Hands-free narration of this study — good for the car.
Synopsis
Giving Bible studies is described as 'a heaven-born idea,' a method open to nearly every believer and richly blessed by God through history. Before any study, the worker must prepare spiritually—praying for wisdom and the Holy Spirit's guidance—and practically, gathering a Bible, study guides, and visual aids. A well-structured study of thirty to forty minutes contains an introduction that awakens interest, a body that develops the topic in logical sequence using ten to fifteen well-chosen texts, and a conclusion with summary and appeal. Sound teaching method favors questions and answers over lecture, encourages participation, compliments sincere effort, and stays on subject rather than drifting into side debates. The Handbook warns against several pitfalls: preaching rather than teaching, overstaying a visit, and entering unnecessary theological arguments. Choosing a sequence of topics is equally important. While many series follow strict logical order, Adventist evangelist K. S. Wiggins argued for a psychological order that sustains interest and eases decisions, typically arranged in three blocks: salvation through Christ alone, what Christ asks us to believe and do, and the call to unite with His last-day church. Whatever sequence is chosen, the plan of salvation must always undergird the presentation, with distinctive doctrines following a settled commitment to Jesus.
Key points
- Bible studies are called 'heaven-born,' a simple method almost anyone can learn and God has richly blessed.
- A good Bible study has three parts: an introduction that awakens interest, a body of ten to fifteen key texts, and a conclusion with appeal.
- Question-and-answer teaching, active participation, and staying on topic are marks of effective Bible study leadership.
- Topics can be arranged logically or psychologically, but the plan of salvation should always form the foundation before distinctive doctrines are taught.
Key texts
- Acts 1:8
- 2 Timothy 2:15
- James 4:7-8
From the book
Session 9 · Personal Ministries Handbook pp. 36–44 · Read the handbook
- “The plan of holding Bible readings was a heaven-born idea. There are many, both men and women, who can engage in this branch of missionary labor.” (book p. 36)
- “A typical Bible study should be about 30-40 minutes long and should be based on an outline that contains: Introduction, Body, Appeal or Conclusion.” (book p. 39)
- “It has long been the practice of Seventh-day Adventist evangelists to arrange their topics in logical order. The only thing wrong with this is that the human mind does not work logically. Much better results are obtained if the topics are arranged in a psychological order.” (book p. 41)
Put it into practice
- Gather basic tools before every study: a Bible with concordance, a study guide, and a visual aid.
- Pray specifically for wisdom and the guidance of the Holy Spirit before each appointment.
- Plan your study using the introduction-body-conclusion structure with ten to fifteen key texts.
- Review the suggested sequences and choose one appropriate to the audience you are studying with.
- Comprehension
1. Why does the Handbook describe the plan of Bible readings as 'heaven-born'?
- Comprehension
2. What are the three main parts of a Bible study outline?
- Doctrinal Clarity
3. According to Dr. K. S. Wiggins, why might a psychological order of topics work better than a strictly logical one?
- Scripture
4. What teaching method does the Handbook recommend as best for Bible studies?
- Contrast
5. Contrast preaching and teaching in the context of giving a Bible study.
- Doctrinal Clarity
6. Where does the Handbook suggest the plan of salvation should be placed relative to distinctive Adventist doctrines?
- Comprehension
7. What advice does the Handbook give about staying too long after a Bible study concludes?
- Application
8. Which sequence of topics or Bible study series most fits the needs of the people you currently know, and why?