The edification of Christians is a vital ingredient in the development of a growing church. In the Great Commission, Jesus points out that discipleship occurs not only with baptism, but with the continued teaching of the Christian (Matthew 28:19-20). The reason for this continued teaching lies in the fact that new Christians are babes in Christ and must receive proper nutrition for growth. In the physical realm, both parents and government recognize the need of providing for children. In fact, law authorities will arrest the parent who abuses or neglects his children. Christians, however, sometimes ignore in the spiritual realm --- what we take for granted in the physical realm. In too many Cases believers have been baptized into Christ and then left to grow on their own. For some it is “sink or swim.’ It is the purpose of this article to encourage the growth of believers through the practice of teaching fellow Christians in home Bible studies. Our study centers around these three questions:
1. Why is it necessary to conduct home Bible studies?
2. How do you organize home Bible studies?
3. What are some practical suggestions for home Bible studies?
In I Corinthians 14, while discussing the abuse of spiritual gifts by the tongue speakers, Paul has much to say about the importance of edification. In verses 3-4 he writes, “But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort. He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.” Those gifted with the miraculous power of tongues were apparently trying to dominate the assemblies at Corinth. This domination of the assembly without proper interpretation provided confusion in their midst and a lack of edification. Paul adds, “But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue” (vs. 19). From these passages we learn that the purpose of edification is to strengthen, encourage, comfort and instruct fellow Christians. We do not have inspired prophets today, but in our teaching we accomplish the same goal --- the edification of God’s people.
There are different methods available for use in the edification of God’s people. One method is the public assembly of the church. God designed the public assembly for edification of His people. There are those who say that children and, others cannot learn much in the assembly. However, Paul writes that in the assembly “... everyone may be instructed and encouraged” (1 Corinthians 14:31). In Antioch, “a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people” (Acts 11:26). A powerful presentation of the truth from the pulpit can be especially effective in the teaching of the Word.
We must not think that all teaching is limited to the assembly of the church. Paul tells the Ephesian elders, “You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you publicly and from house to house” (Acts 20:20). Paul did not limit his teaching to the pulpit. No doubt some of his most effective teaching must have taken place on occasions other than church assemblies and public opportunities. These occasions are called “house to house” occasions for teaching, and would be more private in nature, dealing with a smaller group of people. This “house to house” teaching, would surely include home Bible studies with Christians.
A second reason for home Bible studies lies within the fact that some problems may require teaching that is better handled in a private manner rather than in a public way. When Apollos came to Ephesus he was a “learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures” (Acts 18:24). However, his knowledge was incomplete because he knew only about the baptism of John. Clearly something needed to he done for this talented man to help him understand that his knowledge was only partial and he needed more instruction. This is where the wisdom of Aquila and Priscilla is seen. Luke tells us, “When Priscilla and AquiIa heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately” (Acts 18:26). Aquila could have publicly corrected Apollos for his lack of knowledge concerning the gospel of Christ and tried to teach him there in front of all. There are times when public correction may be needed (1 Timothy 5:20; Titus 1:9). There are other times, however, when a private home study over some misunderstanding may do more good than a public correction. The pressure of being corrected in the public is not there. The threat of public embarrassment and the spontaneous desire to defend one’s self would not be as strong in a private study as in a public service. Place yourself in Apollos’ situation. Wouldn’t you rather be taught in a private situation about some erroneous belief you have about the Bible rather than be corrected before all?
Matthew 18:15-17 tells us that when a brother sins against us we go to him first, and later take witnesses before we bring the matter to the church. Galatians 6:1 points out that when a brother is caught in a sin the spiritual should humbly try to restore him. Home Bible studies with this erring brother are excellent methods for fulfilling the requirements of these Scriptures. Have you ever seen brethren use the pulpit to publicly denounce a brother’s activities without first going to him? This type of behavior typically causes the erring brother to become angry resentful, and even more difficult to deal with at a later time.
A third reason for home Bible study is that some subjects cannot be adequately covered in a weekly service. There is only so much time available for teaching in an assembly. A teacher may begin some subject that is very important for some members of the congregation. He may run out of his “allotted time” during the assembly before he is finished with his subject. If the congregation has several teachers on a regular routine, it may be two weeks or more before he can resume his teaching. By that time the effectiveness of his previous teachings may be diminished. A home study with certain Christians gives him the opportunity and time to present this material to these Christians.
