Why Attend Bible Classes?
It is a sad but true fact that many members of the body of Christ are negligent or indifferent toward attendance at Bible classes. This appears to be true all over the land, perhaps the world. It is difficult to understand why so many Christians do not feel a compulsion to attend such classes when there are so many good reasons for a person to do so and so few for one's failure to do so. Of course at times all of us are providentially hindered and find it necessary to miss a class or two because of illness or other equally compelling reasons. This, however, is rarely more than an occasional thing. Remove such reasons and one is left with laziness or indifference, unless one has a conscientious objection to such classes — and we firmly believe that such objection is founded on a misunderstanding and that such people should study prayerfully and carefully this subject. Let us examine some of the reasons in favor of attendance at Bible classes:
In the first place, we are commanded to study the Bible. In 2 Tim. 2:15, Paul said, "Give diligence (Study, AV) to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, handling aright the word of truth." "Till I come, give heed to reading, to exhortation, to teaching." (I Tim. 4:13.) "Yea, and for this very cause adding on your part all diligence, in your faith supply virtue; and in your virtue knowledge." (2 Pet. 1:5.) The Bible class provides an excellent opportunity to comply with these admonitions — not that this is all the study one needs or should do, but it is a part of the studying all Christians should engage in.
Then again, the Bible class gives us an opportunity to see ourselves as God sees us. The Bible has been called a "mirror for the soul," because in it one can find himself revealed as he appears to God. One may assert that he can learn just as much by studying at home, and obviously that is where we should do most of our studying, but it is certainly helpful to have a specific portion of the word under consideration with others of like mind and to come together to discuss this among ourselves. No one contends that secular schools are needless because one can learn at home. The fact that Bible classes are held only once a week generally (not considering Wednesday evenings, ladies' Bible classes, and young people's classes) makes it all the more imperative that we not miss a single class.
The Bible classes help us to gain knowledge with which we teach others. In order to save souls, people must be taught, and it is our responsibility to prepare ourselves to teach. "For when by reason of the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need again that someone teach you the rudiments of the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of solid food." (Heb. 5:12.)
In 1 Peter 3:15 we are admonished to be "ready always to give answer to every man that asketh you a reason concerning the hope that is in you, yet with meekness and fear." The only way to learn enough to be able to comply with this admonition is to study. Nobody (NOBODY — REGARDLESS OF CLAIMS!) today is inspired or receives revelations direct from God. Our knowledge in regard to God and His word is acquired by studying His word, the Bible. The Bible classes are dedicated to this work, and there should be no better place to acquire the knowledge we need, insofar as time spent is concerned.
In Jude 3 we are exhorted to contend earnestly for the faith "which was once for all delivered to the saints." How can we contend for something we do not ourselves understand? Again, the Bible classes should be the best place to acquire such knowledge (but, of course, not the only place).
We are going to be judged by the things written in God's book. It therefore behooves us to do our best to know what is in it. The Bible classes provide an excellent opportunity to do this. If you are not enrolled in the Bible classes, do so next Lord's Day. If you are enrolled, BE THERE, WITH YOUR LESSON PREPARED;