1. We are commanded to study the Bible: “Study to show thyself approved…” (2 Tim 2:15); “Give heed to the reading, to exhortation, to teaching” (1 Tim. 4:13); “Add to your faith…knowledge” (2 Pet. 1:5). The Bible class fulfills (in part) this very command.
2. The Bible class presents the opportunity for us to see ourselves as God sees us. The Bible is a true mirror for the soul (Jas. 1:23-25).
3. God wants us to be teachers. Christianity is a teaching religion: “For when by reason of time ye ought to be teachers…” (Heb. 5:12). Bible class will help us gain the knowledge and wisdom to fulfill this.
4. We need to know our Bible so we can be “ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason concerning the hope that is in you” (1 Pet. 3:15). But how can we do this unless we study?
5. We are charged to defend the faith (Jude 3), and our weapon of defense is the sword of the Gospel (Eph.6:17). A weapon is only as good as is the knowledge to use it. The Bible class helps to give us that knowledge.
6. The Bible class helps us to fulfill our individual obligation to “desire the milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby” (1 Pet. 2:2).
7. Since we are going to be judged by the Word (John 12:48; Rev. 20:12), then we certainly need to know what is in it.
These are only seven, but they are all good reasons to attend every class possible. Why not make all classes possible–not for others (although your presence does influence them for good)- -but for yourself, so “that ye might grow thereby.”
Gary Henson