the costs. Some will count the cost and think the price is too high. Some will not bother to do any counting at all, just the idea of not getting a 'free ride' is too much for them.

So, my friend, feed the sheep and allow the goats to graze as they will.

[Cindy]

Originally Posted by Digging4Truth

I often say that there is a difference between letting the word speak and making the word talk.

These days it seems that scriptural references are little more than a quick required reading to base ones own thought on rather than sharing a thought based on scripture. The difference seems minimal in the statement but the end result has to do with a firm foundation versus sinking sand.

I sometimes feel boring when i teach/preach because I use so many scriptures and I often feel pressure (Internally... not from others) to just read a scripture and take off like the other guys do.

But I enjoy the systematic viewing of scripture and I feel is seen far less often than it should be seen in our day.

Do you feel you are using too many scriptures, or that there isn't a flow of the Word?

[Digging4Truth]

Originally Posted by Cindy

Do you feel you are using too many scriptures, or that there isn't a flow of the Word?

Neither.

I only use scripture that is necessary to cover the subject and it always rolls along well. I always hear from people that say they enjoyed it and that it blessed them

I simply see the other guys turn red in the face and spit in the microphone and, on a personal level, I sometimes feel less because I don't do all that. I like what I do and it is well received. We humans just suffer with comparison issues sometimes.

[Cindy]

Originally Posted by Digging4Truth

Neither.

I only use scripture that is necessary to cover the subject and it always rolls along well. I always hear from people that say they enjoyed it and that it blessed them

I simply see the other guys turn red in the face and spit in the microphone and, on a personal level, I sometimes feel less because I don't do all that. I like what I do and it is well received. We humans just suffer with comparison issues sometimes.

I understand.

[Godsdrummer]

Originally Posted by Digging4Truth

Neither.

I only use scripture that is necessary to cover the subject and it always rolls along well. I always hear from people that say they enjoyed it and that it blessed them

I simply see the other guys turn red in the face and spit in the microphone and, on a personal level, I sometimes feel less because I don't do all that. I like what I do and it is well received. We humans just suffer with comparison issues sometimes.

Digging
I understand completly about comparison issues. I used to do that very same thing. Just remmember turning red in the face and spitting into the microphone does not mean it is anointed. It just means that they have learned the means of oratiation. And trust me I have been around a long time. I have myself found that expository teaching is much more powerful and meaningful, and does more in strengthening the body. Than the emotional outburst.

[Digging4Truth]

Originally Posted by Godsdrummer

Digging
I understand completely about comparison issues. I used to do that very same thing. Just remember turning red in the face and spitting into the microphone does not mean it is anointed. It just means that they have learned the means of oration. And trust me I have been around a long time. I have myself found that expository teaching is much more powerful and meaningful, and does more in strengthening the body. Than the emotional outburst.

Yes sir. So far I have been successful in reminding myself of this. This type of teaching is who I am down to the very core. I can't imagine myself ever changing that.

[AJS]

Not long ago my brother a UPC follower, wanted me to listen to a tape message from a young minister.
The young man literally yelled the entire half hour.

I've come to understand a long time ago, that if someone has to yell their entire message, they don't have the anointing of God in their life.
Same goes for loud music...it is my opinion that it's all a replacement the true anointing of the Lord.

Our Lord and the early disciples didn't have a 1000 watt amplifier and giant speakers.
To me it's an attempt to replace God with manmade power.

I didn't mean to bushwack the thread....just had to vent.

[A.W. Bowman]

It is a shame, but all too often the stage performance is taken as a poor 'preaching about the word' substitute for actually preaching the word its self. Even so, that brings us back to one of the original key questions:

What is the primary purpose for attending any church service? Consider everything that has been presented in this thread so far. Clue: This question has not yet been addressed, or even hinted at.

It is not meant to be a trick question, but rather to illustrate how uninformed we are about the purpose of our faith and the ordained function(s) of body of Christ - as a whole, integrated body of believers.

Perhaps the following two part question will help:

What are we, as followers of Christ, saved from, and what is it we are saved for?

Another question: What is the purpose of sermons at each service, and what is the goal that preaching is expected to produce? And, do we achieve the desired results?

If those of us who are in positions of spiritual authority, even as teachers, cannot give a satisfactory answer to these kinds of questions for ourselves, how can we expect our teaching to be taken seriously by anyone else?

Finally, how does serious Bible study fit into this picture?

Thoughts?

[Sandy]

Originally Posted by HaShaliach

It is a shame, but all too often the stage performance is taken as a poor 'preaching about the word' substitute for actually preaching the word its self. Even so, that brings us back to one of the original key questions:



It is not meant to be a trick question, but rather to illustrate how uninformed we are about the purpose of our faith and the ordained function(s) of body of Christ - as a whole, integrated body of believers.

Perhaps the following two part question will help:

What are we, as followers of Christ, saved from, and what is it we are saved for?

Another question: What is the purpose of sermons at each service, and what is the goal that preaching is expected to produce? And, do we achieve the desired results?

If those of us who are in positions of spiritual authority, even as teachers, cannot give a satisfactory answer to these kinds of questions for ourselves, how can we expect our teaching to be taken seriously by anyone else?

Finally, how does serious Bible study fit into this picture?

Thoughts?

The answers to your questions are written in eph. 4:
12: For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.

Jesus called the first 12 apostles to begin this, sending them out to begin to call others into begining to walk in His righteousness, to send them out to do the work of the ministry, God called each to do, so that they could also edify the body of Christ in the gift or gifts they are given by the Lord to walk in from then on. Meaning every believer has something to offer.

All of course, are always called to reproduce other believers once they' re established in the faith themselves. At least that is what I believe.

Your teaching is very much needed, my finding it very interesting sir. Thanks for sharing it, my wanting to know more.

[Godsdrummer]

Our purpose is to have relationship with (God) Christ. and to do the work of recconsiling the world to God.

We go to meetings to fellowship with other beleivers where the gifts of the spirit move on a larger scale. Our study should be a time of sharing and testimony with one another to draw strength from one another.

Our primary study should be at home. Seek out your own salvation with fear...