Encouraging more Christians to participate in the work of the church is a fourth reason for having home Bible studies. These studies allow Christians to become better acquainted with the Word of God, and this in turn, motivates them to want to do more for the cause of Christ. Having learned more of God’s will, how could a Christian not want to do more for the church? The zeal of others can be contagious and cause us to become better servants. Home studies also create an atmosphere of good will among God’s people. They help us to develop a closer kinship with one another. Brotherly love and friendship increase from these opportunities to grow closer to God and one another.
Many are limited as to what they can do during the assembly. Women cannot preach, neither can they ask questions during this time (1 Corinthians 14:34-35). In a home Bible study, however a woman may ask questions and make comments on the verses which she cannot do in the assembly This opportunity allows her to grow in the grace and knowledge of the lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18). The home study also gives an opportunity to encourage those who may be having problems. We are told that we are to “bear one another’s burdens” the wise Christian notices when others appear to be having problems. An invitation to study at home often helps to solve the problem and encourage the troubled Christian before the problem gets out of hand.
Should everyone consider himself a teacher and thus feel the need for conducting home studies? Realistically not everyone can be a public teacher. James warns, “Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly” (James 3:1). The same warning is probably true for one who would like to conduct home studies. I am not trying to discourage anyone from this type of service to Christ, but rather encouraging us to see that responsibility goes with teaching others.
Every Christian is personally responsible for discovering his talent, properly using it and even trying to increase it (Matthew 25:14-30) The individual who may not have the talent to teach publicly may find that he feels more comfortable in studying the Bible privately with others. What he may not be able to do in the pulpit at assembly, he may be able to do around the kitchen table. Some may discover that they do not have the talent for studying the Bible with others on a private basis. They may feel uncomfortable even in these situations and have difficulty in communicating. These Christians should not despair. They may have the talent for bringing their friends to home studies so that others can teach them. Church work involves teamwork.
Can a woman conduct home Bible studies with other Christians? The answer to this question I believe is “Yes,” but I believe this answer must be qualified. The older women are to teach the younger women their domestic duties (Titus 2:3-5), and surely this concept includes more than just teaching through example. Philip had four virgin daughters who prophesied (Acts 21:8-9). Women are not allowed to teach publicly (I Timothy 2:11-12) nor in the church assembly (1 Corinthians 14:34-35), so it stands to reason Philip’s daughters must have taught someone in a private situation. While a woman may be allowed to teach in certain situations, she never has the right to exercise authority over the man (1 Timothy 2:12). In my opinion, a sister may conduct home studies with other sisters, but if men are present she should allow a man to conduct the study, although she can participate in the teaching.
Those who conduct home studies should be aware that certain responsibilities go with this work. First, there must be knowledge of the subject. No one wants to take their car to a mechanic who has no knowledge of cars. Likewise, no one would go for open heart surgery to a doctor who did not know how to perform this delicate surgery Who would want to learn more about the Bible from someone who knew very little about it? Before we can presume to sit down with others and encourage them with God’s Word, we must first be somewhat familiar with it ourselves. I do not believe that we have to be Bible scholars before we can study with others, but we should have some degree of familiarity with the Scriptures.
Second, we must he able to organize our material so that others can profit from a study. For information to be properly received it must be organized in a logical manner. When one experiences uncomfortable moments of silence while trying to think of something to say in a study, or rambles on and on during a study, it shows poor preparation on his part.
A third need is to possess some ability to communicate effectively. Christians are not all eloquent speakers. Some of us may have to work harder than others in learning to express ourselves. I am not attempting to discourage anyone from trying to study with others, but I am just trying to cause us to realize that we may need a little help from others in the area of communication.
A fourth responsibility is that of loving the truth --- a great motivator. It challenges us to find ways to get the job done and grow in areas where we are weak. It pushes us to develop the first three responsibilities mentioned above. I like how Paul describes this love for the truth that motivated him to preach: “I believed; therefore I have spoken” (2 Corinthians 4:13).
