Bible Studies

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Note: This Bible Study was originally published in the handbook of the "2005 CEM East Coast Churches Family Conference".
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Part I: Growing and Pruning
Spin-Off Passage: 2 Peter 1:3-8

1.) For the most part, the underlying message of this three-part Bible study is spiritual growth. But why is spiritual growth so important? What good will it do for a person to grow spiritually?



2.) Not Growing- Is it worth it?: Read through Ephesians 4:13-15. List some of the dangers that could result from not growing spiritually. Once you’re finished, discuss these dangers and how they can directly impact your life.



3.) If spiritual growth is so important, then how does one “grow spiritually”? Make a list of all the various ways of spiritual growth and then discuss why each of these ways are important.



4.) Overall, what role does the Holy Spirit play in spiritual growth? Read John 14:26 and then read John 15:1-8. What role does God, the Father, play in the process of spiritual growth? How about God, the Son?



5.) Scenario: “Spiritual growth is always wonderful because the more you grow the better things will become. Life becomes so much easier as the world becomes your oyster, since bad things will happen to you less! And the best part about it is that you’ll always have the answers no matter what issue or question jumps in your way!”

Basically, what’s wrong with this statement? Go and read, John 16:33, Romans 5:1-4 and Proverbs 3:5-6. How would you respond to this person?



6.) Based on all that’s been discussed, what should we expect in terms of the things that are involved in spiritual growth?



7.) Taking the Next Step: Overall, how committed have you been to growing spiritually in God? Have you been actively seeking Him, reading His Word, and fellowshipping with Him? When you leave today’s session, try to devise a plan to recommit yourself to spiritual growth or to enhancing your walk with God. Feel free to examine which area of your spiritual life is lacking and dedicate yourself to changing it.

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Part II: Stunting and Choking
Spin-Off Passage: I Corinthians 3:1-2

1.) Something to Think About: From the previous session, we’ve discussed that two of the main things involved in spiritual growth is reading God’s Word and praying. For the most part, these activities aren’t so difficult to do and may only take a few minutes to do. But why then, is it sometimes hard for people to commit to doing these things each day? What exactly stands in their way?


Listed below are the various obstacles that interfere with spiritual growth. For the sake of fitting today’s theme, these obstacles are illustrated as weeds, rocks, and thorns. Take time to examine the questions below them and feel free to discuss them openly.

The Weeds
2.) Read Psalm 32:1-5. Overall, how does sin affect our relationship with God? In what specific ways does it prevent us from growing spiritually?



3.) How exactly should we deal with sin?
a.) Before it’s committed (i.e. temptation)? Read Luke 22:40-46, 2 Timothy 2:22, and Psalm 119:9, 11.



b.) After it’s committed? Read I John 1:8-2:2.



The Rocks
4.) How can success and comfort also hinder our spiritual growth? Think about it and discuss it. Then read Revelations 3:14-19. In verse 15, it mentions that God preferred that the church, within the passage, should either be cold or hot in their faith rather than lukewarm. Why is that? What does this tell you about having only a “lukewarm” relationship with God?



5.) Overall, what are some of the steps that we can take to prevent ourselves from becoming like the believers mentioned in this passage of Revelations? Does this, in any way, mean that comfort and success are bad and that we should avoid them?



The Thorns
6.) Scenario: “Listen, I know that spiritual growth is important and stuff, but after I get home from work/school, I just feel so run down. My life is hard enough as it is, so how can I possibly find the time and energy to keep up with spiritual growth. Sometimes, it just feels so hopeless and overwhelming.”

How often have you said this to yourself, especially during the hardest moments in life (be honest)? How will you think God will respond to this person, if He then confronted him/her?



7.) Go and read Matthew 11:28-30. What does Jesus mean when He says, “take My yoke upon you…”? How exactly would this give a person “rest”?



8.) Taking the Next Step: When you leave this session, go and think about the various obstacles that come up in your spiritual walk. Then think about how you often deal with them. Do you bring them to God first or is He your last resort? Have you allowed these obstacles to live your life for you or have you allowed God to help you grow through them? Think about this and bring it to the Lord in prayer.

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Part III: Bearing and Yielding
Spin-Off Passage: John 15:1-5

1.) Throughout the first few verses of John 15, the act of “bearing fruit” is alluded to continuously. What exactly does it mean to “bear fruit” and how would a believer actually know that he is “bearing fruit”? For the latter question, please refer to the section below.


Evidence of Growth
2.) Read Colossians 1:10-12 and Matthew 6:1-4. Overall, how is one’s spiritual maturity reflected in his/her service to God, a.) externally and b.) internally?



3.) Go and read Matthew 6:5-13. Study this passage and then discuss how prayer, besides encouraging spiritual growth, also helps to reflect a believer’s spiritual maturity.



4.) In what ways does the Lord’s Prayer act as a standard for all Christians to strive for in order to mature spiritually and in their prayer life?



5.) Read 2 Corinthians 3:18 and Galatians 5:22-26. Overall, what are some of the other signs of spiritual growth? Can a person ever become “fully” grown in terms of their spiritual life (i.e. can a person ever reach a point where he/she has grown “enough”)?



6.) A General Review:
a.) Why is spiritual growth so important for believers? What good can come out of it?


b.) What are some of the ways that a believer can grow spiritually? What are some of the things that can prevent believers from spiritually growing and how can we deal with those things?


c.) What should ultimately come as a result of spiritual growth?



7.) Taking the Next Step: In light of all that’s been discussed in this Bible study, try to take all that you’ve learned and apply it to your life. Go and ask yourself of whether you’ve lived a fruitful life or not. And whatever answer you come up with, bring it to God and ask Him to help you grow and bear more fruit for His glory in whatever circumstance He places you in.

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