• Trinity is a theological term to define and describe three-fold doctrine of God; God the father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.
• Bible does not contain a word for ‘Trinity’, but the concept of Triune God flows throughout the bible from the Old testament to the New Testament.
• Trinity is a mystery, beyond human comprehension or understanding. It is reflected through scriptural revelation only. It is not an idea from philosophical reasoning.
• Biblical definition of Trinity is that
  • God is One in three distinct persons.
  • Each of the person is God (not a part of God).

Non-biblical View of Trinity:

• Trinitarian view of Godhead in bible balances unity and distinctiveness of persons of God. If one of these characteristics is compromised, we find non-biblical view of Trinity.
  • Christian Polytheism: If one only emphasize on the distinctiveness of God, it reflects three Gods, with different roles. (This may be similar to Hinduism concept of ‘creator’, ’sustainer’ and ‘destroyer’.)
  • Unitarianism: It only focuses on the unity. According to this view, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit are placed in the lower categories (less divine) than God the father.
• Both of these views undermines the biblical doctrine of Trinity.

Trinity in the Bible: Old Testament

Before we can understand the triune God, we need to understand progressive revelation of God. God did not reveal His plans, purpose or Himself in one time and place, but they were progressive in nature. Trinity was not fully known or understood in the Old Testament. However, there are many references, which alludes to the unity and distinctiveness of Godhead.

Distinctiveness of God:

• Gen 1:1-3 – “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.  Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.”
• Gen 1:26 – “Then God said, “Let us make man in our image…”
• Gen 11:7 – “Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other.”

Unity of God:

• Deut 6:4 – “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.”

Creation:

• Ps 33:6 – “By the word of the LORD were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth.”
• Proverbs 3:19 – “By wisdom the LORD laid the earth’s foundations, by understanding he set the heavens in place…”

Revelation and Salvation:

• Ps 107:20 – “He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.”

Trinity in the Bible: New Testament

• In New Testament, the concept of Trinity is more clear and distinct without violating ‘oneness of God’.
• For the first disciples, Trinity was more than a philosophical concept.
• They were with Jesus, God in flesh.
• They saw Jesus, his extraordinary claims, his miracles, his prayers to God the father, and his ultimate victory over death.
• They witnessed Jesus ascending into heaven.
• They experienced the incoming of Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost and there after.
• John describes Jesus as the ‘Word of God’ in the Old Testament. (John 1:1-4)
• Jesus himself affirmed the Trinity.
  • John 14:16 – “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever.”
  • John 15:26 – “When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me.”
  • Matthew 28:19 – “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,…”
• Baptism of Jesus: Mat 3:16-17 – “As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”
• Paul – 2 Cor 13:14 – “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”
• Peter: 1 Pet 1:2 – “who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance.”

Practical but Imperfect Analogies for understanding Trinity:

Time:

• Past
• Present
• Future

Space:

• Length
• Width
• Height

Matter:

• Solid
• Liquid
• Gaseous

These are some of the practical, but imperfect analogies of the biblical doctrine of Trinity. Many of us may not agree with using such analogies or ideas. But, these practical examples can help us understand the mystery of Trinity. However, we must recognize that it is a mystery, which we cannot completely comprehend, with our finite minds. And we need to trust in the revelation of God through His words.

Please feel free to share your comments, ideas, or disagreements.

More Bible Studies:

• Who is the Holy Spirit: Bible Doctrine
• Joseph in the Gospel of Matthew – Matthew 1:18-25 | Bible Study
• Beatitudes: Blessed are Poor in Spirit – 8 Part Series
• The Sadducees and Jesus – Question about Resurrection
• Jesus Christ – The Cornerstone of the Church

The Doctrine of Trinity is a post from: Bible Study Lessons | Christian Bible Studies | Inductive Bible Study Guide

Holy Spirit is a person and not a force.

