Have you ever had someone knock on your door carrying a Bible and talking about Jehovah? I have. Can you tell if their Bible agrees with God’s Word? I can. When the man came, I got my Bible to compare key verses. He changed his strategy, claiming his Bible was accurately translated from the original languages, hinting mine was not. I asked my husband to bring his Greek and Hebrew Bibles. The man soon left, calling us Bereans, which I considered to be a compliment. Although our neighbours received visitors, we were “blacklisted.” We can learn from the Berean Christians’ daily study of the Bible “with all eagerness… to see if these things [Paul taught] were so” (Acts 17:11).
As Phyllis Bennett says in her book, Developing Life-Changing Bible Study Curriculum, Bible study is crucial for two reasons. First, Scripture answers life’s important questions, like “Who am I and why am I here? Who sets the standards of good and evil, and can I trust God?” Second, the Bible offers practical guidance for living.[1] As a result, we can “participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires” (2 Peter 1:4 NIV). The Bible tells us, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the [wo]man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16-17). Why would we not want to study the Bible?
A better understanding of God (who He is, what He cares about, why He cares for us, how He dealt with His people, and how He will deal with us) is a good Bible study goal, as are knowledge of God’s will for my life (how we should live in the world and what He expects of us), and personal transformation through application of what we learn about Him and obvious results of that application. Bible study should not be done for reasons of 1) self-satisfaction; 2) a “know-it-all” attitude, or 3) impressing others.[2] Make wise Bible study goals.
We were made to live in relationship with our Triune God, who exists in community as Father, Son, and Spirit (Gen. 1:26-27; 2:23-24). According to Phyllis Bennett, “Individualism and isolationism are movements away from community, which is the essence of God”.[3] As God’s existence in community serves as an example of the life we are to live in relationship with God and others, Jesus urges us to love God and others (Matt. 6:27).
In our interaction with others, we are to uphold one another (1 Thess. 5:11), love one another (1 Peter 1:22), honour others before ourselves (Rom. 12:10), instruct and admonish one another (Col. 3:16), consider one another to be knowledgeable and capable of teaching (Rom. 15:14), show unreserved hospitality and serve one another with our gifts (1 Peter 4:9-10), treat one another with kindness, tenderheartedness, and forgiveness (Eph. 4:32), bearing each other’s burdens (Gal. 6:2). Acts 17:11-12 urges women to study God’s Word together and fellowship with one another. Women’s fellowship of women is special as a result.[4]
Small group Bible study has a greater impact than solitary study. Though Scripture does not mandate we meet in small groups to study and minister to one another, there are instances of small-group activities in the Bible. According to Jethro, Moses’ single-leadership style is ineffective compared to a more effective multiple-leader approach (Exod. 18:13-27), and God instructs Moses to appoint 70 men to “bear the burden of the people with [him]” (Num. 11:16-17). In choosing, instructing, and commissioning the Twelve, Jesus models small groups (Luke 6:12-19; 9:1-2; Mark 3:14-15; 6:7-13; Matt. 28:19-20). While we should study the Bible alone, studying together where we share what we learned is more fruitful.[5] To improve what we learn from God’s Word, others might correct us and add a new or nuanced perspective. According to Solomon, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” (Prov. 27:17).
Through instruction, fellowship, communion, and prayer, the New Testament Church serves as an example of the importance of small groups in the life of the church and its members (Acts 2:42-47). However, times have changed. While some women prefer to watch instructional videos by female speakers only, others will not go to a women’s Bible study unless the pastor teaches it. While women can learn from male teachers in study videos, most women do not want to have a man or pastor leading a women’s Bible study. Women are typically more effective teachers of women than males, especially concerning subjects particularly relevant to women (such as infertility or loss of an unborn child). Women, especially new Christians, can be discipled by what they learn in a Bible study and by other women in a small group or one-on-one. Paul states that older women should teach younger women and children (Titus 2:3-5). However, we must study God’s Word whether teaching or being taught. Do encourage others to lead a Bible study, even for one session, as planning to teach a lesson improves learning and leading builds self-assurance. If the study leader is too shy or uneasy to pray publicly, another woman could pray. Who knows? You might discover a future Bible study leader!
Though they frequently put their lives in danger to share the Gospel (Rom. 16:3-5), the apostles never “ceased teaching and preaching that Christ is Jesus” (Acts 5:42). In preparation for potential future persecution or for the moment when we are required to defend our faith (1 Peter 3:15), we must study the Bible and tuck Scriptures away in our hearts. Bible study equips us with a response.
In a group, it is much simpler to communicate the gospel with others. Our women’s Bible study has a seeker who does not hesitate to ask questions. We can “tag team” to respond to her inquiries while another consults the Bible. My demeanour and viewpoint in responding to a seeker’s question might not lead the seeker to God, but another woman’s manner and perspective might be just what is needed in the process of evangelizing. A Bible study group might therefore influence seekers by modelling the fellowship and love of the church family.
The entire church benefits from women’s Bible studies. Mature (or maturing) female image-bearers in the body of Christ inspire others through His Word, grow in Christlikeness, serve the church, and pray for their loved ones, church leaders, and those in need of material or spiritual support. By God’s grace, we develop into His Son’s likeness through His Spirit and the Word in order to glorify God, carry out the Great Commission, and share God’s love with our family, friends, and neighbours.
In summary, Bible study offers daily guidance and biblical solutions. Make smart goals, live in community, and fellowship with women. Studying together will help you be more effective. Encourage female leaders while remaining open to male ones. Be prepared to spread the gospel and defend the faith. Your church will be blessed. In other words, study the Bible like a Berean!
Bibliography
Bennett, Phyllis. Developing Life-Changing Bible Study Curriculum. Self-published: Printed by author, 2018.
[1] Phyllis Bennett, Developing Life-Changing Bible Study Curriculum (self-pub., printed by author, 2018), 11.
[2] 12.
[3] 10.
[4] 7-8.
[5] 7.