SUGGESTIVE GUIDELINES FOR CONDUCTING BIBLE STUDIES
1. Lessons in print or typed out.
Reason: Each study should be printed or typed out and to be given to the
student only after the study is completed. If given beforehand the student
may be tempted to start reading ahead and thus become distracted from
what the teacher is saying. If given after the study the student has an
opportunity to review the study till the next one. Acts 17:10, 11
2. Follow the John 4 model about the discussion between Jesus and the woman of
Samaria at Jacob’s well.
Reason: Create a need for what you want to say in the study. When the need is
established let a desire develop to obtain what is being offered, followed
by and act of decision or commitment. 1Thess.2:13
3. Establish firm Bible confidence.
Reason: Present each topic from the Bible only. Read the text and make sure the
student reads with you from his/her Bible. Psalm 119:105
4. Christ centred.
Reason: In all studies put Christ in the centre or let the study lead towards a better
understanding of Christ. This will create a student-Christ relationship right
from the beginning. This also to be done in prophetic studies from Daniel
and the Revelation, which is a revelation ofJesusChrist.1Cor.2:2;
Eph.2:20-22
5. Timing of the study. Not too long.
Reason: The basic study in re to how many texts used, should
not be longer than approximately 40 min. It may be stretched to 60 min. in
case of questions from the student. If it runs beyond the 60 min. the
teacher should decide to continue same topic next time, before starting a
new topic. See more re this in point 10. Eccl.12:12 may apply.
6. Conversion emphasis.
Reason: The aim for each study must be a heart conversion. Not just a conversion
of the mind, from one doctrine to another, which is important but not
sufficient. The former conversation must be laid off, step by step and the
new one being established. Renewal of the mind based upon a renewal of
heart.Rom.12; 1, 2; Eph.4:20-24
7. Relationship, student-Christ, not student-teacher.
Reason: The lost human-divine relationship because of sin must be restored.
The Bible is the book of the covenant, illustrated in the sanctuary.
As much as possible these concepts must be placed before the student.
Also studies on food, dress, jewellery and other biblical standards of
Christian living much be presented in the framework of the sanctuary
and covenant. Not just as rules. Legalism must be avoided strongly.
Ps.51; 77:13; Eph.2:4-7
8. Three Angels’ Message frame work.
Reason: Studies also to be given in the framework of the Three Angels’
Message. This is for reason that the student must become aware of the
timeliness of the studies. It’s seriousness for the hour in which we live,.
the hour of judgment. This also to be Christ-centred, because the Gospel
is the keynote of this message.Rev.14:6-12 and verse 6 in particular.
9. Making Christians.
Reason: Because the term “Christian” is a common term for all “Christian”
denominations, the studies to be geared towards making Seventh-day
Adventist Christians. The Remnant concept of Rev.12:17; 14:12 must be
included.
10. Questions being raised.
Reason: During the given study the student may raise certain questions not
directly related to the current study. Such questions to be dealt
with later. In a kind manner this should be made clear to the student. The
teacher should make a note of such questions in front of the student
in his/her note book. This will give the student assurance that the
question will not be forgotten. In the teacher’s notebook there must be
a separate section for each student. Other wise the teacher may forget
the question. This section in the teacher’s note book to be checked before
the next visit and prepare the answer to the question raised during the
previous visit.
Questions related to the study being answered as far as time allows,
see point 5.
The teacher must use common sense to decide when for certain
compelling reasons or questions the 60 min. length of the study should be
stretched..
Finally and this is important avoid common talks before and after the study
but start and close with prayer. Do not linger in the home after the study.
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