When a group of believers gathers for Bible study, the question often arises: where do we begin? Should we study a single book of the Bible in-depth, or would it be more practical to explore specific topics relevant to our daily lives as Christians? Both approaches have their merits, and finding the right balance depends on the group’s spiritual hunger, goals, and dynamics.

During a conversation with someone this week about this subject, they offered a very insightful comment. They noted that,

“I like the idea of following a topic though and seeing which passages that leads us to in the bible so that we go to parts of the bible we may not automatically go to.”

This is true, and perhaps it is true because we avoid the topics we feel uncomfortable with or don’t understand. The problem for Christians is simply that we do not know what we do not know. Importantly however Hosea 4:6 states,

“My people are destroyed because of ignorance [lack of knowledge].”

This makes Bible study that much more important.

Important to keep in mind, is that we do not approach the Bible simply for the sake of reading its pages, nor do we seek to accumulate mere theoretical knowledge. We engage with Scripture to uncover timeless spiritual principles that can be woven into the fabric of our daily lives.

As real people navigating a complex world, we hunger for real answers to the real challenges we face. If our study does not lead to genuine, tangible transformation, we must pause and ask ourselves—what is the true purpose of it all?

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind…” (Romans 12:2)

Ultimately what you do should reflect what it is you hope to achieve.

First Things First

Because we do not know what we do not know, the best course of action is to pray for the Holy Spirit to guide us into the most appropriate direction, as well as being open to go in a direction we may not have previously considered. John 14:26 tells us,

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things ”

The Case for Studying a Book of the Bible

Studying a book of the Bible offers the advantage of context and continuity. It allows the group to delve into the unfolding story of redemption, understand the flow of God’s narrative, and see how each chapter builds upon the last. This approach provides depth and a holistic understanding of Scripture.

When we look at whole chunks of the bible like this, it can give us a big picture overview in terms of history and the big ticket items that form the building blocks of faith.

A great place to start is the Gospel of John. Known for its rich theological depth yet accessible style, it introduces foundational Christian truths: Jesus as the Word, the Good Shepherd, and the source of eternal life. John 20:31 reminds us:

“These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.”

Matthew Henry, the classic commentator, emphasizes that John’s Gospel was,

“…written to prove that Jesus is the Christ and lead people to trust in Him.”

Starting here can ground new believers in their understanding of who Christ is, which is at the heart of Christ-ianity.

Another excellent choice is the Book of Acts, which tells the story of the early church’s formation and the spread of the Gospel. It shows the Holy Spirit’s transformative power, which can inspire new believers to live out their faith. John Owen once stated,

“The Holy Spirit is the author of all spiritual life and holiness.”

This ties perfectly into Acts’ message about God’s Spirit working in believers’ lives.

It has also been observed—in tongue in cheek fashion—that if you were to remove the role of the Holy Spirit from the Book of Acts, 99% of the events would come to a halt. In contrast, if you were to take the Holy Spirit out of today’s churches, only about 1% of what occurs would cease.

On the other hand, Genesis lays the foundation for the entire biblical narrative. It introduces the story of creation, humanity’s relationship with God, the fall into sin, and God’s covenant promises. Studying Genesis offers a deeper understanding of who God is, why the world is the way it is, and how God’s redemptive plan begins to unfold. As John Calvin remarked,

“Without Genesis, the rest of Scripture would make little sense.”

For those seeking to understand the big picture of the Bible, Genesis provides essential context and helps to ground faith in the Creator’s purpose and plan for humanity.

The Case for Topical Study

For a group that desires more grounding in practical Christian living, a topical study may be more effective. Once we have read a book, it may be helpful to consider which topics stood out and dig deeper into those.

This approach allows for a focus on everyday issues, providing biblical guidance on how to live as Christians. Topics such as Faith, Christian Spirituality, the New Covenant, Kingdom of God, Spiritual Warfare or Christian relationships offer immediate relevance and can strengthen spiritual growth in daily life.

For instance, a study on “The Basics of Faith” could start with Hebrews 11, exploring how faith was crucial for the Old Testament heroes. This not only teaches the concept of faith but also shows its practical application. Emunah [faith] is the root of all covenantal relationships with God.

