You Don't Need Another Bible Study

Our City Groups are not primarily bible studies as are traditional small groups. We do take the text that was preached on Sunday morning and discuss it further - looking at the implications and application of the text; what it means for us as a community of faith in a particular neighborhood seeking to live out what the Gospel calls us to, etc.Because of this - those with a background in the church - are sometimes confused, even disappointed. They were looking for a bible study and found, more, a family looking to love and challenge one another with the truths of the Gospel. (Discipleship Groups are more of a bible study, though even with them we are hoping that the scriptures cut, challenge, and correct us leading to repentance and change; transformation and not just information.)But I don't think you need another bible study.Here are five foundational texts that speak of knowing the Word of God. Note what is always included with the command to know:

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” - (Matthew 28:18-20)

So Jesus doesn't want us to just know, or be taught, what the bible says, but also to observe, or do, what it says.

And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart [God's Word; the Law; the Bible]. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. - (Deuteronomy 6:6-9)

God tells Moses to not just have His Word in our heart, but to teach it, talk of it as we go,  and to bind and write His Word in and outside of our home - meaning everywhere we go and everything we do is informed by, led by, and influenced by His Word; simply, to obey His Word, not just know it.

Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching... - (1 Timothy 4:16)

The Apostle Paul tells a young pastor to watch his teaching; in essence, know your bible. But also to watch his life. Meaning, make sure what you know and teach matches up with how you live your life.

Blessed are those whose way is blameless,who walk in the law of the LORD!Blessed are those who keep his testimonies,who seek him with their whole heart,who also do no wrong,but walk in his ways!You have commanded your preceptsto be kept diligently. - (Psalm 119:1-4)

In this great (and long) chapter the Psalmist repeatedly joins the knowing (and delighting) of God's Word with the walking and keeping of God's Word.So here's what I think. I think many Christians have a deep desire to know the scriptures, and even the God of the scriptures. I think many of us sense that we want more in this Christian life, that something isn't quite where we want it. We have a holy discontent. That is a good and godly desire. But it won't be satiated by another bible study. We have to do and obey what we already know.I think if we actually do what we already know, if we are actually on mission and doing ministry, then we get more of God because we are where He is.

Yet they seek me dailyand delight to know my ways...they delight to draw near to God.‘Why have we fasted [or read our bible or gone to church], and you see it not?Why have we humbled ourselves, and you take no knowledge of it?’

“Is not this the fast that I choose:to loose the bonds of wickedness,to undo the straps of the yoke,to let the oppressed go free,and to break every yoke?Is it not to share your bread with the hungryand bring the homeless poor into your house;when you see the naked, to cover him,and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?(Isaiah 58:2-7)

God's calling on you is not another bible study. Its to join Him in what He is doing.