If you know me in real life or have been reading Life is a Bowl of Wedgies for a while then you know my heart for Bible Study and prayer. Both spiritual disciplines are my lifeline and have served as life changing agents for me personally for many years. I lead Bible Studies and I help others lead studies in their spheres of influence. But there’s a question I’m wanting to ask those of us who have been in Bible Studies for years on end.
Are you different because of it?
Friends, if you are a Christian and you’re involved in multiple Bible studies in a week but you are in the same place emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually then you are simply collecting Bible Study experiences.
Stop and ask yourself if you see any signs of change within yourself in the last 12 months. I’m not talking major change like new and improved you in all areas of your life. I’m asking if you see yourself gradually doing things different as a result of coming into the truth of God’s word.
If not I’d encourage you to evaluate if you’re really studying the Bible to seek God’s truth in your life or if you’ve just signed up for something to add to your collection of experiences. I don’t think the answer is to not sign up for Bible Study. But before you automatically put your name on a list for the next Beth Moore study at church or whoever it is you love to learn from ask yourself why you’re doing it.
God will use all kinds of messed up motivations to teach us – that’s just who our God is. So even if we sign up for the umpteenth Bible Study out of rote habit or because we want to escape something at home He will meet us even there in those ulterior motives.
But the place we will grow and learn the most is when we go to Bible Study out of a desire to love and know him more. When we see our need for life changing Truth. When we approach God’s word that way we will start to see tiny shoots of new growth.
So you may be in several studies right now and you might be struggling to keep up. Let one of them go and don’t worry what anyone thinks. I spoke to a lady this week who is involved in multiple studies and inquired about one I’m starting up in August. I encouraged her not to do it because she was already invested in several studies.
I just want us to think about where we are investing ourselves spiritually and the results we’re getting or not getting from that investment. Maybe you have time to do multiple Bible Studies – awesome! Go for it. But if all you can do is quote the latest Lysa TerKeurst sticky statement (I love her by the way) or show a stack full of filled in Beth Moore blanks then you may want to ask yourself if you’ve lost your purpose in studying the Bible.
If you’re signed up for or starting a Bible Study in the near future ask God to help you approach it with fresh eyes and a new zealousness. Ask him to help remove the auto-pilot syndrome we get sometimes and to replace it with fresh adventure in discovering Truth from his word.
Later this week I’ll be sharing more about Bible Study tips and techniques that have helped me in the past. And maybe it will help you too.
So what are you currently learning in your Bible Study? The better question is what is God teaching you in your time of study? And that’s a personal question so you may not want to share and that’s okay too.
Such a sticky statement title! Life change is what I long for – not another fill in the blank. Give us a list: How do you know what your BS is making a difference? Mine is: When I love my family more easily and offer grace to my friends. When I act like Jesus as a matter of course with a neighbor or a stranger. I have a long ways to go. Good job, my friend!
A great sticky statement title and guilty as charged! I go for the fellowship, often! Give us a short list of questions: How do we know when BS has made a difference? Me: when I love my family well and offer grace to the stranger. Great job, my friend!
Yes, great point Sue. I’d say for me one difference is in attitude. When I keep my mouth shut when I really want to rattle off not-very-nice things. I see BS taking root and effect when I choose to not take things personally. When I make a choice to obey him instead of do what I want.
I know what you mean, I used to teach a small Bible study, unfortunately, I think people were just coming for lunch too. While we should all study, if you don’t see a change is it really sinking in?
Yeah, I think you’re right. I think Bible studies are easy to become book clubs and social gatherings which aren’t bad things at all. But trying to remain focused will help us grow and change.
I was just reading a book last night that cautioned believers against confusing knowledge and obedience. Just because we know something… or even believe it… (ie go to alot of bible study classes) that does not necessarily mean we are actually living a life of faith. Until we actually move what we learn out of our heads, and hearts and into our hands and feet, then we will always struggle with living lives of holiness that are pleasing to God. thanks for this post!
Yes moving from head to heart is where it’s at – not always easy!
Hi Melody! It’s my first time visiting your blog and I’m so glad I did. This is a thought provoking post. We sign up for so many things at church, Bible studies, volunteering, etc. Sometimes it’s because a friend did, or maybe we want to fit in. We always have the best of intentions, but we can quickly find ourselves overextended and exhausted. Pulling back and allowing God’s Truth to guide us is always the way to go. Blessings to you!
Connie I’m so glad you stopped by – welcome!
Thanks! 🙂