5: How to Study the Bible-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan
Prepared by William Earnhardt, for Sabbath School class on May 2, 2026.
Photograph by William Earnhardt
Central Theme: Whether you experience a thriving daily Bible study time or your Bible sits mostly closed on a bookshelf, the reality is that we can all develop stronger Bible study times with God. This week, we’ll explore some practical ways to study the Word of God better.
Read in Class: John 15:1-8 and Mark 1:35.
Study: What do these passages tell us about the importance of time spent with God? Why should we also find a good place to spend time with God in prayer and Bible study?
Apply: During the past week, how much time have you spent in prayer and Bible reading? What does your answer tell you about changes you might have to make in your priorities?
Share: Some people have a goal of how many chapters they should read a day, while others may have a goal for how many minutes they spend in God’s Word. Please share your thoughts with the class on measuring our Bible study by time or by chapters. Can we become legalistic by measuring our time? Should we just look for new revelations that may come sooner on some days than on others? What about meditating on a verse instead of hastily reading a bunch of verses? Please share your thoughts.
Read in Class: Psalm 119:15-16, 105.
Study: Even if you don’t have to be a scholar to study the Bible, how can you study the Bible deeply?
Apply: What are some ways you get the most out of your Bible study time? How do you decide which passages to read? Do you meditate on those passages, or even journal, or share your thoughts on a passage on social media? Do you highlight certain passages? Do you pray over certain passages?
Share: The Holy Spirit gives all of us fresh revelations from our study in God’s Word. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve given a Bible study to someone and they’ve taught me something new I hadn’t seen before. It’s always good to reinforce what we have learned by sharing it with others. Can you share with the class something you have learned in your personal Bible study lately?
Read in Class: Isaiah 50:4.
Study: What is this verse telling us about having a relationship with God and how it can impact our relationship with others?
Apply: Read Isaiah 55:11 and consider its meaning. What are you studying at the moment? With whom could you share this?
Share: Which Bible translations have you found to be the most helpful in your Bible study? Do you use multiple versions? See why it’s good to use multiple Bible translations.
Read in Class: Psalm 119:103-104 and Isaiah 55:1-13.
Study: What does it mean that “through your precepts I get understanding?” Why is this idea important in grasping what Bible study does for us? What does the Lord give to those who come to Him, to “eat” from His Word? What is His invitation to you here? What is His challenge? What is His promise?
Apply: What are concrete ways you can “seek the LORD while He may be found” (Isa. 55:6, NKJV)?
Share: How do we make sure our own ways or opinions are not blocking our growth and progress in Bible Study?
Mission: Have you ever thought about hosting a small growth group Bible study in your home? Would now be a good time to start?
