The Wrap Up
To
optimize the benefits of a group Bible Study around such a study as The Milk
of the Word, it is best to summarize once again the main points that have
been discussed during the meeting just before bringing it to a close. Before
doing this, it pays to ask everyone what they got in particular from the
proceedings. This helps consolidate what the Holy Spirit may have brought to
light and highlights issues participants might like to reflect upon between
meetings.
Because of the nature of the personal
disclosures and discussion of what are often concealed sins and faults, it is
best not to be seen writing anything down and to rely on the Holy Spirit to be
the illuminator and teacher, so that participants eyes are opened by Him.
It may
seem strange that we help the Holy Spirit by allowing Him to work in us. But
the Bible is very clear that we are to work out our own salvation in
partnership with the Lord God.[i]
If this were not the case, once a person finds the truth and becomes saved,
they would be taken to Heaven. The Lord God does not work like this, rather He
has given us a freewill so that we can choose to investigate matters and
establish truth and, when having found the truth, choose to cooperate with the
Lord or reject His ways.
By using
frequent summarizations of what has been said and placing matters in
perspective, as well as knowing when to paraphrase and reframe comments,
participants are able to gain more from group Bible Study.
This is
especially the case when it comes to studying The Milk of the Word. The
Bible Study entitled, The Milk of the Word contains a scripture study in
the Introduction that deals with why we need to recognize our
requirement for studying these scriptures and what they mean for us. It also
includes an enlightening study on the Ten Commandments, the Power of
Prayer and a study on spiritual fruit entitled You Will Know Them By
Their Fruits.
When ending a group Bible
Study there is no harm in calling for any prayer requests and praying as a
group. While the group Bible Study is primarily about gathering around the Word
of God, praying for each other’s needs forms part of being in fellowship with
the Holy Spirit.
Successful
group Bible Study leaders always invite the other participants to take turns in
opening and closing the meeting in prayer, rather than doing so themselves. Furthermore,
at the beginning of subsequent gatherings for group Bible Study, it is
worthwhile asking what was gained from the previous discussion.
The aim is to encourage participation and cooperation among those
present, so members become fruitful Christians, confident to lead a small
gathering for a group Bible Study themselves. When we are doing this, we truly know
how to run a successful Bible Study to the glory of God. But we can only do
this if we are attentive to the needs of others, listen to what they are saying,
and do our own preparation beforehand on the topic to be discussed by
consulting the relevant Bible Study tools. In having said that, the most
important requirement is to spend time in prayer on a regular basis, and in
particular, just before attending the group Bible Study.
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