AN IMPORTANT NOTE: OUR SALVATION EXPERIENCE IS BASED ON A RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST THROUGH TRUSTING & CLAIMING THE PROMISES OF HIS WORD...NOT OUR FEELINGS!

How to Give Bible Studies


“Go ye therefore,

and teach all nations”

“Go ye therefore,


page 109 in manualpage 109 in manual



“Go ye therefore,


“Go ye therefore,


page 109 in manualpage 109 in manual

In this session, we are going to answer three

specific questions.

1. What is the biblical rationale for Bible studies?

2. What are the characteristics of a good interest?

3. What is the structural outline of a Bible study?

1. What is the biblical rationale for Bible studies?

God’s plan for this world is clearly expressed in the great commission text, Mark 16:15.

“And He said unto them, Go ye (you) into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”

Cont.

“Wherever a church is established, all the members should engage actively in missionary work. They should visit every family in the neighborhood and know their spiritual condition. If professed Christians had engaged in this work from the

Cont.

time when their names were first placed on the church books ... thousands upon thousands would today stand with God’s commandment-keeping people.”

6T pp. 296, 297

“The commission given to the

disciples is given also to us.”

Gospel Workers p. 29

What would happen if each person who accepted Christ would share the gospel with just one other person a year and that person shared with another person each year, and on and on?

Cont.

Let’s consider a scenario

What follows is a chart comparing what one person could do by bringing one person to Jesus each year compared with an evangelist who could bring 1,000 people to Jesus each day.

Let’s consider a scenario

Gifted evangelist wins1,000 converts a day

After 1 year: 365,000After 2 years: 730,000After 3 years: 1,095,000After 4 years: 1,460,000After 5 years: 1,825,000After 8 years: 2,920,000

Believer begins by winningone person a year

2 4 8 16 32 256

Gifted evangelist wins1,000 converts a day

After 23 years: 8,395,000After 24 years: 8,760,000

After 25 years: 9,125,000

After 26 years: 9,490,000

Believer begins by winningone person a year

8,388,000

16,777,216(nearly twice the evangelist)

33,554,432(nearly 4 times the evangelist)

67,108,864(7 times that of the evangelist)

THE IMPORTANCE OF ONE ON ONE

EVANGELISM

“The beauty and true efficiency of the Bible study method of personal evangelism lies in ministry to the ONE-SOUL audience. The winning of one soul to Christ, or of ten thousand souls to Christ, is best done by the effort of an individual …

winning one soul at a time usually results in the winning of a multitude of souls in the process of time.”“You cannot reach a thousand until you can reach one! The world will never be brought to Christ wholesale, but one by one. Men are not

born collectively; they do not die collectively; they do not accept or reject Christ collectively.”

- The Art of Personal Evangelism by Alonzo J. Wearner, ©1934

TAKE NOTE OF THESE STATEMENTS:

“I saw One (Christ) standing on a high platform with arms extended. He turned and pointed in every direction, saying, ‘A world perishing in ignorance of God’s holy law, and Seventh-Day Adventists are asleep!’ The Lord is pleading for laborers, for there is a great work to be done!”

Evangelism, p. 32

“The time has come when, as never before, Seventh-Day Adventists are to arise and shine, because their fight has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon them!”

Letter 296, 1904

“He who begins with a little knowledge, in a humble way, andtells what he knows, while seeking diligently for further knowledge, will find the whole heavenly treasure awaiting his demand.

Cont.

The more he seeks to impart light, the more he will receive. The more one tries to explain the Word of God to others, with a love for souls, the plainer it becomes to himself.”

COL p. 354

2. What are the characteristics of a good interest?

All who show a desire and interest should be given the opportunity to study God’s word. However, you must know and understand the “sad reality” that not everyone is going to accept the truth. You must watch for signs of those who you may spend a lot of time with, but who will not commit their lives to God.

Cont.

The devil dances for joy when this happens because they are keeping you from studying with those who long for truth and are ready to join God’s kingdom.

Jesus said, “Ye shall know them by their fruits.” Matthew 7:16

We are never to judge whether people will be saved or lost, but we are to be fruit inspectors and determine which fruit is ripe for harvest. We should spend quality time with those who are ripe for the truth. Those who are green or nearly ripe should still get our attention but it should be proportionate to their interest level. Cont.

