Why We Study Together
Posted by: forthrightmag <forthrightmag@...>
http://www.forthright.net
Going straight to the Cross
If you like little lights going on inside your
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Why We Study Together
by Tim Hall
"So if Jesus could raise the dead, why did He ask
others to move the stone from the tomb where
Lazarus was buried?" My question was posed to the
Wednesday evening Bible class I was teaching. Our
topic of study was John's account of the life of
Christ, and our focus was on John 11. I expected
to elicit the stock answer to that question: God
will only do for us what we cannot do for
ourselves. That would have been an appropriate
answer.
The answer we heard caught me off guard. The
respondent was a farmer, a man with no diplomas or
certificates on his wall, but a man of wisdom and
sharp insight. "He wanted them to move the stone
so they could smell death," was his answer.
Immediately I thought to myself, "What a great
answer!" Indeed, moments before the stone was
rolled away, Martha cautioned Jesus: "Lord, by
this time there is a stench, for he has been dead
four days" (John 11:39, New King James Version).
This insight had never occurred to me (but then
there are many insights I've yet to come upon). My
view of this passage was now richer than before.
There would be powerful benefits for the people
standing by Lazarus' tomb. No one would doubt that
this man had been dead. When they beheld him
stepping forth from the tomb, there would be no
questions about whether or not a miracle had been
performed in their presence.
That Wednesday evening experience confirmed a
principle I've seen demonstrated many times. When
Christians come together to seriously study God's
word, they will almost always leave with deeper
understanding. Even the teacher will benefit, if
the students are given opportunities to share
their thoughts. Though I've been the one behind
the podium, I've thanked God that I was privileged
to be a student. The comments of others have
helped me see more clearly.
Talking together about God's word will often
stimulate us to greater comprehension and service.
That's what the Hebrew writer was pointing to in
Hebrews 10:24: "And let us consider one another in
order to stir up love and good works." And when
can such "stirring" take place? Read the next
verse: "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 10:25).
Some dread the Bible class hour and look for a
pass to get out of the appointment. But those who
hunger and thirst after righteousness will
recognize the opportunity to be sharpened in their
understanding of the Lord's wonderful will.