Characteristics of Holy Spirit:

• Omniscient, Intelligence (1 Cor 2:10-11)
• Omnipotent, creator (Gen 1:2)
• Omnipresence (Ps 139:7)
• Wisdom (Isa 40:13)
• Holiness (Luke 11:13)
• Feelings (Eph 4:30)
• Will (1 Cor 12:11)

Works of Holy Spirit:

• Teaches (John 14:26)
• Guides (Rom 8:14)
• Commissions (Acts 13:4)
• Commands (Acts 8:29)
• Restrains (Gen 6:3)
• Intercedes (Rom 8:26)
• Speaks (john 15:26, 2 Pet 1:21)

Man’s response to Holy Spirit:

• Obeyed (Acts 10:19-21)
• Lied to (Acts 5:3)
• Resisted (Acts 7:51)
• Revered (Ps 51:11)
• Blasphemed (Matt 12:31)
• Grieved (Eph. 4:30)
• Outraged (Heb 10:29)

Holy Spirit is an equal in deity with the Father and the Son and not a subordinate.

• Named with other persons of Trinity (Acts 5:3-4, Matt 28:19, 2 Cor 13,14)
• All knowing, all powerful, eternal (see Characteristics above)
• Begetting Christ (Luke 1:35)
• Convicting men (John 16:8)
• Regenerating men (John 3:5-6)
• Comforting / helping (John 14:16)
• Interceding (Rom 8:26-27)
• Sanctifying (2 Thess 2:13)

How does the Holy Spirit act?

• The Holy Spirit is a Christ-centered and his ministry focuses on Christ. He changes us into the likeness of Jesus Christ.
• He is sent by the Father and the Son, to be a helper, counselor. (John 14:15)
• He baptizes the believer with Holy Spirit (into the universal body of Christ).
• He fills the believer with the Holy Spirit (Eph 5:18-21). It is not a once-for-all experience, it is a continuous process of sanctification.
• The commandment to be filled with the Spirit is dependent on the believer’s walk in obedience and dependance on God. (Eph 4:30, John 14:23)
• Holy Spirit enables the believer to overcome the sinful self (Gal 5:16-18) and empowers to act boldly to accomplish God’s purpose. (Acts 4:29-31)
• He gives evidence of His presence and working by producing good fruit in believer’s life. (Gal 5:22)
• He has given spiritual gifts to each believer as He wills, to be used in serving the body of Christ, the Church. (Rom 12:3-8, 1 Cor. 12:11, Eph. 4:7-12)

(This bible study notes are provided by Steinle)

More Bible Studies:

• The Book of Philippians – Overview and Introduction
• Jesus Christ – The Cornerstone of the Church
• The Doctrine of Trinity
• 1st Thessalonians Bible Study – 1:1-10
• 9 Ways God Speak to His People in Bible

Who is the Holy Spirit: Bible Doctrine is a post from: Bible Study Lessons | Christian Bible Studies | Inductive Bible Study Guide

Matthew 5:3-12

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”

Q. Meaning of hunger and thirst?

• ‘Hunger and thirst’ are strong words, meaning an ardent, eager, famishing, all consuming craving, desire and passion of the soul for God and his righteousness.
• Psalms often portrays picture of man craving and desiring more of God.
• Psalm 84: 1-2: “How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty, my soul yearns, even faints for the courts of the Lord.”
• Psalm 143:6: “My Soul thirsts for you like a parched land.”

Q. Meaning of ‘Righteousness’?

• The word ‘righteousness’ comes from Greek word “dikaiosyne”, meaning rightness, quality of rightness or justice.
• it is justice held in love, both within the man and in the world.
• It is the rightness judged by the standard of God’s law.
• Being right with God

Q. What are the things, people hunger and thirst for?

• People hunger and thirst for
  • Power
  • Fame
  • Money
  • Beauty
  • Sexuality
• There are, however, those who long for God. These are the people who are not just interested or satisfied by worldly things or pleasures. They are the ‘Seekers’.  It is often human tendency to neglect the spiritual needs. But these are the people who yearn after God.

Q. What does it mean to ‘hunger and thirst for righteousness’?

• It is not seeking self-righteousness, but it is the righteousness that comes from God.
• It is to depend, not on our own will-power to achieve it but upon God.
• In Jesus’ time, if there were anybody who would qualify for such earnest passion and zeal for God, that would be the Pharisees and the Scribes (Teachers of the Law). But in the same chapter (Matthew 5:20) Jesus makes a startling statement. “For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law, You will certainly not enter the Kingdom of Heaven.” How can one attain a righteousness, which even Pharisees failed to achieve? What kind of righteousness Jesus is talking about?
• Romans 3:21-22 answers the question. “But now righteousness of God apart from the Law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who will believe.”
• So then, righteousness of God is available through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe in Him. And those who will seek him, will find him and will be filled.
• Jesus himself claimed to be the one who will quench the thirst.  John 7:37: “If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink.”