If we spend the bulk of our time with the green fruit, we will find the ripe fruit will pass beyond the point of interest.Some people are ripe to study, others are a little green but nearly ripe. Then there are those who haven’t even blossomed. How can we identify those who are ripe for Bible studies?

Characteristics of“Ripe Fruit”

• Manifest an earnest desire to seek and find Bible truth.• Accept Bible studies and complete the lessons weekly• Lonely, unhappy and dissatisfied with their lives.• Feel a need for change.• Dissatisfied with their church.• Don’t belong to a church or a backslider. (even SDA)

• Accept major doctrines and make positive decisions.• Display signs they are under conviction.• Have evidenced a change in lifestyle as they’ve learned truth.• Demonstrate a desire to share with others what they’ve learned.

Characteristics of“Green Fruit”

• Green fruit usually will refuse Bible studies.• If they accept studies, they do not have them completed on time.• Make excuses over and over for not completing the study.• They don’t accept the clear teachings of Scripture.• Deeply involved and committed to their church. Cont.

• Talk badly about the lesson, your church or doctrines.• Friendly but won’t make any commitments.

The Spiritual Interest Line

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

1-2 - Little or no spiritual interest3-4 - God may exist, but probably not personal5-6 - Attend church out of obligation, religious duty, or to keep peace in the home

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

7-8 – Committed Christians; Spiritual openness8-9 – Truth Seekers9-10 – Adventist Church attender/but not baptized

The ABC’s of Interest Level

We need to learn to “categorize” our interests in order to know where they are spiritually so that we can use our (and God’s) time most effectively for the kingdom. Divide your contacts into A, B, C, and D level interests:

A) The A’s are those who are the most inclined to do Bible studies, show up for almost all of thescheduled studies, are making good decisions, etc. In other words, these people could effectively be called “the very willing and able.”

B) Your “B” contacts are those who usually make it to their study but sometimes may have excuses on why they can’t follow truth. They want to follow Jesus in some areas, but they struggle to fully surrender to Him. They are people who love the company and studies but have a

hard time following through for some reason or another. These people need much prayer as theyare very much teetering on the fence, and they generally need a loving “nudge” to make the decision to fully follow Christ. These people can also be called “somewhat willing but able.”

C) C interests are often people who have spiritual conviction, but they let the worries, desires, and cares of the world crowd in about them. They often cancel studies or have excuses why they cannot make decisions. Many “drop-off” studies are C interests although this is not

always the case. These people need heaps of prayer for their spiritual interest to increase. I do not spend as much time with them in visitation, because my time would be better spent in prayer for them that God would bring something into their life that would create a need

for Him in them. I call thesepeople the “unwilling but able.”

D) This is the last category. These are people that are not really interested in studies, but I canfreely discuss spiritual things with them. I spend much more time in prayer for them than in visitation. These are people that I will keep in contact with on a semi-regular

basis. I invite them to any events the church might be having, and they will occasionally come. I do not ever cast them aside, for the Spirit of God can work in an instant in any heart, but I do not spend a largeportion of my time with them. I label these people the “unwilling and unable.”

3. What is the structural outline of a Bible study?

Two kinds of Bible studies:

1. The Presenter Method

2. The Review Method

When it comes to evangelism, there are 100 ways to do the right thing.

If at all possible, Bible studies should be given by pairs of church members.

Decide which role you will play:

1. The Presenter

2. The Prayer Partner

If you have a partner, they may enter in the conversation during the social time but once you start the study, then they become the silent prayer partner. They play a veryimportant role praying for the presenter and the interest. The prayer partner should pray for a

hedge of angels to protect the study from distractions. They should pray that the Holy Spirit would reveal truth and speak to the heart of your student to bring them to decisions.It is best to keep the study time less than an hour. Even if they want you to stay longer it is wise not to take

too much of their time. It is far better for them to be anxious for you tocome than to dread your visit because you stay so long.

The ABC’s of Giving Bible Studies

“The very first and the most important thing is to melt and subdue the soul by presentingour Lord Jesus Christ as the sinbearer, the sin-pardoning Saviour, making the gospel asclear as possible.” Evan. p. 264

A. Present Jesus First

“The wonderful love of Christ will melt and subdue hearts, when the mere reiteration ofdoctrines would accomplish nothing.”

DA p. 826

A. Present Jesus First

But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfectday.

Proverbs 4:18

B. Reveal Truth Gradually

“I have been shown that our ministers go too rapidly through their subjects and bring themost objectionable features of our faith too early into their effort. There are truths thatwill not involve so great a cross,


that should be kept before their minds, day after day andeven weeks before the Sabbath and immortality questions are entered upon. Then yougain the confidence of the people as being men who have


clear, forcible arguments, andthey think you understand the Scriptures. When once the confidence of the people isgained, then it is time enough to introduce publicly the Sabbath and immortality questions.”

Evangelism p. 246


How NOT to witness!

How NOT to witness!

“At the close of every meeting (and Bible study), decisions should be called for.”

6T p. 64

C. Make Regular Appeals

A Review of the ABC’s:

A. Present Jesus FirstB. Reveal Truth

GraduallyC. Make Regular

Appeals

“The mind can most readily grasp the new and unknown when it is found in an orderly and well-systemized form. The task of preparing and presenting the truth is not conformable to any set of unalterable rules. Circumstances and hearers differ widely. (In other words, there are 100 ways to do the right thing!)

Cont.

The worker must accommodate himself and his message to suit the needs as he sees them develop. It is well to anticipate needs, as far as possible, and to be thoroughly prepared, yet no prearranged plan should hamper freedom. Work according to the Spirit’s leading, never without the assurance of His guidance.”- The Art of Personal Evangelism by

Alonzo J. Wearner, ©1934

Three Parts of the Bible Study:

1. Social Time2. Body of the Study

3. Appeal and Decision

• Spend 8-10 minutes getting to know them and winning the heart of your interest.• Use FORT and TOPICS to start conversation.• Recognize things of interest.• Be a good listener.

1st Part – Social Time: 8-10 minutes

Cont.

• Good body language.• Respect personal space.• Good eye contact.• Voice – tone and expression

1st Part – Social Time: 8-10 minutes

• Ask if they have had a chance to work on their lesson.• Present Bible study.• Christ centered! Love is the basis of all your lessons because “God is love.”• Relational and Personal.

2nd Part – Body or Main part of the Study: 40-45 minutes

Cont.

• Use personal testimony at least once in the study.• Use a minimum of two additional texts dealing with

the needs and showing love

of a personal relationship with Christ.

2nd Part – Body or Main part of the Study: 40-45 minutes

• How will this study affect your life?• What difference will it make?• Make an appeal• Always ask for decision.• Seal the decision in prayer.• Give next lesson.• Leave right away

3rd Part – Appeal and Decision: 3-5 minutes

• Show confidence and thus inspire confidence!• Take turns looking up Bible

verses.• Look people in the eye. Don’t stare, but don’t avoid eye contact.

Key Points to Remember:

Cont.

• Be a good listener!• Use person’s name frequently.• Use good posture. Do not slump. Sit and stand erect but relaxed.• Speak clearly. Not too fast.

Have a pleasant volume -


Cont.

not too loud, not too soft. Try not to let your volume fade.• Focus on the person you’re talking to. Focus on what you want to say.• Have clear objectives and accomplish them!


Cont.

• Trust that God will bless your Bible Study• Discovering your interest’s felt needs is so important! You will want to weave in Bible

texts into the study that will address these needs with


Cont.

scripture. Pray for discernment that

you will be able to see their felt needs during your social time.• It is wise to leave quickly after prayer, leaving them in the


Cont.

presence of the Holy Spirit.

Avoid entering into conversations that are not spiritual at the close of the study.• Leave the Bible study guide and remind them of the date and time for the next study.


Cont.

• Encourage them to take time for God’s word daily.• Express your appreciation for their friendship and the pleasure of studying with them.• Recognize everyone at the

study … even the children.


How to Prepare the Study Using Pre-Made Bible

Studies:

Your goal is to make each study CHRIST centered and LOVE focused. Each lesson should show how our trust and faith in a love relationship with Jesus will give us peace and joy even in a time of trouble. Just as Jesus wins in the end – if we make Him the Lord of our lives, we will win with Him.

Complete a set of lessons for yourself. Pray for the Holy Spirit to guide you as

you prepare your lesson. Look up each text. If you are unsure about a word or phrase in the text, check a commentary or dictionary. You can be sure that if you don’t understand a word or phrase yourstudent will not either and they will ask what it means. Underline key thoughts.

1) Look for the top 3-4 points you need to bring out in the study.

2) Personal Testimonies3) Illustration4) Add additional comments and

texts if needed.5) Summary6) Appeal

Six Items to Prepare for your Bible Study:

1) Look for the top 3-4 points you need to bring out in the study.

This will help you with organizing your illustrations and applications. Each point should focus on a key thought that thestudy brings out.EACH SECTION SHOULD HAVE A MAIN POINT (like a sermon) THAT ISPRACTICAL AND PERSONAL!


Cont.

2) Personal Testimonies

Think of a personal experience or a Bible story that you can share for each section. Show how God has worked in your life. Show how God has cared for you and protected you. Show the joyand peace you have since you made Jesus the center of your life. Personal


Cont.

2) Personal Testimonies

testimonies make it real and show how the verse does make a difference. It will help you connect with your student.


3) Illustration

Use a story or illustration to help the person understand it better. Your illustration should help them understand the main point in a personal & practical way. It can be a story, poem, letter, or anything that will help them understand. Make it personal for yourself and your study interest.


Cont.

3) Illustration

What should our response be, to be obedient to God’s instruction? What is He saying to us? At the end of your illustration, tie it back to the MP you are making and apply it to your personal life.


4) Add additional comments and texts if needed. You don’t have to use each additionalcomment or text. However, if you don’t have them written down you may not remember them when you are giving the study.


Cont.

4) Add additional comments and texts if needed. You can find wonderful texts in a Promise book or using a concordance. Remember to add texts that address felt needs.


5) Summary

Your summary should include 2 main elements:1. A summary of the main points that you covered2. A definite statement of the conclusion reached


Cont.

5) Summary

Write out a review at the end of the study based on the main points from each section.


6) Appeal

Write an appeal and decision question using the thoughts from your main points.Your appeal should be heartfelt and genuine. It should focus on the love of God for the sinner and God’s plea for them to make a right decision. Use


Cont.

6) Appeal

principles from the book Persuasion thatwill make your appeal more effective. Ask diagnostic questions (more on that later). You may wish to use a relevant story about yourself or someone else at the end to move the heart. At theend of your appeal, write out a clear,


Cont.

6) Appeal

specific, and direct decision question that asks them to make a decision on the study you just gave them. When dealing with a major decision like accepting Christ or the Bible, the Sabbath, baptism, paying tithe, joining the true church, etc.


Cont.

6) Appeal

Your decision questions should be directly linked to that subject. Do not ask them “Do you want God to lead in your life?” as your final decision question on a Sabbath study! Ask them to follow Jesus by Keeping the Sabbath!


Cont.

6) Appeal

Do not let the simple question at the end of the study lesson be the appeal. You need to be able to be much more effective than that!

Write out a prayer based on the decision statement.


Cont.

6) Appeal

If they do not understand any lesson, do not go to the next lesson until there is a good understanding of the current lesson. This may mean that you present it again at your next study.You may have to create a new study using additional texts. If there are


Cont.

6) Appeal

questions in their minds that have not been answered they will not be able to make a decision on that subject. If you go to the next study without answering all of their concerns then they will not fully understand the next subject. If their concerns will be answered in a future


Cont.

6) Appeal

lesson, then tell them that you have another lesson that will answer their questions in a few more lessons.Help them make a decision. If they are not ready to fully accept, then the decision could be to continue to study the subject further. (A decision is very important)


AN IMPORTANT NOTE: OUR SALVATION EXPERIENCE IS BASED ON A RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST THROUGH TRUSTING & CLAIMING THE PROMISES OF HIS WORD...NOT OUR FEELINGS!

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