What is the purpose of a Bible study? The is an essential question because many of us have very different expectations. Are you looking to address specific issues in your life? Maybe you are looking to learn more about a category of issues and topics. Or are you looking to have a deeper understanding of scripture in general.
In recent years the culture has gotten away of studying the scriptures for the scripture’s sake. I’m not talking about studying in a purely academic way. I am talking about studying what the scriptures say about the Christian lives we live. We spend much more time lately looking for scripture that applies to a particular circumstance or concern. Seeking encouragement or direction from the scriptures is a good thing and we should all continue to do it. Reading the twenty third psalm never fails to remind me that am under the care of my savior.
However, there is something to be said about understanding what scripture is communicating to the church in general about topics that may not seem to directly apply to my current circumstance. What does the authentic Christian life look like? What is the over all mission of the Christian and how do we fulfill it? When I look around at the events of the world how does Jesus fit in and what does that mean for the current Christian life? These are all questions that can only be addressed as I look beyond myself and turn my attention to the needs of others.
After all the Bible is not written as a self help book and Jesus did not die to be our life coach.