Growing To Maturity

The Role Of Bible Classes Growing To Maturity The Role Of Bible Classes

Goals Of Bible Study

Goals Of Bible Study To know God better

Goals Of Bible Study To know God better To motivate students to enjoy studying the Bible

Goals Of Bible Study To know God better To motivate students to enjoy studying the Bible To transform lives into God’s image

Ephesians 4:11-16 (NRSV) 11 The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ. 14 We must no longer be children, tossed to and fro and blown about by every wind of doctrine, by people’s trickery, by their craftiness in deceitful scheming. 15 But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body’s growth in building itself up in love.

Ephesians 4:11-16

Ephesians 4:11-16 The purpose of teaching: equipping saints for the work of ministry (service) – this is how growth is achieved

Ephesians 4:11-16 The purpose of teaching: equipping saints for the work of ministry (service) – this is how growth is achieved Long-term goals:

Ephesians 4:11-16 The purpose of teaching: equipping saints for the work of ministry (service) – this is how growth is achieved Long-term goals: All attain to unity of faith & knowledge

Ephesians 4:11-16 The purpose of teaching: equipping saints for the work of ministry (service) – this is how growth is achieved Long-term goals: All attain to unity of faith & knowledge Maturity measured by Christ’s stature

Ephesians 4:11-16 The purpose of teaching: equipping saints for the work of ministry (service) – this is how growth is achieved Long-term goals: All attain to unity of faith & knowledge Maturity measured by Christ’s stature Marks of maturity:

Ephesians 4:11-16 The purpose of teaching: equipping saints for the work of ministry (service) – this is how growth is achieved Long-term goals: All attain to unity of faith & knowledge Maturity measured by Christ’s stature Marks of maturity: No longer children tossed by waves/winds

Ephesians 4:11-16 The purpose of teaching: equipping saints for the work of ministry (service) – this is how growth is achieved Long-term goals: All attain to unity of faith & knowledge Maturity measured by Christ’s stature Marks of maturity: No longer children tossed by waves/winds Speaking the truth in love

Ephesians 4:11-16 The purpose of teaching: equipping saints for the work of ministry (service) – this is how growth is achieved Long-term goals: All attain to unity of faith & knowledge Maturity measured by Christ’s stature Marks of maturity: No longer children tossed by waves/winds Speaking the truth in love Knit together by every ligament

Obstacles To Proper Growth

Obstacles To Proper Growth Low attendance

Obstacles To Proper Growth Low attendance Tendency for class to be treated as separate & less important

Obstacles To Proper Growth Low attendance Tendency for class to be treated as separate & less important Poor participation

Obstacles To Proper Growth Low attendance Tendency for class to be treated as separate & less important Poor participation Inadequate preparation

Obstacles To Proper Growth Low attendance Tendency for class to be treated as separate & less important Poor participation Inadequate preparation Only a few people speak

Obstacles To Effective Bible Study Class format & material

Obstacles To Effective Bible Study Class format & material 100% lecture

Obstacles To Effective Bible Study Class format & material 100% lecture Discussion that doesn’t examine the text

Obstacles To Effective Bible Study Class format & material 100% lecture Discussion that doesn’t examine the text Dependence on cross-references, external study aids, and commentaries

Obstacles To Effective Bible Study Class format & material 100% lecture Discussion that doesn’t examine the text Dependence on cross-references, external study aids, and commentaries “Creed rehearsal”

Obstacles To Effective Bible Study Class format & material 100% lecture Discussion that doesn’t examine the text Dependence on cross-references, external study aids, and commentaries “Creed rehearsal” Discussion without self-examination

Obstacles To Effective Bible Study Class format & material 100% lecture Discussion that doesn’t examine the text Dependence on cross-references, external study aids, and commentaries “Creed rehearsal” Discussion without self-examination Focusing on topical studies or “issues” that cause us to miss the message of the text

Obstacles To Effective Bible Study Class format & material 100% lecture Discussion that doesn’t examine the text Dependence on cross-references, external study aids, and commentaries “Creed rehearsal” Discussion without self-examination Focusing on topical studies or “issues” that cause us to miss the message of the text Using language unfamiliar to new students

Methods For Proper Bible Study

Methods For Proper Bible Study Start with an overview of the book/letter

Methods For Proper Bible Study Start with an overview of the book/letter Survey chart – “birds-eye view”

EPHESIANS: Key Words/Phrases: Key Verses: Put Off, Put On Blessings Salvation Strength Unity Submit Be Strong 1:1 2:1 3:1 3:2 3:14 4:1 4:17 5:21 6:10 Our Riches In Christ Our Walk In Christ We In Christ Christ In Us Key Words/Phrases: Key Verses:

Methods For Proper Bible Study Start with an overview of the book/letter Survey chart – “birds-eye view” Author Recipient(s) Approximate date Background Occasion – reason for writing Repeated words & phrases Textual progression – how does the text fit together?

Methods For Proper Bible Study Textual worksheet

Methods For Proper Bible Study Textual worksheet Observation (what do you see?) Interpretation (what does it mean?) Application (how does is apply to me?) Communication (how can I share what I have learned?)

Methods For Proper Bible Study Textual worksheet Observation (what do you see?) Interpretation (what does it mean?) Application (how does is apply to me?) Communication (how can I share what I have learned?) What is the main point of the text?

Methods For Proper Bible Study Advantages of self-discovery and textual worksheets

Methods For Proper Bible Study Advantages of self-discovery and textual worksheets Keeps information in its proper context

Methods For Proper Bible Study Advantages of self-discovery and textual worksheets Keeps information in its proper context Promotes independent Bible study instead of relying on others (teachers, commentaries, etc.)

Methods For Proper Bible Study Advantages of self-discovery and textual worksheets Keeps information in its proper context Promotes independent Bible study instead of relying on others (teachers, commentaries, etc.) Provides room to record observations

Methods For Proper Bible Study Advantages of self-discovery and textual worksheets Keeps information in its proper context Promotes independent Bible study instead of relying on others (teachers, commentaries, etc.) Provides room to record observations Everyone can participate

Methods For Proper Bible Study Advantages of self-discovery and textual worksheets Keeps information in its proper context Promotes independent Bible study instead of relying on others (teachers, commentaries, etc.) Provides room to record observations Everyone can participate Facilitates learning & explaining the text