God's people can understand God's word together, without a teacher, relying on the Holy Spirit to teach them... by following four easy steps and asking three simple questions.
Let's assume that your group will study the book of Colossians.
Step 1 PRAY
Ask God to reveal the meaning of the chapter to you.
Step 2 READ
Read chapter 1 of Colossians out loud, from beginning to end, without discussion or comment.
Step 3 ASK THREE QUESTIONS
- What does it say about God?
- What does it say about man?
- What does it say that we can pray?
Read the first sentence in chapter 1. (Read until you come to a period).
The discussion leader asks the first question about the first sentence and allows participants to answer.
The discussion leader asks the second question about the first sentence and allows participants to answer.
The discussion leader asks the third question about the first sentence and allows participants to answer. You will pray these prayers in STEP 4.
Repeat STEP 3 for the remaining sentences in chapter 1.
When answering the first two questions, participants are not to attempt to draw logical conclusions from the passages, but to merely observe what is expressly stated in the passage, so that they do not "think beyond the things which are written" (1 Corinthians 4:6). Participants should also specify which verse they are commenting on. For example, participants should say "In Colossians 1:2, I see that grace and peace come from God." By identifying the verse which the participant is talking about, other participants can see where the observation comes from... and that the observation is clearly contained in the verse. This keeps the discussion focused on the actual words of scripture, so that participants don't "think beyond the things which are written" (1 Corinthians 4:6). Click here and read #2 in section 1.5h for an explanation of 1 Corinthians 4:6.
STEP 4
Pray the prayers which were discussed in the third question of Step 3.
Final Comments
With this easy and simple method, the layman with little experience, little knowledge of scripture and no preparation can successfully lead a Bible study discussion group.
I lead Bible studies as a layman. I have also attended Bible studies lead by my pastor and other laymen. There have been times when something unexpected happened and the discussion leader didn't show up to lead our weekly Bible study. There we were with ten to fifteen men and no one had prepared to lead. Using this method, I have been able to lead the group, with no preparation, to have a spiritually enriching group discussion, with unity and broad participation, to hear what was in God's words.
So can you!
God Bless!