The Value of Wednesday Night Bible Study

This Wednesday will be the first time I’ve attended a midweek Bible study in over a year. Unfortunately, Wednesday Bible study has been a temporary “casualty” of COVID-19. But, if we’re honest, Wednesday night was a permanent casualty for many long before we ever heard about COVID and shutdowns. Too many have viewed the gathering of the church on Wednesday evenings as more of a bother than a blessing.

But there are few blessings in my life like midweek Bible study, because:

I am blessed to be with brethren.

Man was never meant to live in isolation (cf. Gen 2:18), and what better way to avoid that isolation than being with family? Throughout the New Testament, fellow Christians are called “brothers” and “sisters.” Wednesday evening is a family reunion in the middle of the week.

I am blessed to serve.

As I’m with my brothers and sisters, I learn of new opportunities to serve. I can learn what burdens I need to help carry (cf. Gal 6:2). I can learn what prayers I need to offer for my brothers and sisters. I can learn who needs a card or a call or a shoulder to lean on. I can learn what opportunities the elders have for the uplifting of the body of Christ.

I am blessed to learn from others.

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” (Prov 27:17). I’m always amazed at how much I learn from others in Bible study. Someone makes a comment, and a light will go off in my head of a different way of thinking about a text. My brethren have different experiences and different perspectives—I can learn a great deal from those experiences and perspectives if I’ll listen to what they say.

I am blessed to hear the Word of Life.

When many disciples left Jesus after he had taught some difficult truths, he asked the Twelve if they weren’t going to leave him, too. Peter replied, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (Jn 6:68). Truth comes from Jesus (cf. Jn 1:17; 14:6), and Scripture came from him, not man (cf. 2 Pet 1:21). As I examine the Word on Wednesday evenings, I’m hearing the words which bring eternal life.

I am blessed to remember what’s important.

In the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to get wrapped up in what’s taking place with my favorite sports team or with work or with my family or with the country and forget that eternal things matter far more than the things in this world. Leaving behind my worldly concerns for an hour or so helps me focus beyond the momentary cares.

I am blessed to recharge my spirit.

Let’s face it, life is hard. As I go through the day-to-day struggles in my life, I can easily get discouraged. But being with my brethren to explore the living Word gives me the strength I need to keep fighting the good fight.

I am blessed to correct my life.

Scripture doesn’t only encourage, but it confronts. “The word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Heb 4:12). As I dig into the Word of God, I see where my life doesn’t measure up to his will for me, and I make needed corrections to become more and more like Jesus.

I can’t wait for Wednesday night. I plan to see you there!