Time For a Bible Study

March 26, 2022

“But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 3:14-15

Being a good parent can be difficult! We wrestle with doubt over whether we have made good decisions that will secure our children’s futures. We wonder if we have given them too much of one thing or too little of another. There is one thing we can give with full assurance: God’s Word.

Timothy received God’s Word from his mother and grandmother. The Bible doesn’t tell us how they did it, just that they did. We have the same responsibility. Even if our family doesn’t have a regular time of Bible study, we can still generously share God’s Word with our children or grandchildren.

This was true of my life growing up. Our family routine did not include intentional home Bible study, yet our lives were inundated with scripture. My siblings and I thought nothing of our mother’s quirky sayings, like:

• “Don’t let your good be evil spoken of” (Romans 14:16).

• “Don’t be surprised at fiery trials” (1 Peter 4:12).

• “Be mindful, be prayerful, be watchful” (Ephesians 6:18).

Mom’s little phrases appeared to be random. We later learned they were birthed out of scripture. Each saying became a consistent part of our lives. I cannot think of a time when Mom did not use scripture and its principles to guide us to better behavior, console us through life’s disappointments, or direct us to thankfulness during moments of triumph.

I imagine Timothy’s grandmother and mother, Lois and Eunice, were much like my mother. Their actions were real life examples of Deuteronomy 11:18-19:

Imprint these words of mine on your hearts and minds, bind them as a sign on your hands, and let them be a symbol on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up (NIV).

Are you like Eunice, Lois, and my mom? Does your correction, comfort, and celebration of your children or grandchildren naturally include scripture?

Research shows that today’s children and grandchildren desire intentional, face-to-face, explicit times for Bible study. The current generation:

• Was raised on social media, but prefers in-person interaction

• Are on track to be the most educated generation

• Want to be mentored

• Prefers customized experiences

• Values actions over words

While incorporating scripture in our everyday interactions with them is still necessary, research shows it’s not enough. This generation, our children and grandchildren, are hungry for guidance and knowledge from those they love and cherish.

It’s time for Bible study!

To help your family create a plan and a space for Bible reading, check out two new resources from Kids Corner: Faith Practices for Families: Reading the Bible and The Bible in One Year Plan.

Want to do a deep dive? Check out Family Fire's article Follow Me as I Follow Christ

Recommended Read:

10 Important Facts about Generation Z

What We Know About Gen Z So Far | Pew Research Center