Practical Applications:

• Hunger and thirst are not one time need, they are our daily needs. Our body need constant nourishment from food and water to function properly. In the same way, our spirit needs daily food too. Many Christians suffer from ’spiritual malnourishment’ due to lack of hunger and thirst or lack of feeding to their spiritual needs.
• Only God can quench our thirst and satisfy our hunger for righteousness.
• What do you desire most? Do you long for more of God in you life or have you lost that hunger and thirst?

Part 1: Blessed are the Poor in Spirit: Beatitudes Bible Study Series

Part 2: Blessed are those Who Mourn: Beatitudes Bible Study Series

Part 3: Blessed are the Meek: Beatitudes Bible Study Series

Part 4: Beatitudes: Blessed are those who Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness

Part 5: Blessed are the Merciful: Beatitudes Bible Study Series

Part 6: Blessed are the Pure in heart: Beatitudes Bible Study Series

Part 7: Blessed are the Peacemakers: Beatitudes Bible Study Series

Part 8: Beatitudes: Blessed are the Persecuted

More Bible Studies:

• Blessed are Pure in Heart – Beatitudes – Part 6 of 8
• Blessed are the Merciful | Beatitudes Bible Study | 5 of 8
• Beatitudes: Meaning and List
• Blessed are the Meek – Beatitudes Bible Study Series | Part 3 of 8
• Blessed are the Peacemakers – Beatitudes Bible Study Series | Part 7 of 8

Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness – Beatitudes Bible Study | 4 of 8 is a post from: Bible Study Lessons | Christian Bible Studies | Inductive Bible Study Guide

1. Is there any connection between spirituality and sexuality according to bible?
2. How to overcome sexual temptations?
3. Practical suggestions to overcome sexual temptations

Connection between spirituality and sexuality according to Bible:

• Man is often called a spiritual being, with spirituality at its center. If one is asked to graphically represent ‘man’, it would be a circle with a ’spirituality’ at its center. This is true especially in the eastern cultures.
• But Bible presents ‘Man’ much more like an ellipse! Ellipse had a unique geometrical property of having two centers. Man in the same way, is described as being with two centers – spirituality and sexuality!
• If one of these centers is disturbed, the other is disturbed as well.
• According to Bible, spirituality and sexuality are closely knit together.
• Human sexuality is celebrated in bible. ‘Song of Songs’ is pretty graphic representation of human sexuality.
• The first of God’s commandment (before any other) was: “Be fruitful and multiply.” (Gen 1:28)
• After the fall of man, the first thing, Adam and Eve realized was that they were naked. (Gen 3:7)
• Ephesians 5:22-33 is a classical example of the connection between spirituality and sexuality.
• In Eph 5:22-31, Paul gives a detailed instructions on relationship between husband and wife. But in v. 32 (Eph 5:32), he suddenly says, “This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church.” Paul here connects the relationship between husband and wife with that of Christ and the church.
• But if we are to be honest, we all can accept our own personal struggle with sexuality. So, how can we overcome this power of sexuality?

How to overcome sexual temptations:

1. Dispel the illusion of invincibility:

• Have a healthy respect towards its power!
• Bible gives two ways of overcome the temptations in general, but we can apply it to sexual temptations.

a. Resist:

• James 4: 7: ” Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
• There are times when you need to fight back and resist the temptation. You need to stand firm.

b. Retreat:

• 2 Tim 2:22: “Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness…”
• There are times when you need to flee, run away or retreat to escape temptation.
• Joseph is an excellent example of both of this methods. He tried to resist Potiphar’s wife as much as he could, but when the time came, he chose to flee out rather than resist her. (Gen 39: 6-12)
• I believe that many times, we choose wrong ways, we flee when we need to stand firm, and vice versa.

2. Recognize the Environment:

• Your environment affects your ability to resist the temptations. If you put yourself in vulnerable environment, you are more prone to fall into it.
• Think of a situation, when you are alone or traveling away from home. You are more vulnerable because you miss fellowship, you miss restraints, and moral environment of friends, family or church.

