I will confess that I am a little nervous to bring this blog post public. It has been gathering dust in a Google folder for quite some time. But, what the heck! Let’s get this post out there and enjoy the backlash! 

As iron sharpens iron, we get to sharpen one another in the body of Christ.  So, here is some sharpening for those who desire a challenge concerning the effectiveness of Bible studies.  If you are hungry to see the church continue its reformation and grow in the art of relationally making disciples, then you may glean something from these words.  

First things first.  Notice the phrase: little fruit.  I am NOT saying that Bible studies are fruitless.  They definitely do bear good fruit.  God’s word is powerful and can transform a life at any time.  I am thankful for every believer that studies and faithfully delivers the word of God.

I want to talk about maximum fruit and what the Bible has to say about the word of God in relation to spiritual growth.  I’ve pastored for over 30 years and wasted a lot of time doing ministry that wasn’t fruitful.  One day I forced myself to be painfully honest.  I asked myself the question, “Why am I serving God with much passion but seeing little fruit?”

The problem wasn’t my theology.  It was my relationship with my theology.  I had a firm grasp on Biblical truth, but I was not using this truth in a Biblical way that fostered growth or made disciples.  I want to look at seven Biblical principles about the word of God and making disciples.  

Principle #1 - God’s word is to be encountered through a relationship with God. ‍

This sounds obvious, but few deeply understand this principle. We often boast that Christianity is not about religion, but about relationship. This is theologically correct as the Bible makes it clear that God is love and we have the privilege of loving Him and being loved by him.

Our problem is that we don’t use basic relationship skills with God like we do with our friends and family. When God speaks to us (through a sermon or Bible study) we don’t respond. If we do respond, we are not responding back to God himself but rather to our Bible study facilitator. This is a weakness in many discipleship efforts as God’s powerful word rarely has the opportunity to exercise its power. God’s word requires a response in the same way we respond in conversing with our wife or co-worker.

If God’s word brings conviction of sin, let’s open our mouths and confess our sins one to another so that we may be healed.

If God shows us that we have crafted an idol out of our career or our paycheck, let’s passionately pray a prayer of surrender and renounce our idol.

If God reveals a lie that you have been believing concerning the powerful husband that you are, then ask forgiveness for the sin of believing the lie. Then, find another man and declare forcefully who you are as a husband!

If God pulls you out of a dark place by helping you see how many blessings that you have been given, open your mouth and say thank you! Name each and everyone of your blessings out loud. Worship him with your voice!

Do not be a passive man in your relationship with your Father God. He loves to hear us respond to His powerful words and his liberating truths. Find your voice!

Principle #2 - God’s word is all about the heart. 

‍The weakness of non-relational discipleship is that the focus ends up being the mind.  The goal becomes understanding Biblical principles instead of being transformed by truth.  Recall John 8:32,

“You shall know the truth and the truth will set you free.”

The word “know” here  is the same Greek word when the Bible speaks of a man knowing (having sexual intercourse with) a woman. It is not mere understanding, but a deep, intimate way of knowing.  

There is a way to know the truth that is far different than the way we came to know the principles of algebra in junior high. It is all about the heart.  Scripture places a huge emphasis on the heart.  Proverbs 4:23 commands us

“Above all things, guard your hearts, for out of it flows all of the issues of life.”

The heart is everything.  The condition of your heart today will dictate everything you say and do today.  Without a free and healthy heart we are sunk as believers, regardless of our correct theology. 

The good news is that God’s word can touch our hearts and bring freedom at any time, regardless of our life circumstances.  

God has one focus today. It is your heart. His words will be laser-focused on the issues of your heart. He is concerned about what is really going on in your soul today. The question is: Are you willing to humble yourself and let God’s word penetrate the depths of your heart? And, are you willing to ask others to help you with the issues of your heart?

We all have a simple choice to make: either we live vulnerably out of our hearts, or we self-protect and live out of our intellect. The first path is one of faith, the other is the well-worn path of pride. Humble yourself!