Why Should I Attend Bible Study?

 “Give diligence to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, handling aright the word of truth.”

2 Timothy 2:15 

        There is a Bible study that happens every week, twice a week. These studies are held in a location you frequent. It is comprised of your family and your brothers and sisters in Christ. The Bible is the textbook, and it is supported by book, chapter, and verse. It sounds like something that all Christians would seek to be present for. It is our weekly Bible studies at 9:45 AM and Wednesdays at 7:00 PM. If this sounds so good, why do our attendance numbers for the hour of worship differ from our Bible Study times? Why do we attend Bible study anyway? 

 Christians Study the Bible 

We are commanded to study the Bible. Paul wrote,  “Till I come, give heed to reading, to exhortation, to teaching.” 1 Tim 4:13. When we meet together for Bible study it provides a great supplement to your study. Yes, it is supplemental, because the New Testament Christian is one who studies the Bible. I often hear that people believe they can just study the Bible on their own, or others who believe they only need to study the Bible in corporate studies. However, this is not how it should be. We should say yes to both. 

Gain Knowledge to Equip Others

When I teach Bible classes, I know that the class I am teaching is benefiting from the study that I have done to prepare to teach. That class is also benefiting from the hours I have spent being taught. I love to attend brotherhood lectureships (Memphis School of Preaching and Show-Me State Lectures), not only for the fellowship but also to learn from many sound brethren who help to equip me to be a better teacher. When we study the Bible together, we are working toward the goal of spreading the Gospel to all creation (Mark 16:15-16; Matthew 28:19-20). 

The Elders Have Authorized It. 

Elders are commanded to ensure the flock is fed. Paul said, “Take heed unto yourselves, and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit hath made you bishops, to feed the church of the Lord which he purchased with his own blood” (Acts 20:28). Any shepherd that does not feed the flock will not have a healthy flock. The elders are within their authority in matters of expedience to set aside the aforementioned times for the flock to be fed. The elders are aware that these times allow them and others to teach the flock for their own good.  To not attend Bible study for the reason of indifference, or disinterest is rebelling against the will of God. 

Because We Are Hungry for the Word

When we are physically hungry, we seek nourishment in the form of proper food. To keep from spiritual malnourishment, we stay in the Word of God. Peter wrote, 

"Putting away therefore all wickedness, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,  as newborn babes, long for the spiritual milk which is without guile, that ye may grow thereby unto salvation; if ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious."

1 Peter 2:1-3

        Have you tasted that the Lord is gracious? Then you should want to be fed? When the disciples wondered where Jesus would have possibly found food at Sychar,  Jesus said to them something about the need to be spiritually fed.  “My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to accomplish his work (John 4:34).

        In the United States, there are many who are hungry for no good reason. There is not a famine in the land. There is not a lack of jobs, but people refuse to work, and thus they have no reason to be hungry. This is Biblical,  the Spirit says, “For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, If any will not work, neither let him eat. For we hear of some that walk among you disorderly, that work not at all, but are busybodies” 2 Thess. 2:10-11. If you refuse to work, you are a busybody. 

        Now let's apply that concept to spiritual hunger. We have no reason to go through our lives hungering for the truth. We have the Bible, we have time we set aside, Sunday morning, Wednesday evenings, Gospel Meetings, Ladies' Bible study, and an upcoming Ladies’ Day. There are many opportunities to supplement your spiritual food. Why not feast with your brethren?

Brethren, I thank God we have the ability to gather together at these allotted times to supplement our own Bible study, become equipped to teach others the Good News, to submit to our elders, and to be spiritually nourished. The added benefit is that we get to do this with our family, the church that belongs to Christ. 

Grace and Peace, 

R.D. Beavers