Practical Suggestions to overcome sexual temptations:

• Call your friends, or spouse.
• Make yourself accountable to your spouse or one of your friends. (You don’t have to share it with everyone!)
• Join the fellowship at church or some bible study group. Christian life is never meant to live on Sunday only.
• Keep some books with you to read in your spare time.
• When traveling, plan ahead to make advance commitments or plan to visit area church. Keep photos of your family.
• Write down your spiritual goals on a card which you can carry with you.
• Needless to say, spend time with God daily in Quiet time and prayer.

These are few practical suggestions which can help you overcome sexual temptations. In the end, I would like to conclude with a personal note. I myself am learning as I write this article. And there are times when it seems overwhelming and draining. But we are called to “Fight the good fight of the faith.” (1 Tim 6:12) Above all, I always remember the hope and promise that we have in Christ, whose Grace is sufficient for me, and His power is made perfect in my weakness. (2 Cor 12:9)

Check out: Paul’s Struggle – Thorn in the Flesh

(Some of the notes in this article is inspired from the teaching of Sundar Krishnan, Senior pastor at Rexdale Alliance Church in Toronto, Canada.)More Bible Studies:

• How to Overcome Temptation
• Paul’s Thorn in the Flesh – 2 Cor 12:7-10 | Bible Study
• Jesus Christ – The Cornerstone of the Church
• Joseph: Bible Character Study
• Temptations of Jesus in the Wilderness | Bible Study

Overcoming Sexual Temptations: Bible Study is a post from: Bible Study Lessons | Christian Bible Studies | Inductive Bible Study Guide

• One who is a follower of a master, spiritual teacher, religious leader or a guru.
• One who lives by the teachings and lifestyle of his master.
• One who holds the standard and ideals set by his master.
• One who wants to be like his master.
• The Word used for ‘Disciple’ in Greek (’mathetes’) refers generally to student, pupil, or apprentice.

Q. How can one become the disciple of Jesus?

• Decision to follow Jesus Christ is the beginning of a christian discipleship.
• Jesus himself demonstrated clear conditions for being his disciples. Before we focus on the conditions of discipleship, we need to know what it is not!
• Discipleship is
  • Not Easy! It is not ‘bed of roses’.
  • Not the way of constant success and prosperity!
  • Not a use of spare free time.
  • Not a going to church on Sunday.
  • Not a compromise, it is not a license to do whatever you like!

Q. So what are the cost (conditions) of true Christian Discipleship?

1. Cross Bearing:

   • Matthew 16:24 – “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”
   • Matthew 10:38: – “anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.”
   • Galatians 2:20: – “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.”
   • The way of Cross is the way of pain, suffering, ridicule, mockery, humiliation!
   • It is also to crucify our sinful desires. Gal 5:24: – “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.”

2. Self Denial:

   • Matthew 16:24: – “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”
   • Doing his will must be our first priority.

3. Leaving Everything:

   • Luke 14:26: – “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be my disciple.”
   • Luke 14:33: – “In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has, cannot be my disciple.”
   • Following Jesus must be our first priority, above our family, career, comfort, even our own life.
   • We must be willing to forsake anything that can hinder our walk with Christ.
   • Phil 3:7-9: – “But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him..”

4. Abiding in His Words & Teaching:

   • John 8:31: – “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.”
   • John 15:7: – “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.”
   • Regular daily Quiet Time – time alone with God is necessary to abide in His words. Check out – How to Do Quiet Time – Time Alone with God

5. Supreme Love for Christ:

   • John 14:23: – “If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching.”
   • Love for Christ should be the compelling force for us to follow him. 2 Cor 5:14: – “For Christ’s love compels us.”

6. Love for Others:

   • John 13:34-35: – “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
   • Romans 12:9-10: – “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.”

7. Fruitfulness:

   • John 15:8: -”This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”
   • Gal 5:22: – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
   • Bearing fruits is a sign of growth and maturity.

(Some of the notes provided on this bible study is credited to Sudhir Sioni, my friend and bible study leader.)

