CONDUCTING HOME BIBLE STUDY (1)

0. Introduction

a) Did believers in the first century conduct worship services and Bible studies in a special building designated for church use? On the other hand, did they worship God and gather for fellowship in the homes of believers? Is there a preferred method for teaching the Bible? How can studies be conducted in the home? What problems can be avoided when hosting a gathering of God's people?

b) Aquila and Priscilla, a couple the Apostle Paul met during his second missionary journey, led a home fellowship (Romans 16:3, 5).

c) A man by the name of Nymphas, who lived in Laodicea, also hosted a home fellowship.

i) "Greet the brethren who are in Laodicea, and Nymphas and the church that is in his house." (Colossians 4:15)

d) Philemon, from where we get the book of the same name, led a fellowship as well.

i) "To Philemon our beloved friend and fellow laborer. . . and to the church in your house: . . ." (Philemon 2)

1. Why study in a group?

a) In Hebrews 3 we are told to exhort EACH OTHER daily or else we may find ourselves hardened through the deceitfulness of sin:

i) be careful that none of you have a heart so evil and unbelieving that you will turn away from the living God . . . you must help one another every day (Hebrews 3:12-13)

b) We are exhort and encourage others, based on the Bible.

i) "But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men . . . For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged." (1Corinthians 14:3, 31)

c) Paul gave special instructions to his close friend and fellow evangelist Timothy that he must be an example to other believers with his words, conduct, faith, etc.

i) but be an example for the believers in your speech, your conduct, your love, faith, and purity. (1Timothy 4:12)

d) Needless to say, we cannot be an example to others by having Bible studies strictly on our own. We must give attention to what the Word teaches so that we can save not only ourselves but others, which assumes regular interaction with others in the faith.

e) The book of Hebrews says we should not give up on meeting together with other Christians for the purpose of worship and learning about God.

i) "And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, NOT FORSAKING THE ASSEMBLING OF OURSELVES TOGETHER, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching." (Hebrews 10:24-25)