Small Group Bible Study
IN TOUCH WITH GOD
Small Group Bible Study
IN TOUCH WITH GOD
“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5 NKJ)
Thinking of beginning a Small Group Bible Study? Perhaps teaching God’s Holy Word to your family, friends and others? First, seriously consider your personal relationship with God.
Sometimes teachers feel that their greatest service – indeed, almost the only service they can perform for students – is to guide their thoughts through the study of a particular portion of Holy Scripture, constituting the lesson for a specific study time, and when this has been done, all has been done.
However, as a Small Group Bible Study teacher, this is perhaps the least effective thing you will do during a study period. It is sometimes productive to review with a Bible study group the leading points of a passage. New thoughts will often be evoked by something said or drawn out from others: but for all of these things it often happens that little real good has been accomplished. What, then, is the most blessed service of the Bible teacher?
We are convinced that the highest good that ever comes to another through the touch of a friend and teacher is that which comes out of the life, and not out of the few moments spent together in Bible study. It is the Word made manifest in our lives that grips our students. If we fail to grip the spirit of another: if the men and women, boys and girls in our classes see only the teacher, and nothing of Him Who sends us, then we might as well never have tried to teach at all.
How shall we get this grip on the lives of our students in a Small Group Bible Study? The true way, the only way is to be sure of our grip on God, the source of all strength. This close contact with the Spirit of God shows itself, not in the learned dissertation, not in the command of language, not in the consideration of the historical significance of the Word before us, but rather in the sincere expression of all we say, in the earnest appeal, in the quiver of the chin and the tear-drop in the eye. Not that these can ever be effectively simulated; the teacher who tries that is forever doomed to failure and disgrace. It is the natural fruitage of a human branch grafted into the perfect, divine Vine. And this can never be imitated; it must take its life right from the heart of the Vine. Then the entire world will know of a surety that we have walked with God and learned of Him, and our service will not fall powerless. It must win; it will win.
In touch with God – how marvelous that this can actually be true. In touch with God – who would not crave this wondrous blessing? In touch with God – mighty source of power. God help us all to receive it into our very heart of hearts.
