Be Prepared for Bible Study and Four Reasons Why!

There are so many of us that attend Bible Study classes! It thrills my heart to talk to women and hear that they are in a class studying the word of God. I teach a Bible class in my home, and I have for years. It is such a joy and a delight, and yes, much work. I write the lessons that we study, and it does take a lot of time and prayer in preparing. One of the greatest joys for me is the time I spend studying because I am in the word reading, marking, praying over God’s word, asking God questions, and learning from Him. I am putting together this post to talk to you about why it is important for you to be prepared for Bible Study.

The Importance of Being Prepared

There are so many joys associated with teaching a Bible Study class, but there are some disappointments. One of the greatest disappointments for me is for those who come to class unprepared. I want to stop here and say that I am not talking about those who miss doing their lessons. Let’s face it, LIFE HAPPENS! We have all been there, and more than likely will wind up there again. This word is not to condemn you. I am not trying to condemn those who always come unprepared either, but I hope to give a gentle reminder and encouragement to you if you are the one who always comes to class without completing your lesson.

I have been in Bible Study classes that do not allow the “unprepared one” to answer questions or participate in the discussion. I am not that strict in my class, although I often speak about the importance of being prepared. And I do talk to those who are never prepared. Before I go into the reasons why everyone needs to be prepared for your class, let’s answer this one question,
” Why do we hold Bible Study classes in the first place?”

We hold Bible Study classes to learn the Bible, obviously, right! We also have classes to help each other, to encourage each other, to correct each other. And so that you, and me, the student, can learn the truth of God’s Word for ourselves. As a teacher or a class facilitator, our greatest desire is for you to know the truth! If you are not working through your lessons during the week on your own, you are learning second-hand truth! What do I mean when I say “second-hand truth?” Second-hand truth is not the truth that you have learned on your own. You are merely getting it from someone else.
Is it wrong to learn second-hand truth?

YES and NO!

I will start with no first. It is not wrong to learn the truth from someone else. After all, we listen to our pastors week after week and learn from the knowledge that they have about God’s word. The book of Proverbs also teaches this, ” Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” Notice that one sharpens the other. There is dual-action going on here. I am learning from you, and you are learning from me. If you are not in the word or I am not in the word, one or the other is missing out. It is one-sided learning. So, no, it is not wrong to learn from someone else. Where would we be without one another!

Now that we understand it is not bad or wrong to learn from someone else, let’s look at answering the yes part of the question. YES, it isn’t good to always be learning second-hand truth. I will answer this question with four reasons why it is not good to get the truth from someone else.

Reason 1: It is a command of God to study on your own.

2 Timothy 2:15 teaches:

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.

The command for the believer is to Be:

• Be Diligent
• Be not Ashamed
• Be a Workman
• Be accurate in handling the Word of God
• Be approved of God

Being prepared for Bible Study class shows you have been diligent in studying the word on your own. You are prepared to accurately answer your questions and after study, you will not be ashamed.

Reason 2: To Know the God of the Bible

There are a lot of people who think they know God when in fact, they do not. I hear people call God and Jesus “Their Home Boy, My Bud”… the list goes on. I hate even typing those words, but I am trying to make a point. God is bigger and much more deserving of our honor and praise than to call Him a “homeboy!” When we are in the word, we learn more and more about our Sovereign, Merciful, Gracious God. We learn to fear and reverence Him and stand in awe of Him. He is our heavenly Father, much, much more than my bud. Let’s Praise Him highly!

I will extol You, My God, O King, and I will bless Your name forever and ever. Every day I will bless You, and I will praise  Your name forever and ever. Great is the LORD, and highly to be praised, and His greatness is unsearchable. One generation shall praise Your works to another, and shall declare Your mighty acts. On the glorious splendor of Your majesty and on Your wonderful works, I will meditate.

Psalm 145:1-5

When you are prepared for Bible Study it shows you have spent time in prayer and study with God and His word. You will be an example to your sisters of someone who fears God. God will be honored and glorified through your efforts.

Reason 3: To Know The Truth for Yourself

Girls, there is a lot of false teaching out there! If you are not in the word, how do you know what is truth and what is not? John tells us to test the spirits to see if they are from God. {1 john 4:1}How can we test the spirits if we do not know the word of God? You may be in a Bible Study class and think at first that it is solid, but after studying on your own, you may find out that it is not trustworthy at all. This has happened to me, and I do not want that to happen to you. Even some well-known Bible Study teachers are not handling the word of God accurately. Be aware!

Reason 4: To Have Healthy Discussion

The most significant part of any Bible Study class starts with each individual doing their work at home independently. Doing this enables the class to have a healthy, profitable discussion. This is when we come together to discuss what we have learned during our time with the Lord. This is also the time we can learn from each other, Remember “Iron Sharpening Iron.”

There may be a time that correction needs to take place. Our correction should come from the word of God. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 teaches this:

All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

Correction goes both ways. There may be a time when you have to correct someone, but there may also be a time you need corrected. Praise God for correction, right! At the moment, it may be a little embarrassing but believe me, and it is worth it. I know you do not want to be wrong in your interpretation of Scripture, and you do not want your sister to be either. We are in this together, sisters! We have to love one another and help each other along the way.

This is why it is important for you to be prepared for Bible Study! When you are prepared, God will be honored and glorified through you.

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