More Bible Studies:

• Jesus’ Disciples Names: List, Meaning and Occupation
• Rich Young Ruler and Jesus | Mark 10:17-27
• Miracle of Jesus at Cana Wedding – John 2:1-11 | Bible Study
• Feeding the 5000 | Bible Study
• 1st Thessalonians Bible Study – 1:1-10

Christian Discipleship: Definition | Cost of Discipleship is a post from: Bible Study Lessons | Christian Bible Studies | Inductive Bible Study Guide

1. Through the Word of God (2 Tim 3:16, Psalm 119:11, 105): This is the most clear and effective way of God’s communication with his people. If you want to know how things works perfectly, you need to read the manual. Bible is God’s manual for his people. But as in case with other manuals, we often ignore Bible. How often do we try everything else, but his words?
2. Through the inner still, small voice of Holy Spirit (Acts 11:12, Acts 13:2, Acts 16:6-7, 1 Kings 19:12, Isaiah 30:19-21)
3. Through the advice and counsel of men and women of God (Prov 12:15)
4. Through the Audible Voice of God (Acts 9:4-5)
5. Through Dreams (Matthew 1:20-21) – There are many instances in the bible, when God clearly communicates through dreams.
6. Through Visions (Acts 10:9-18)
7. Through Angels (Luke 1: 26-38)  (Check out Angels and Demons: Bible Study)
8. By circumstances: There is a danger though, letting mere circumstances run our lives, can be opening doors to Satan. So be wise with regards to your circumstances and expect God to speak to you through them.
9. By Inner Conviction and Peace: It is similar to the inner still, small voice of holy spirit.  God can give you deep conviction and inner peace about something. (Discover God’s Will – Practical Preparation)

We have all experienced some of these ways of God’s communications at different times. There is one question though.

Is there a danger here? Can we misinterpret our voice or desire as God’s voice? After all, sometimes we hear what we like to hear! I believe that it is important to examine it through multiple sources.

It is like three flag poles. When all three poles align in one direction, you can be sure of god’s will and direction for the particular situation. These three poles can be

1. Word of God
2. Inner Conviction
3. Circumstances

I hope and pray that ‘God will speak to you’ through this bible study notes!!

Check out Practical Preparation to Discover God’s Will.More Bible Studies:

• Angels and Demons – Biblical Perspective
• How to Lead Small Group Bible Study Effectively
• Discover God’s Will – Practical Preparation
• The Book of Hebrew – Introduction
• Who is the Holy Spirit: Bible Doctrine

9 Ways God Speak to His People in Bible is a post from: Bible Study Lessons | Christian Bible Studies | Inductive Bible Study Guide

• We must make Jesus our Lord and be genuinely willing to do his will. (Romans 12:1-2, Mat 6:33) There is no other alternative!
• We should respond as God would in any given situation and be obedient to his will. (Psalm 25:10)
• We should be humble and willing to learn. (Psalm 25:9)
• We must spend time in his words daily. This is the most simple and powerful, yet most forgotten or ignored fact. Study the bible, not just read it. (This is BibleSEO all about.)
• We should listen to God in prayer. (Prov 8:34) There is a old poem, which I always remember.
  • “Devil trembles when he sees!
  • God’s weakest child upon his knees!”
• We should completely trust God and his plans for our life. (Prov 3:5-6) Someone has said, “How can you make God laugh?”, “Tell him your plans!”
• We should have clean and pure heart. (Psalm 66:18, 1 John 1:9)
• We should be expectant. God wants to speak to us, so listen for him. Pay attention! (9 ways God Speak to His People)
• We should fear the Lord, this means hating evil and living God’s way. (Prov 8:13, Prov 9:10), it is harder to do what we hate.
• We should praise and worship our Lord, in whatever ways, you may feel comfortable.
• Fasting can immensely help. It helps us to focus our thoughts and mind towards God. (Mat 6: 16-18)
• We should act in faith. Our life should be testimony of God’s faithfulness. God is our Assurance not insurance!

More Bible Studies:

• Proverbs 12: Christian Wisdom
• 9 Ways God Speak to His People in Bible
• Questioning God – Psalm 13
• How to Do Quiet Time – Time Alone with God
• Joseph: Bible Character Study

Discover God’s Will – Practical Preparation is a post from: Bible Study Lessons | Christian Bible Studies | Inductive Bible Study Guide

Leading small groups can be one of the most exciting and satisfying experience of your christian life. You can really influence and impact your group members. Today, we are going to discuss principles to effectively leading small group bible study. You may be leading students, married couples, men, women, teenagers, youth, or any age group, these principles remain the same. So here are some of the key principles for leading a bible study small group.

