| Hi Philip
One of the most powerful tools in disciplemaking is the Discovery Bible Study (DBS). It's simple, accessible, and incredibly effective for leading people into a deep relationship with God.
In DBS, the emphasis isn’t just on reading Scripture but on engaging with it in a way that naturally fosters growth through hearing, obeying, and sharing—three principles at the heart of true discipleship.
Let’s explore how Discovery Bible Study’s structure makes it such a valuable tool, starting with these principles.
The Core Principle of Hear-Share-Obey
The core of DBS is built on the principles of hearing, sharing, and obeying God’s word. In *Deuteronomy 6:4-9*, we read:
“Listen, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD alone. And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength… Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up…”
This passage encourages us to engage actively with God’s word by listening (hearing), integrating it into our lives (obeying), and sharing it with others consistently. The goal of DBS is not merely to increase knowledge but to cultivate lives that reflect the wisdom and truth of Scripture. When we hear, we internalize knowledge; when we obey, we embody it; and when we share, we help it take root in others.
Why Discovery Bible Study?
DBS is more than a Bible study—it's a practical, life-changing approach to Scripture. Unlike traditional Bible studies, where one person may lead or teach, DBS emphasises participation, fostering a sense of ownership and personal responsibility in learning and living out the Bible.
This method allows individuals to discover God’s truth themselves rather than relying on someone else to interpret it for them.
In a DBS, participants read Scripture, discuss what it means, consider how it impacts their lives, and commit to actions that put what they've learned into practice. They are then encouraged to share what they've discovered with others.
This cycle of hearing, obeying, and sharing is essential to disciplemaking and encourages spiritual growth and accountability.
Leading a Discovery Bible Study: One-on-One and Group Settings
Leading a DBS can be simple, and the same principles apply whether you're meeting one-on-one or in a group setting. Here’s a practical approach to leading a DBS:
1. Begin with Prayer: Start by asking God to reveal His truth and guide your study. Prayer invites the Holy Spirit to work in your heart and in those around you.
2. Select a Passage: Choose a passage of Scripture, ideally one that is easy to understand and apply. Short stories from the Gospels or specific teachings of Jesus work well, such as *Mark 4:35-41*, where Jesus calms the storm. This passage highlights themes of faith, trust, and Jesus’ authority—relevant for any disciple’s journey.
3. Read Aloud: Have one person read the passage aloud. For group DBS, a second person can read the passage in a different translation to enhance understanding. Listening to different translations can provide new insights or emphasize different aspects of the text.
4. Retell the Passage: Ask one or two people to retell the passage in their own words. This helps solidify the story and encourages each participant to engage actively. Retelling isn’t about adding commentary but about ensuring that everyone grasps the key elements of the story or teaching. If you're meeting someone 1-1 then I've found retelling it myself first is best on the first few times.
5. Ask Key Questions: In DBS, questions are simple yet profound. Here are four foundational questions to ask:
- What does this passage tell us about God?
- What does it tell us about people?
- Is there something in this passage I should obey?
- Who could I share this story or truth with?
These questions encourage participants to reflect on God’s character, human nature, personal application, and sharing.
6. Obedience Statements: Encourage each participant to create an “I will” statement based on what they've learned. For example, after studying Mark 4:35-41 (Jesus in the storm), a participant might say, “I will trust God more in times of fear and anxiety this week” or “I will pray for someone going through a difficult time.”
“I will” statements provide a tangible step toward obedience, which is the foundation of spiritual growth. The goal is not just to understand the passage but to live it out.
7. Commit to Sharing: Encourage participants to share what they've learned with someone else that week. This could be a friend, family member, or coworker. The act of sharing reinforces learning and allows God’s word to extend beyond the study itself, planting seeds in others’ hearts.
8. Follow Up: If this is an ongoing study, begin each session by asking how everyone’s “I will” statements went. Was it challenging? Did they encounter any unexpected insights? This follow-up builds accountability and reminds everyone that DBS isn’t about information; it’s about transformation.
The Impact of Discovery Bible Study
DBS doesn’t require special training or theological expertise, making it accessible to anyone who desires to follow Jesus and share His word.
This simplicity enables DBS to thrive in various contexts, from personal disciplemaking relationships to larger church settings. It’s a tool that empowers people to grow in faith and encourages them to take ownership of their spiritual journey.
Additionally, DBS creates a culture of disciplemaking because it continually encourages participants to share. This method aligns with Jesus’ command in *Matthew 28:19-20* to make disciples of all nations. As people experience the life-changing power of God’s word through DBS, they naturally want to share it, multiplying disciples in their communities and beyond.
Why DBS Matters in Our Context
In our current culture, many people are hungry for truth but wary of formal religious structures. Discovery Bible Study offers an approach that resonates with people seeking an authentic and personal relationship with God. Through DBS, people encounter Scripture directly and are challenged to respond personally. This approach fosters genuine transformation rather than passive learning.
DBS also addresses a significant gap in disciplemaking by focusing on application rather than mere knowledge. As disciples engage in this process, they learn to trust God in new ways, grow in obedience, and develop confidence in sharing their faith with others. In many ways, DBS reflects the heart of Jesus’ ministry, which was relational, intentional, and transformative.
Conclusion
Discovery Bible Study is a remarkable disciplemaking tool because it embodies the principles of hearing, obeying, and sharing God’s word. Whether in one-on-one meetings or group settings, DBS encourages believers to engage deeply with Scripture, apply it personally, and share it with others. It’s simple, effective, and aligns with Jesus’ command to make disciples of all nations.
In this season, let’s lean into the power of DBS as we seek to raise up multiplying disciples who hear, obey, and share God’s truth. By embracing this method, we can see lives transformed, faith deepened, and communities impacted for Christ.
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Standing with you
Simon |
