Much in our world pulls us toward empty busyness and surface-level relationships. But when we gather with others to study Scripture, we experience the opposite. We dive deeper into God’s Word and draw closer to fellow believers.
It’s not easy to make the most of this opportunity. Heart-talk doesn’t come naturally, and for many, active listening doesn’t either. Without clear direction and boundaries, small groups often veer away from the Bible.
Whether you’re a group leader or a member, it helps to know the pitfalls that can derail Bible study discussions so you can guard against them. Here are four.
1. Sideline the Bible to talk about other sources.
When preparing a Bible study, bringing in extra material can help stir thoughts and conversation. Devotionals, commentaries, podcasts, and Christian living books can help us understand historical context, plumb meanings of words, see themes and structures in the text we might otherwise miss, and gives us direction for applying Scripture.
But as helpful as they are, these resources should never take precedence over the Bible. After all, Bible study should begin with observing the text itself. Without soaking in the Scriptures first, we’re vulnerable to being led astray by statements in other sources that have a Christian ring to them but lack a solid biblical foundation.
We’re vulnerable to being led astray by statements in other sources that have a Christian ring to them but lack a solid biblical foundation.
Recall how the Bereans “searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth” (Acts 17:11, NLT). Like them, we should take time to evaluate the messages we hear, even from well-respected figures.
If you want to use other Christian material, do so wisely by having your group read the Scripture passages the sources are based on as well. Don’t assume every group member is already familiar enough with the Bible passage you’re studying. Instead, take the time to revisit each section in its context. You may be surprised by how much you discover.
2. Focus on personal issues rather than Bible interpretation.
When your group works through Scripture, encourage members to share their thoughts. Hearing differing observations and perspectives often helps others better interpret and apply the text.
As you do, remind your group that their comments should directly relate to the passage you’re studying. Personal stories clearly related to the material may help others consider the text’s implications, but a series of anecdotes can move the group’s focus from applying the Bible passage to unpacking an individual’s personal problems.
Although it’s great to walk in step with someone who’s trying to understand how Scripture applies to his life, it’s impossible to iron out every detail of a person’s struggles in Bible study. This is a key difference between conducting a Bible study and giving biblical counsel. Groups should recognize the difference (and the possibility of distraction) from the outset. If a member needs additional care, he can share with the leader or another participant one-on-one later. Offer this reminder gently, and respect everyone’s time by concentrating on studying the Word, not one another’s lives.
3. Look for ways others should change rather than applying the text to ourselves.
Having said this, when a Bible study group has read through a portion of Scripture and interpreted it, they should consider ways to apply God’s Word to their daily lives. Finding Scripture’s implications and putting them into practice is crucial. As Paul writes, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right” (2 Tim. 3:16, NLT).
But when applying the text, it’s tempting to miss an important point: God wants us to see how the Bible corrects and instructs us, not others.
Bible study groups can sometimes gravitate toward calling out obvious examples of sin in “the world,” “our society,” or “people these days.” We can be distracted by talking about how others need to live differently instead of exploring how we need to live differently ourselves. While it’s important to warn against and confess ways we’re susceptible to worldliness, merely judging the world can put a spiritual veneer on complaining. Such conversations breed a pharisaic self-righteousness (Luke 18:9–14).
This is a sneaky trap. While it’s a good idea to approach our culture with a critical eye, its sins shouldn’t be surprising. Mulling over the world’s blatant shortcomings accomplishes little, but examining our own can help us to be stronger witnesses. As Paul goes on to say, “God uses [Scripture] to prepare and equip his people to do every good work” (2 Tim. 3:17, NLT).
4. Over-comfort and adopt a fix-it attitude rather than trusting God’s Spirit to bring change.
When Scripture exposes what’s wrong in our lives, group members may experience conviction over their sin. If someone in the group shares how he’s feeling convicted, the study can be derailed in multiple ways.
Mulling over the world’s blatant shortcomings accomplishes little, but examining our own can help us to be stronger witnesses.
The person confessing sin may want to elaborate on his feelings or explain how he fell into the sinful pattern and why it’s difficult to escape. Personal struggles with sin can be complicated, and as I noted above, the individual may inadvertently begin to share a long list of troubles.
For some of us, the natural response to confession is a fix-it attitude. Listen to a problem, offer a solution; hear another, suggest another. It can be tempting to go down an endless path without realizing that the Bible—and the needs of other group members—has dropped off the radar.
For others, the tendency is to over-comfort the person confessing. When an individual confesses sin, he’s bound to feel uncomfortable, and the rest of the group may too. Well-meaning group members might respond to a confession with ways to cheer the person up.
For instance, one Bible study participant may confess he’s too absorbed with work to spend time with his family, and a friend in the group might mention how it’s difficult to strike a solid work-life balance or how families understand when we’re busy. “Don’t be hard on yourself,” she might say.
As kind as such reassurances may seem, “rescues” like these discourage repentance. It’s not godly to downplay someone’s sins. We shouldn’t dull the sword of God’s Word when it pierces someone’s heart (Heb. 4:12).
It’s tempting to avoid discomfort. That’s what we’re most apt to do in casual conversation. But glossing over moments of conviction in a Bible study context can make group members think there’s something wrong with godly sorrow that brings repentance (2 Cor. 7:10). Rather than making excuses for group members under conviction, accept their confession with prayer and understanding.
We make moments of transformation possible when we set aside time to study God’s Word. Don’t let that time derail. Remind your study group that the inspired Word must be the center of every meeting. Then let it work in their hearts and yours.
The Gospel Coalition