TIP #4 for Bible Study Teachers

WHAT’S YOUR POINT?

Every Bible study lesson should have ONE main point that you want the class to take with them when they leave. Always keep that point in mind as you share the lesson. Here are some practical ways to keep your lesson objective in front of the class:

• The title of the lesson can (should) be your main point
• All Bible passages read should in some way amplify, explain or illuminate your main point
• Quotes can explain your main point from various perspectives
• A personal testimony can illustrate your main point
• Carefully selected stories can be useful illustrations
• The LAST thing you say can and should summarize the main point of the lesson

The main point (objective) of most lessons will be some kind of life-application…how do I want their behavior to change as a result of studying this lesson? Do I want them to:

• Establish a daily prayer time?
• Understand the believer’s armor and how to utilize it?
• Understand and employ the fruits of the Spirit?
• Understand and apply various character traits in their lives?
• See the meaning of a parable in light of Hebrew culture?

There are as many applications to life as there are lessons to be taught. The most effective lessons should bring the student to a place of decision…just like an effective sermon. And that point of decision should be your lesson objective, and the whole lesson should, in one way or another, lean toward that decision.