Though the chief advantage of Bible studies (in contrast to sermons, classes, and personal study) is interaction, this advantage does not necessarily give us a strong purpose. We rightly ask, “Why should we interact together about the Bible?” What is our goal? What are we after? We could do many activities in groups; why might we choose to study the Bible instead of doing something else?
And while some people might join a Bible study for evil or foolish reasons—such as “to learn how to tear down the Bible and everything it stands for” or “to find someone to hook up with”—I think such motives are pretty rare. What’s far more common is for people to join Bible studies for pretty good reasons.
Good reasons are good reasons and not bad reasons (duh); that’s why they motivate reasonable people. They become problematic, however, when they supplant the best reasons. Thus, missing the bullseye, we give our time and attention (that is, we give glory) to things other than the Lord, and we become guilty of idolatry.
Brian Barnett (2007), Creative Commons
Beware these good reasons for holding or attending Bible studies:
1. To get to know people
2. To learn about the Bible
3. To support my church or the people in the study
4. To sit under a gifted leader
5. To be a part of something great
6. To make new friends, or to deepen existing friendships
7. To be in a supportive environment
8. To build a tightly knit community
9. To develop more theological insight or biblical understanding
10. To grow as a Christian
Let me repeat: these reasons are all good. We should have Bible studies for reasons like these.
But let’s keep the best reason front and center. The good reasons are good only when they serve the best reason. What is the best reason?
To know God through his Son Jesus Christ
God spoke his Word to show himself to us. And God’s Word became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14). Though God spoke in many ways to the prophets, he has now spoken his Word in these last days by his Son, the glory of God, the imprint of God’s nature, the only purification for sin, and the supreme power in all the universe (Heb 1:1-4).
We lead Bible studies to introduce people to Jesus (Acts 17:2-3). And we attend Bible studies to find eternal life by knowing God and his Son Jesus Christ (John 17:3). God has made himself knowable, and we study his knowable word so we might know Jesus, the living Word.
Winsome community and cogent education are beautiful recruiters. But let’s make sure we give people something that will last forever and address their deepest needs.
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