THE MISSION OF THE LOCAL CHURCH #5

Providing Proper Study of the Bible

INTRODUCTION

A. It is important that we keep before our minds that the main mission of the local church is the saving of souls, and this work is accomplished in three basic areas:

1. Evangelism

2. Benevolence

3. Edification

B. Our Bible Class arrangement is the church at work in the field of evangelism and
edification.

1. In fact, the Lord’s church is an educational institution

2. 1 Timothy 3:15 …

1) The church us the pillar and ground of the truth

2) The very foundation of truth – IF it stays true to the word of God

3. Matthew 28:18-20 … teach (make disciples) – baptize – teach

DISCUSSION

A. WHY IS BIBLE STUDY DEEDED?  

1. We are commanded to study the Bible  

a. 2 Timothy 2:15  

b. 1 Timothy 4:13  

c. John 6:44-45

d. It is God’s will that we be informed

1) Acts 17:30 … ignorance was once overlooked

2) “I would not have you ignorant” (1 The. 4:13)

3) God wants us to be informed

e. Study is what it takes to be informed

2. Bible study is important – the following verses show why

a. Philippians 3:8  

b. Hosea 4:6  

c. Acts 20:32 … the work of God builds us up

d. Strong when the word of God abides in us (1 Jn. 2:14)

e. Grace and peace comes through knowledge (2 Pt. 1:2)

3. There is a curse associated with ignorance  

a. Matthew 22:29 … ignorance causes men to be in error

b. Ignorance was one of the sins that crucified Jesus (1 Cor. 2:8)

c. Ignorance produces vain worship (Acts 17:23)

d. Romans 10:2-3 … rebellion is the product of ignorance

e. 2 Thessalonians 1:6-9 – lost because of ignorance

4. Because of what the Bible reveals  

a. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

b. The Bible reveals all we need to know about the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit, hell,
and heaven

c. It reveals our origin, our fall, restoration, and destiny

d. It reveals the scheme of redemption

e. It reveals the blueprint of the New Testament church

f. It reveals exceedingly great and precious promises

5. The Bible supplies our every need  

a. 2 Peter 1:3

b. Teaches us how to worship (Jn. 4:24)

c. Teaches us how to be saved (Mk. 16:15-16)

d. Man is a suffering being and the Bible informs us of the Great Physician (Mt. 9:12)

e. The Bible instructs us in our every relationship

f. The Bible also addresses our every mood – when we are sad, weak, happy, etc.

6. The Bible is powerful  

a. Has the power to convict (Acts 3:37)

b. Has the power to produce faith (Rom. 10:17)

c. Has the power to save (Rom. 1:16)

d. Has the power to convert (Jn. 44:45)

e. Has the power to give understanding (Eph. 3:3-4)

B. PROVISIONS HAVE BEEN MADE FOR US TO STUDY THE WORD OF
GOD

1. Our Lord place elders in His church  (1 Tim. 3:1ff)

a. Elders are responsible for feeding the flock (Acts 20:28; 1 Pt. 5:1-2)

b. It is obvious that in feeding the flock the elders cannot do all of the actual teaching

2. In performance of their responsibilities, the elder have set up various
arrangements by which we can all study the word of God.

3. Some of these arrangements are Sunday and Wednesday Bible Classes, Gospel
Meetings, Lectureships, Ladies Bible Classes, VBS, etc.

C.  WE NEED TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR OPPORTUNITIES TO
STUDY

1. We need to attend Bible Classes because it is a rewarding privilege

a. People have not always had this privilege

b. Diocletian, one of the ancient Roman emperors, decreed death to anyone who owned
a Bible

c. Even today, in some parts of the world, it is difficult to study the Bible without
oppression

2. We need to attend Bible Classes because unless we attend we are casting
our vote to stop this noble effort  

3. We need to attend Bible Classes because our influence and contribution
to the Lord’s work is dependent of attending such.

4. We need to attend Bible Classes because they have been so effective in
leading the lost to Christ

a. It has been estimated that 85% of all additions to the Lord’s church can be directly or
indirectly associated to Bible Classes

b. In view of this, how can we be indifferent toward our attendance of the Bible
Classes?

5. We need to attend Bible Classes because if Jesus were here He would

a. Who would deny this?

b. Jesus is our example in all things … 1 Peter 2:21-22  

6. We need to attend Bible Classes because it is not an optional matter

a. The eldership is a divinely ordained capacity

b. One of the responsibilities of an eldership is to feed the flock (Acts 20:28)

c. One of the most workable and effective means of fulfilling this responsibility is the
Bible Class arrangement; and our elders plead with us to take advantage of such

d. Now if God is going to hold the elders accountable for feeding the flock, would God
tell the members that it doesn’t really matter if they attend Bible Classes – which just
so happens to be the most expedient way of feeding the flock? Of course not!

D. PROVIDING FOR PROPER BIBLE STUDY INVOLVES THE
FOLLOWING: 

1. Qualified teachers

a. Faithful – good examples

b. Doctrinally pure

2. An adequate curriculum – the curriculum should cover all the basic needs of the
student and give an overall view and understanding of the Bible

3. Good lesson material

a. True to the word of God

b. The material should be decisive in truth, stimulating, clear and challenging

4. Accommodative facilities – proper lighting, proper size, neat and attractive, etc.

5. Effective aids – practical and comfortable furniture, chalkboards, bulletin boards,
library sources, VCRs, etc.

6. Sufficient organization

CONCLUSION