I’m off work this week and one of my goals for the week is to get ready for Bible study to resume next week. The exciting part for me is that I will be continuing with my Wednesday evening group in our study on prayer, but I will also be leading a new group in a study on the parables of Jesus.

In the study book on Jesus’ parables, there are some tips for Bible study participant on how to get the most out of doing this particular study, but I believe they are relevant to any study. I’d like to share these tips with you.

Be determined.

In this section, the author encourages the participant to set aside a certain time to complete the study each day.

Life can get crazy, but when we make the time in our busy schedules to sit at Jesus’ feet to listen to His words, we will find it to be the most important part of our day. For some, it may need to be scheduled. For others, it may be easy to add to the day. Whichever, it is something we need to make time for.

Philippians 4:13.

Be prepared.

Here, the author mentions the importance of having everything gathered as you sit down to do your study. Bible, book, journal, pen, etc.

There is nothing more aggravating than sitting down to do something important and something has been forgotten to complete the task. It’s no different from doing Bible study. If your materials are all at hand, it will make your time with God less stressful and you’ll be able to enjoy Him a lot more.

1 Peter 3:15.

Be inspired.

As each person begins the day of study, the author asks that the Holy Spirit be invited to the study time so that the participant would receive inspiration into what they are reading.

God’s Holy Spirit is within each Christian and His role is multi-faceted. One of His roles is to enlighten us as we study God’s Word. When we ask Him to join us from the beginning, He will help us to recall all that we’ve learned up that point and give us direction in our study. He is amazing and we should never believe we can do it on our own.

1 Corinthians 2:13.

Be complete.

There is a section in the Bible study book to be completed each day. It’s suggested that the participant complete each section every day.

In this particular study (like many these days), there is a section to complete each day of the week, but not on weekends. When we are in God’s Word each day through a Bible study, we are able to build upon what we already have completed. Taking the time to study and understand what we’re reading in God’s Word is one thing. Allowing His words to change us is another. And that takes day-to-day study and time to reflect.

2 Timothy 4:7.

Be persistent.

There may be questions the participant doesn’t know how to answer. In those cases, continue with the study. There may be some clue to the answer later in the day’s study.

It’s frustrating when we don’t know the answers, but by using this guideline, there may be something else in the day’s study that will help answer the question. But here’s another thing to keep in mind. You may never know the answer to the question. Some questions are unanswerable. In those cases, allow God’s Spirit to calm your spirit and accept it. But never give up. Keep going. The reward is far greater than you could ever imagine.

2 Timothy 2:15.

Be consistent.

The author’s words here are, “Don’t get discouraged.”[i] Especially if you are unable to complete a lesson, but the participant is encouraged to catch up at some point.

Life happens. There will be times when completing a lesson is going to be more difficult or perhaps impossible. But know that when the opportunity arises, go back and catch up on what you’ve missed. It will never be a waste of time to be in God’s Word.

Joshua 1:9.

Be honest.

This I believe is an important point. The author encourages honesty in answering questions.

I thought this portion was most important. If we are unable to look at ourselves and be honest about who we are and what we are like, we will never come to know true change. It’s only when we are honest that true transformation can occur. Take time to reflect. Don’t rush. But most of all be honest.

1 Timothy 4:16.

Be blessed.

In this section, the author encourages the reader to enjoy their study time and time with God.

There is nothing sweeter than being with God and when we are in His presence we will be blessed.

Ephesians 3:20-21.

Perhaps you can use these same tips in a study you are doing. Maybe you can tuck them away for just the right time. But whatever you do, please know that being in God’s Word is so important. Whether you are working through the Bible with a group or on your own, you will find great inspiration by sitting at God’s feet and learning from Him.

I’m excited for next week. I look forward to meeting new people and sharing God’s message with the ladies in my groups. But more than anything, I’m excited to be studying the Bible. I pray you find great joy in doing the same.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna