Three Benefits Of Bible Class
"A wise man will hear and increase in learning, And a man of
understanding will acquire wise counsel." (Prov. 1:5, NASB)
Perhaps you've heard a brother or sister make a comment to
the effect
that continuing in Bible classes, attending and
participating, is not
helpful. For instance, this particular brother grins and
whispers in
my ear, "Sam, I've been a Christian for forty years and I've
been in
Bible classes all that time since then. When do I get to
graduate?
After all, I'm beginning to fulfill Ecclesiastes 12:12!"
While it is
true that study of God's word requires investment of energy,
it is an
eternally helpful task. I did not have the heart to say that
one
thing happens to each of us and when that particular school
bell
rings, when we each graduate from this mortal coil, it is
then that
we will truly reap the benefit from a lifetime of studying
God's word.
Nevertheless, there are great benefits to be had in this
lifetime by
increasing our learning and continuing in the acquiring of
wise
counsel from God's word.
1. Bible class assists in continuing education. Continuing
education
is essential in any discipline. Would you trust a doctor who
has not
recently questioned his long-held assumptions? Our trade is
the very
living of a Christian life to draw all people to our Lord.
Becoming a
lifelong learner keeps our abilities fresh and active. Ezra
the
priest was such a person as set his heart to study God's
word, to
perform it, and to teach it to others. (Ezr. 7:10)
2. Bible class is a great opportunity for self-directed
education.
Becoming a self-teaching student is a wonderful objective.
Paul
exhorted Timothy to be a good priest of God and guard the
true
knowledge of Christ he had learned. (1 Tim. 6:20; cf. Mal.
2:7) How
much better do we do of guarding knowledge as God's people,
God's
priesthood, when we personally desire to grow and learn? I
want to be
such a student as learns on his own outside of Bible class
so that I
might better examine and accept the premises of truth
presented in
study with others.
3. Bible class provides us an opportunity to be an example
for other
Christians. It was also written of Ezra that he gathered
together
with all the heads of the houses of Israel to study God's
word. (Neh.
8:13) What a great example of a godly man teaching the other
leaders
of Israel! I want to set an example of diligence for others
that they
might also grow in this desire. When we show up to Bible
Class with
answers written in the blanks of our worksheets, ready to
jot down any
helpful notes, and willing to share an insight we might have
into the
topic, others will see this example. Lord willing, they will
not see
me arguing over words but actively striving to build up my
sibling in
Christ. (2 Tim. 2:14)
What Do You See?--- Jimmy Mickels
The Bible is often referred to as the “mirror of the soul.” I
suppose that it is called such because of what James said in his
epistle,
when writing to the twelve tribes scattered abroad. There he said, “But
be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if
anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man
observing
his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and
immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the
perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful
hearer
but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does” (James
1:22-25).
Just as one looks in a mirror to see themselves physically, to make
any needed changes in their appearance, so one must look in the mirror
of
the soul to see themselves as God truly beholds them. What do you see
when you look at your soul? Are there changes that need to be made? Do
you like what you see? More importantly, does God like what is revealed
there? Are you willing to make the necessary changes in your spiritual
appearance if it is blemished?
This mirror reveals our origin (Genesis 2:7); speaks of our life on
this globe (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8); and tell us about eternity (Matthew
25:46). Because of sin, man’s soul can become disfigured and flawed. It
is through the Bible we can learn of these faults and failure, but also
grasp the needed information to make necessary corrections to once again
be pure and holy in the sight of the Lord.
As you look at your soul in this revealing instrument, what do you
see? Do you see a person who has never done what the Scriptures teach to
be remitted of sin? Have you believed that Jesus is the Christ (John
8:24), repented of your sins (Luke 13:3), confessed Christ’s name, and
been immersed in water for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38; 8:36)? Once
arising a new creature in Christ Jesus, having been saved by the grace
of
God, are you now walking in newness of life (Romans 6:4-6)? Are you
allowing the Spirit of God to lead you in the path of righteousness
through the word that has been revealed (Galatians 5:18; Ephesians
6:17)?
Or do you see a soul once again marred by the sins of the flesh, because
we have allowed Satan to gain victory through yielding to temptations
(Galatians 5:19-21)?
Not only can it reveal our shortcomings and weaknesses, but it can
also disclose our good traits and qualities as well. When men were to be
selected to take care of the widows who were being neglected in Acts 6,
the qualifications given were a “good reputation, full of the Holy
Spirit
and wisdom” (Acts 6:3). Seven men were chosen who obviously met those
requirements (Acts 6:5). It was said of Dorcas, “This woman was full of
good works and charitable deeds” (Acts 9:36). What a testimony to the
life of this wonderful lady who had died while serving the Lord. In
Hebrews 11, that entire chapter tells us of men and women who had lived
lives in faith and would now receive their eternal reward, a city
prepared for them (Hebrews 11:16).
Pick up the mirror of the soul and look in it. What do you see? Do
you see a faithful Christian who attends all the worship services? One
who is the salt of the earth and light to a world that is overwhelmed in
sin and ignorance? Or do you see someone who needs to change; one that
needs to have their priorities in the right place and have the joy of
their salvation restored unto them? A person who needs a heart that once
again burns with zeal and determination in serving the God of heaven?
Don’t get angry with the mirror or with the one who reveals the
reflection seen therein. Do what James says, “be doers of the word”
(James 1:22).
__________________________________________________________
|