Over the years I have been frequently asked to provide some personal perspectives and general comments regarding the studying and teaching of God’s Word in a Home Bible Study setting. I have always been convinced that Home Bible Studies are where the “real action is” for committed Christians, so I have taken this opportunity to offer some personal comments and suggestions for such an endeavor.
It should be understood that these brief comments are merely suggestions for teaching the Word of God. The Holy Spirit is the ultimate teacher and He will teach you in ways that cannot be manipulated nor regulated. His diversity and style is very individual.
There are no hard and fast rules regarding how to prepare for or conduct a Home Bible Study, but there are some principles which may prove helpful. Because we are all special and unique in God’s eyes, He chooses to instruct us and give each of us insight in different ways and at different times. Bible studies are no exception. Let the Spirit of God rule your life and give you His direction as you study (and teach) the Word. Remember that this booklet only consists of basic personal perspectives and suggestions. They are intended to be brief and only suggestive.
A word of caution: don’t get overly focused into a specific method or teaching style; there is no one method that is the ideal. My good friend, mentor, and Pastor, Chuck Smith, sums this fact up eloquently: “Blessed are the flexible for they shall not be broken.”
My personal prayer is that Jesus would reveal and teach His Word to you in ways that you could never have imagined, and that you would take to heart the words of the apostle Paul: “Let the Word of God dwell in you richly, in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another…” (Col 3:16).