1. Know Your bible study Group:

• Know every member of your small group. Show genuine interest and care for them.
• Names are extremely important. There is nothing more pleasing to ears than our name. You must know every member of your group by name.
• If there is a new member or visitor, make sure that you acknowledge him and introduce to the group.
• If you have more than 2-3 visitors, you can take some time for the introduction with some fun questions or game. (Like, what is the weirdest food, you have ever had?…)

2. Preparation:

• Preparation is the most important part of leading bible study group.
• There is nothing more painful than to see under prepared bible study leader. I am amazed to see that people spend so much time on assignments or job at school or workplace, yet when it comes to leading a group, they are so under-prepared!
• Prepare well, spend lot of time in the Word of God.
• Don’t think that since it is a discussion, you don’t have to work as hard as ‘Preaching’!
• Write down your thoughts, ideas, notes, questions, answers… I don’t know about you, but I can not remember everything. Writing notes will also be helpful in future bible studies.
• Note down the questions. Don’t just ask, “What do you think about this verse?” Form a question from that verse. Rephrase the question.
• If you use study guides for preparation, use it as a guide only! You don’t have to exactly follow them. (After all, they are just a guidelines!)
• You can use bible dictionary, commentary, but use your own insight also. (Make your own commentary!)

3. Be Creative and Imaginative:

• Be creative in your discussions and questions.
• Visualize the situation.
• Use maps, whiteboards, games, time lines.
• Give some small assignment, quiz or fun group activity to the group, keep the engaged.

4. Facilitator and Not a Preacher:

• Remember that you are not a preacher, you are facilitator of the discussion group. Make sure that you don’t keep talking.
• Communicate your questions well, rephrase it if possible.
• Don’t let it be silent for long time, give hints, ask individuals.

5. Equal Opportunity:

• Make sure that every one participates in the discussion.
• You will always find few people, more responsive than others.
• But, don’t let it be discussion between just 2-3 persons. Ask individual, remembering names will be useful here.
• You will often be surprised to hear insight from people who generally remain quiet.
• Remember that silence does not always mean non-participation.

6. Diversion:

• Many times, you will find the discussion being side tracked or distracted in particular topic.
• Use your judgment, to continue or bring the group back to the main idea or passage.
• If there is some major important issue, let the discussion continue. The idea is to learn here and not stick to the passage.

7. Time Management:

• 25-30 minutes of bible study time is perfect. Don’t make it too long.
• Don’t let the group loose focus.
• If there is some important theological discussion going on, you can conclude bible study, but continue the discussion, so that those who need to leave can go.
• Don’t try to finish the passage because you run out of time. You can continue next week. (So many times, I have seen leader’s finishing the passage or topic suddenly, so that they don’t have to lead next week.) Again, good preparation will be helpful here.

8. Finish Strong:

• Spend enough time in the application of the word.
• Challenge your group for the not only ‘learner of the word but the doer of the word’.
• Don’t make it too emotional. After all, the things that will stay with the group is not the emotion, but the teaching.
• Encourage them for personal bible study.

Check out an excellent resource by Grahame Knox for Bible Study for Youth Leaders – Free Ebook. It provides an excellent resource for different techniques and ideas for effectively leading bible study groups.

Check out Practical Suggestions for Leading Small Group Bible Study

Other Resources: Leading Life-Changing Small GroupsMore Bible Studies:

• How to Lead Small Group – Practical Suggestions
• How to Overcome Temptation
• How to Do Quiet Time – Time Alone with God
• Discover God’s Will – Practical Preparation
• 9 Ways God Speak to His People in Bible

How to Lead Small Group Bible Study Effectively is a post from: Bible Study Lessons | Christian Bible Studies | Inductive Bible Study Guide

1st Thessalonians 1:1-10:

Background: Acts 17:1-9 gives an account of the Church at Thessalonians.