The Bible emphasizes that faith is not merely intellectual but is meant to be lived out in trust and obedience. Obedience has a negative connotation for many, however biblical obedience has more to do with agreement than it does blindly following orders (Amos 3:3).

Another important topic is prayer and intercesion, the lifeblood of a Christian’s relationship with God. A study of Jesus’ teaching on prayer in Matthew 6:9-13 (“The Lord’s Prayer”) offers a practical guide to communicating with God. John Calvin once wrote:

“Prayer is the chief exercise of faith.”

Matthew Henry also emphasized its necessity, stating:

“You may as soon find a living man that does not breathe as a living Christian that does not pray.”

Not only that but Jesus Himself stated that it is the only way to regain control of the earth (and everything that happens in it) and bring heaven’s order and blessing to earth (Matthew 6:10).

These insights offer a clear path for the group to grow in understanding and applying their faith in daily life.

A Blended Approach

A wise solution could be to blend both approaches: study a book while emphasizing key topics along the way. For example, studying Ephesians offers both doctrinal depth and practical application. The letter addresses core themes of salvation, grace, unity in Christ, and spiritual warfare, all of which are crucial for new believers. John Noble described Ephesians as:

“A letter of grace and glory, designed to ground believers in who they are in Christ and how they are to live in the world.”

By combining a study of Ephesians with discussions on key topics like faith, grace, and Christian living, the group can gain both theological understanding and practical guidance.

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Questions to Help the Group Decide

To determine whether studying a book or a topic is the best fit for your group, consider asking the following questions:

1. Spiritual Background and Knowledge

• How familiar are you with the Bible? Have you read through a book of the Bible before?
• Do you often feel lost when reading the Bible, or do you have some understanding of its structure and flow?

2. Immediate Needs

• Are you facing specific life challenges where you need biblical guidance (e.g., faith, prayer, relationships)?
• Do you feel the need to deepen your understanding of foundational Christian beliefs?

3. Preferred Learning Style

• Do you prefer diving deep into a continuous narrative with context, or focusing on practical, actionable topics that address everyday issues?
• Are you more drawn to stories (a narrative approach) or to guidance on specific life challenges (a topical approach)?

4. Spiritual Goals

• What is the group hoping to achieve? (e.g., learning more about Jesus, applying Christian principles to life, understanding theology, or living victoriously?)
• Would studying a book give you the depth you need, the tools, or would focusing on a few topics provide a stronger foundation?

5. Time Commitment and Consistency

• Are you able to commit to a longer, continuous study like a book of the Bible, or would a more flexible, topic-based approach suit the group better?
• How consistent is your group in attendance? Would a topical study offer more flexibility in case someone misses a session?

6. Group Dynamics and Interests

• Does the group prefer discussing practical life challenges or delving into Scripture for deeper theological understanding?
• Are there any particular books or topics someone in the group feels especially drawn to?

7. Personal Desire for Growth

• Are you more interested in understanding the Bible as a whole or in addressing specific areas where you need spiritual growth?
• Do you feel a need for immediate practical guidance (suggesting topics) or a more structured deep dive into the Bible (suggesting a book)?

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Conclusion: Start Where You Are

The most important questions to ask yourself when deciding between a topical study or a book of the Bible is: What are you struggling with? What areas of life or faith leave you feeling confused, uncertain, or searching for clarity? What do you hope to achieve through this study? If you’re wrestling with foundational issues of faith, a topical study can provide immediate guidance on practical Christian living. If you want to deepen your understanding of God’s overarching story and your place within it, studying a book of the Bible may be the right path.

By identifying your personal or group needs, you can choose the most fruitful direction for your Bible study. Whether you decide to explore the life of Jesus in the Gospel of John, the power of the Holy Spirit in Acts, or dig into topics like prayer, faith, or relationships, the goal is the same: to grow closer to God and apply His Word to your life. As you prayerfully begin your journey, trust that He will guide you into deeper truth, wisdom, and spiritual maturity.

Remember, it’s not just about acquiring knowledge—it’s about transformation. Let your study be a time of reflection, discovery, and most importantly, drawing nearer to God through His Word.