It is my preference to conduct home studies with small numbers present. This number may include a couple of families or a few individuals. Most people feel more comfortable with small numbers, and more will usually participate if they are not inhibited by large numbers. It is important to study with people who are compatible with each other. If there is a clash of personalities the studies will be short lived and probably not too helpful. During the studies, I like for everyone to take turns reading from the Bible and then I ask questions that hopefully will draw out discussions from the ones present.
The leader must use a little wisdom in getting the participation from the group. Some people are shy or fear being ridiculed, for their lack of Bible knowledge, so they do not say much. After a study or two, some of these individuals begin to participate more. Some, because of their quiet nature, may never say much, but they can be helped by such a study. Others like to talk and will lead the study off on tangents, if allowed. There is usually no problem in getting these folks to participate. The one who leads the study must be in control and keep the discussions headed in the right direction. He should prepare either a mental or written outline to help himself keep on the subject. Preparation is a key ingredient for an edifying Bible study.
The main material to use in home studies would be the Bible. Alter all, learning more about God’s will should be the purpose of the study. I also believe very strongly in giving people printed material to accompany our studies. We live in the computer age, so printing outlines or questions for studies is rather easy Speaking from experience, I remember more from Bible studies if I have some kind of printed material to go along with the actual study. In studying the life of Christ or the book of Acts, photocopies of maps prove very helpful. There is something about seeing where these events took place that makes them come alive. Seeing these maps and other printed material reinforces what we hear. Some purchase booklets prepared by various writers as a guide for their study These booklets should be carefully studied in advance to determine if there is any error to be found in them. I prefer to prepare my own handout to use in studies. It may not look as attractive as a printed booklet, but I feel comfortable with the finished product.
The topics for home studies will vary depending upon the needs of the Christians and the goals that one wants to accomplish. There are times when specific doctrinal subjects need to be studied privately with other Christians A partial list of such topics might include: the communion, Bible classes and women teachers, long hair on women, the Christian’s view on war, voting, the necessity of not forsaking the assembly and many other topics.
I have also found it to be extremely helpful to study the Bible according to its books. There is no better way to study the Bible than book by book and chapter by chapter. One of the most interesting studies that I had with a group of Christians was over the book of Proverbs. Each week we would take two chapters of this great hook and make personal application to our lives. While it was a lengthy study, it proved to be a feast for the soul. I have also studied the book of Acts in private studies with other Christians. Important doctrines of the church and principles for Christian living can he found in Luke’s brief history of the start of Christianity. I have also tremendously enjoyed studying the life of Christ from a chronological viewpoint. For these studies I have supplied copies of a harmony of the Gospels and maps of Christ’s journeys to the ones I have studied with. Seeing where Christ walked makes it seem more real.
There should he certain goals in the minds for those who want to teach Christians through home studies. We must be flexible and not set goals that are impossible to attain. We must also realize that spiritual growth does not always occur in great leaps, but often in small steps. There are some preliminary questions that we should consider. For instance, we must ask ourselves what we want to accomplish with the study, how long it should last, and what material would be best to cover.
Earlier in life I was taught the need to set short-range and long-range goals. Long-range goals are the ultimate goals one is tying to achieve, while the short-range goals can hopefully be reached quickly and are used to reach the long-range goals. The Bible sets out at least two long-range goals of home studies for Christians.
The first long-range goal is to disciple Christians so they can in turn make other disciples for Jesus (Matthew 28:19-20) Paul refers to this process when he says, “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others” (2 Timothy 2:2).
A second long-range goal, closely related to this theme of discipleship involves developing spiritual maturity in Christians. Paul says, “We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ” (Colossians 1:28). The term “perfect” does not refer to sinless perfection, but rather refers to spiritual completeness or maturity. The aim of such studies is to present to God a full-grown functioning Christian.
The Bible also points out some short-range goals that will help to achieve the longer-range goals mentioned above. These shorter-range goals would include: providing an atmosphere for increasing Bible knowledge for all who participate in the study, encouraging Christians to become more active in the work, and developing the closeness with one another that God’s family should have. Paul mentions these goals to the Colossians when he writes, “My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ” (Colossians 2:2).
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