Q. What are the three distinct characteristics, Paul remembers about the Church?

1. Work produced by faith (1 Th 1:3)
   
2. Labor prompted by love (1 Th 1:3)
3. Endurance inspired by Hope (1 Th 1:3)

• Faith, Love and Hope are unseen characteristics. Paul here uses three classic phrases to describe the life of a witnessing Christian.
• He does not mention ‘work, labor and endurance’ only or ‘faith, love and hope’.
• Your true christian qualities should be demonstrated by your actions.
• We are ‘Saved by Faith Alone’, but not by ‘Faith that is Alone’.
• Work alone without faith can not save you.
• Labor without a true motivation is useless.
• People have different intentions or motivations, it is very important to check real motives behind actions.
• Paul in chapter 1 and 2, describes how the Church of Thessalonians displayed these characteristics and what were the impact of their behavior.
• (Also check, 7 Conditions of Christian Discipleship)

Q. How did the Gospel come to them and How did they respond? (1 Th 1:4-6)

• The Gospel came not only as mere man’s words, but with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction.
• They became imitators of Paul and God.
• They welcomed the Gospel with joy.
• They turned to the true and living God from idols.
• They endured severe sufferings for it.
• They became the model for all believers around Macedonia and Achaia.
• Their faith became known everywhere.
• Others testified about their faith and their reception of apostles.

Reflection and Bible Lessons:

• Does our faith produce good works?
• How do people around you think of you?
• How do believers around you think of you?
• Do people testify about your faith and actions? (Mat 5:16)
• What are your motives behind your work or labor in Christ?

More Bible Studies:

• The Book of Philippians – Overview and Introduction
• Questioning God – Psalm 13
• Woman with Alabaster Jar and Jesus – Luke 7:36-50
• Overcoming Sexual Temptations: Bible Study
• Jesus Heals the Blind Man – Bartimaeus – Mark 10:46-52 | Bible Study

1st Thessalonians Bible Study – 1:1-10 is a post from: Bible Study Lessons | Christian Bible Studies | Inductive Bible Study Guide

Philippians: Overview and Introduction

• Paul found church at Philippe on his second missionary journey. (Acts 16:11-40)
• The letter to the Philippians is like a ‘Thank You’ letter for the gift sent by the church
• Philippians sent gift to Paul through Epaphroditus (Phil 4:18)
• Epaphroditus fell very sick during his trip almost up to the point of death (Phil 2:27)
• Very personal letter, ‘I’ are used more than 100 times
• Letter was written in about 61 a.d. from Rome in prison
• It was first church in Europe

  

Philippe – Overview:

• Roman colony
• Located in Macedonia, present day Northern Greece
• Leading city in Macedonia
• Church constituted mainly of gentiles

Philippians Church Background:

• Paul, Silas, Timothy and Luke visited Philippe on second missionary journey around A.D. 50 (Acts 16:12)
• Other religions were not allowed in the city, so Paul and Co. used to go out of the city to preach. (Acts 16:13-15)
• Lydia was the first believer, she was a business woman.
• Paul casted out evil spirit from slave girl who had a spirit of fortune-telling (Acts 16: 16-18)
• Paul and Silas was thrown in to prison due to that.
• Jailer and his household’s conversion in the prison (Acts 16: 27-34)
• Paul, citizen of Rome, were escourted out of prison (Acts 16:39)
• Paul’s continued Influence in the Prison
• Note Phil 1:13 – Prison guards testifies about Paul
• Phil 4:22 – Caesar’s households, note that he was not a guest there, he was prisoner

Major Theme of the letter to the Philippians:

• Rejoice in Suffering
• Joy, Gospel
• Jesus Christ – used more than 25 times
• Church of Philippi was persecuted church. Phi 1:30 – “Since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.”
• (Also check, The Book of Hebrew- Introduction)

Interesting Facts:

• Greece – Athens was birth place of Olympics and Running was the first Olympic game. See how Paul uses this analogy to his walk with Christ (Phil 3:14)

Check out excellent resource on Introduction of Philippians – The Church that Almost wasn’t there from thebiblepost.com.More Bible Studies:

• 1st Thessalonians Bible Study – 1:1-10
• Who is the Holy Spirit: Bible Doctrine
• Paul’s Thorn in the Flesh – 2 Cor 12:7-10 | Bible Study
• Overcoming Sexual Temptations: Bible Study
• Jesus Christ – The Cornerstone of the Church

The Book of Philippians – Overview and Introduction is a post from: Bible Study Lessons | Christian Bible Studies | Inductive Bible Study Guide