I am beginning a new in-depth bible study with three young ladies. These twenty-somethings are at different stages in their walk with God. This may be their first bible study or at least their first in-depth one that requires homework. We are studying When You Pray Bible Study | Lifeway. After I finished watching the video and completing the first day’s homework, I thought it would be encouraging to share some tips with them. Then, God nudged me to go ahead and share with others who may need motivation too.
Whether you are beginning an in-depth bible study for the first time, or it’s been a hot minute since you’ve done one with a small group, here are some tips/insight/thoughts I’d like to share with you:
- Advice: The first time I decided to do an in-depth study (over 20 years ago), I had no clue what to expect. I thought I was getting together with ladies to chat about Jesus for thirty minutes or so. Little did I know that there was a 30-minute (or so) video to watch, about an hour of discussion time with a group of ladies, and homework. HOMEWORK? Five days? Ahhh, but some wise advice I heard a friend give was, “God GIVES us 24 hours a day. If we can’t give God at least 30 minutes of time with Him, then our priorities are wrong.” Yep. Guiltily agreed then, and wholehearted agree now. Give God quality time each day.
- Videos: Some studies provide highlights and blanks for you to complete with a simple word or phrase that is given to you. Some studies simply give you a blank page for you to take your own notes. Although I prefer the first method, I can see the benefit of the latter. The current study I’m doing, along with three other ladies, has a blank page. The video is watched alone at your convenience. Having the capability of stopping and rewinding when needed, is good. Maybe there was something you just needed to hear again, or it was just so good you needed to write it down verbatim. Simply stop, rewind, replay, and write at your own pace.
- Homework: In just about every study I’ve ever done, the homework, on average, takes about thirty minutes. You can spend as quick of time or dig as deep as you desire on each assignment. Just remember…Give God quality time each day.
- Pray: Pray before you begin. Ask God to speak to you and through you. Pray during the homework when you just don’t quite understand a question or need more insight. Pray after thanking God for what you’ve learned.
- Questions: If there is a question you have no clue what they are asking, skip it and come back later. Sometimes you will discover the answer or understanding of it is in the paragraph following. Don’t overthink a question or try to come up with the “right/churchy” answer. Be yourself. When I look back over some of my bible studies, I left plenty of questions unanswered. One day, you may look over an old study and then have the answer you need for that time in your life. The study is designed for you to grow personally and spiritually. Be real. God will be real with you.
- Time: The time of day is whatever works best for you. When I first started, my children were young. When they all went to bed was the best time for me. Then, I began waking up around 5:00 in the morning to spend quiet time with Jesus and the study I was doing. No distractions. It was a precious way to start the day. Today, I did my homework at noon. The point is…the time of day is whenever works best for you. Be alone. Have a quiet place. Enjoy time between you and Jesus.
- Thoughts: If (when) your mind starts racing with the busyness of life, what’s for dinner, or your to-do list, take a deep breath and pray for God to refocus your thoughts on Him and the study before you.
- Chat time: If you are doing a study with a group, remember that you most likely are at different stages in life and in your walk with Christ. No matter the age of another one, gleam insight and understanding, and you probably have some to share yourself. Keep your group confidential…what’s said in your group, should stay in your group. Some hearts can get heavy and need to share. Show respect and honor one another’s privacy. I’ll never forget those studies where there were ladies from 18-93 years of age being represented. The wisdom from each generation was wonderful.
I pray great blessings as you dive into God’s word. Explore the bible and gain insight into your own walk with Christ. Grow closer to Him and get to know Jesus on a more personal level. Time with God is time well spent.
Blessings to you and yours,
Stephanie
But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also. Matthew 6:33 AMP