Bible Study vs. Bible Classes

      I love Bible classes. I think they are a great way for us to edify one another and for the congregation to build up its members. I think they are a great tool for evangelism and a great means for the shepherds to oversee feeding the flock.

      However, I have concerns. I am told there was a time when people looked to members of churches of Christ as “walking Bibles.” I don’t think we have that reputation anymore. I wonder sometimes if our approach to Bible classes has contributed to this demise. I know that sounds odd, but hear me out.

      There was a time when Bible study equaled Bible study. Christians, wanting to know God better and know His will better, got into their Bibles and learned. They memorized Scripture, hiding God’s word in their hearts so they might not sin against Him (Psalm 119:11). They learned to rightly divide and apply the Word of Truth so they might be approved of God and not be ashamed (II Timothy 2:15). They wanted to give a defense of the hope that was in them so they learned what the Scriptures taught (I Peter 3:15).

      Additionally, parents understood if their children were to know the Bible, they had to teach them. They would hear lessons during the assemblies, but that was not enough to raise a child in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4).

      I don’t know exactly when congregations started Bible classes and when doing so impacted personal study. However, over time, it seems to me, Bible study began to equal preparing for Bible class. I guess it is possible that preparing for some classes can be so challenging doing so suffices for good, solid, strong Bible study. Most of the time, however, that is just not the case.

      Sadly, the progression didn’t stop. For many, Bible study now equals simply attending the Bible class. Even sadder, for some, Bible study means saying, “Well my congregation has Bible classes. I keep meaning to go.”

      I hope you and your children attend our classes. I hope you prepare for them. But please, do not think preparing for class equals serious Bible study, devotion to the teaching (cf Acts 2:42) or raising your children in the instruction of the Lord. Remember the Bereans of Acts 17:11. Receive the word taught in our classes and our assemblies with gladness, but search the Scriptures daily on your own. Teach your children from the word daily. Our classes are a jumping off point, a place for discussion and learning from the perspectives of others. They were never intended to be the in depth study you need to fill your heart with God’s word.

      Don’t rely on our Bible classes as your sole source of biblical nourishment. Be diligent to show yourself approved, learning how to accurately use the word of God and pass that on to your children.

Edwin L. Crozier