Evangelism 2 – While in the Study
Matthew 28:18-20
Introduction.
Last week we discussed how to get into a study.
Today we are going to go over the method by which we study.
We will also consider some do’s and don’ts.
Let us never forget Jesus’ promise that He will be with us, even to the end of the age!
Body.
The Study Method.
I cannot stress how beneficial a study method is.
Many people study the Bible just by random chance or they will go to familiar passages.
A regimented Bible study helps keep things focused.
You are less likely to chase rabbits.
If you continually chase rabbits, you will never get finished, and they might lose interest.
The method often does not matter.
You must choose what works best for you.
There are advantages and disadvantages to each method.
I use Back to the Bible by Bobby Bates.
I heard a talk about it from PTP and it seemed like a good study.
I have used it several times, and some of those became Christians.
Advantages: it is simple, turn to a Bible verse, answer a question.
Disadvantages: it goes over a couple things that are not particularly necessary to know before becoming a Christian—those could be skipped.
There are several other methods.
Jule Miller Film Strips, Search for Truth, Open Bible Study, etc.
If you use one of these and it works for you, keep using it!
If you need a method, might I suggest Back to the Bible.
The Value of the Second.
The “second” is usually silent during most of the study and may seem superfluous.
Yes, the second is to remain silent unless prompted.
It can be frustrating for the leader to be thinking about an answer while the second jumps in.
Personally, I have a strategy in mind while I’m listening to the individual, and that often doesn’t account for the second’s input.
So it is good to find someone you work well with.
This is often one’s spouse (e.g. Aquila & Priscilla).
The role of the second.
Be supportive with your presence.
If you have some input, allow the leader to indicate that he/she wants you to share it before you do.
Often that input is so very helpful: perhaps leader gets stuck or needs time to think, or can explain things in a way that is better understood by prospect.
Read Scripture when asked—can also be helpful if prospect can’t read or has trouble reading.
The “second” as a learning tool.
The second could accompany to learn how to have a study with someone.
If you want to volunteer to be a second, let me know and I may ask you next time a study comes up.
Sometimes the second is better to be a particular person (e.g. if you asked me to study with someone, the best choice for second is you).
The second can also be the more experienced person and help out when/if the leader needs it.
Some Do’s and Don’ts.
Try not to have more than a few people in the study.
Sometimes people will ask their friends and neighbors to join in.
You might think it’s a good thing.
But the more that’s there, the less manageable it becomes.
Four people might be in agreement with you and the Scripture, then one person offers dissent and it all falls apart.
Families, however, are good (e.g. Cornelius, Lydia, Philippian jailer).
You always want to know what you’re walking into.
Don’t turn to the passage and sit there waiting for them to get there.
Most of the time, the person you’re studying with won’t know the Bible very well.
They will take awhile to get to the passages, and that’s okay—wait for them.
If they apologize, let them know it’s okay.
Do help them find it if they are having difficulties.
Try to be the last person to turn to the passage.
It’s a little thing, but it helps them not feel quite so bad (if they do).
Do not chase rabbits.
If they start talking about how God spoke to them, or some vision they had, or about the end times—let them speak and then try to segue back to the study.
“That’s interesting,” “We do live in a messed up world.” – “Let’s get back to the study.”
Many times, they will ask questions throughout.
Write down the questions and defer that until later.
Either the lesson will answer their questions eventually, or they will lose interest.
When they give the wrong answer to a question …
Do not say they are wrong, and do not give them the answer.
The point is for them to figure it out on their own.
There are different strategies depending on the situation.
With the right answers, say, “That’s right,” or “Good job.”
If you are silent with a wrong answer, they will rethink their answer and try again.
You could say, “Let’s read that verse/question again,” and emphasize the pertinent parts.
Do this especially with a yes/no question—you want to make sure they get it.
If you don’t finish the study that day, let them keep it.
Try to emphasize the desire to go through it together.
Typically it does no harm if they go through the rest of it on their own first.
Before the Study.
Pray pray pray.
Pray privately the night before or that morning.
Pray with the prospect present.
Pray that they will have an open heart, and thank God for their willingness to study.
Make sure you have all your materials together.
Studies, charts, scratch paper, pens, Bibles.
Perhaps bring an extra Bible or some pens for the study.
Bring extra studies, too, just in case someone drops in unexpectedly.
Make them easy to carry—I use a single clipboard for the studies/charts.
Finally – the questionnaire! (Special thanks to Rob Whitacre).
This is extremely important!
It can be done any time before the third study, but at the very start is typical.
You keep the filled out questionnaire—you will use it later.
It will help you know where they are so you can address certain things.
Back to the Bible is not where you want to start if they don’t believe in the Godhead or the Bible.
The most important questions are #10-16.
When they realize that baptism is meant to be for the remission of sins, they will think that must have been why they were baptized.
They won’t mean to be dishonest, but they probably will be.
How can you be baptized for the forgiveness of sins if you think your sins have already been forgiven?
We will get back to this when it becomes important in the study (#3).
Conclusion.
Congratulations! You are ready to start your study.
Next week we will look at the very first study.
Remember, Christ is with us when we study with people.
Let us work up the courage to do this and help to fulfill the Great Commission.
All this is useless to you unless you have obeyed the gospel yourself.