When one takes note of the attendance of worship as compared to Bible class on Sunday morning or midweek, a stark difference is normally and immediately noticed. In many congregations, the number of those attending Sunday morning Bible classes or midweek Bible classes is only 70%, 60%, 50%, or at times even a lower percentage of those who are attending the worship service. This begs the question, “Do I have to attend Bible class as a Christian?” For many, the answer is no, as shown by the lower numbers of those attending Bible class as compared to the worship service, but is this the correct answer? This article will seek to explore what the Bible has to say on this matter. One thing to note is that this article is not considering those who miss Bible class for a legitimate reason (i.e. work, illness, homebound, etc.). As we consider this question, I ask that we do not take the answer from the opinion of one man, or even a group of people, but from what God has to say through His Word.
Is It A Command Of God?
As we consider the answer to the question, “Do I have to attend Bible class?” let us consider whether God has commanded us to do such. Some who do not attend Bible classes, either on Sunday mornings or midweek, are quick to point out that there is no biblical example nor Bible authority for such, therefore, it is not an obligation for a Christian to attend Bible classes. The first thing that comes to mind is, why would someone not think that going to Bible classes would be an obligation for Christians? The whole tone of the Bible, whether Old or New Testament, is to grow and learn as much as we can about God, so attending Bible classes would seem to be an obvious way to fulfill such a charge but let us look at what the Bible says in regards to the matter.
First, note what Peter tells us in 2 Peter 3:18, “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen” (emphasis mine, J.M.). The word “grow” is a present, active, imperative; thus we are commanded to continue growing, to keep on increasing, and enlarging. Growth is not optional, accidental, nor incidental. It is the divinely commanded increase in the way of life that gains favor from God and that shows appreciation for God’s favor. Growth is not passive but is an active process of progress in which each brother and sister must be actively engaged. If you are not growing, you are dying. Part of the growth here is in knowledge. We must grow in the knowledge (objective genitive) of which Christ is the object. It is not enough for one brother or sister in the congregation to have knowledge. This is the responsibility of every Christian. What then is a good way to grow in the knowledge of Christ? An obvious answer is in attending Bible classes. This is not the only way as one can also grow in knowledge through personal Bible study, gospel meetings, lectureships, etc. Though the command is to grow in knowledge, an easy way to do this is by attending Bible classes.
Second, one must consider the authority of an eldership. God has seen fit to put qualified men (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9) into a position of authority where they have oversight of a congregation. The responsibility of the individual Christian to the eldership is found in Hebrews 13:17 which states, “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you” (emphasis mine, J.M.). The words “obey” and “submit” are also in the imperative, meaning they are commands. To obey the elders then is to obey God. We made this choice when we were baptized into Christ. One cannot say that he or she is a Christian but will not obey the eldership. God has commanded us to obey the eldership therefore to obey the eldership is to obey God. This is not to say that the elders are God or can make their own commands, but rather expedite what God has commanded through His Word. One of the things required of elders is to feed the flock of God (Acts 20:28). This does not mean they must physically feed the members of a congregation but feed them spiritually. Therefore, if the elders have determined that the way they will help feed the flock is through a Sunday morning Bible class or midweek Bible study, and they say they want everyone in the flock (congregation) to attend, then it is my obligation as a Christian to obey and submit to the eldership. To reject and say I will not is to reject the authority of the eldership and to reject God Who said to obey them that have the rule over you.
Though the results of this may be unpopular, I hope we will honestly consider what the Bible teaches. Though there is no direct command of “Thou shalt attend Bible class,” it is clear to see that the command to attend Bible classes is found indirectly through the command to grow in knowledge and to obey the authority of the eldership.
It Is A Choice of Love
If one was to completely ignore the above arguments for the need to attend Bible classes, the prevailing thought becomes, “Why would someone NOT want to go to Bible class?” This simply comes down to a matter of true devotion to God and whether or not I truly love Him. When asked if he or she loves God, likely all Christians will immediately respond with a resounding “Yes!” The problem is, do our lives reflect that answer?
Consider a young woman recently married to a young soldier who was deployed in a far away land. One day, a letter arrives in the mail from the young woman’s husband containing a beautiful profession of his love for her. When she receives the letter, she thinks to herself how nice it was for him to send such a letter, tucks it away on a shelf, and goes about her day-to-day business. Is this what would happen in such a case? Absolutely not! The young woman, when she received such a letter, would pour over every word of every line of every page over and over again until she had it memorized! She loves her husband and when he writes to her, she wants to savor and understand every word presented. This is how true love manifests itself.
Now bring the thought back to the Word of God. The Bible is God’s love letter to us. It tells us of the beautiful plan He set forth from before the foundations of the earth (Ephesians 1:4) to redeem us from our sins because of His great love for us (cf. Romans 5:6-8). Yet when many are given the opportunity to study this incredible love letter with others of like faith, they simply refuse to attend. Does this show a true love for God? The answer clearly is no! We can understand the concept of true love when it comes to a physical relationship, but why can we not understand it when it comes to our relationship with God? If I truly love God, I will desire to use every opportunity presented to learn more about the great and loving Husband of the church Who has written us the most beautiful love letter of all time in His Word.
As we conclude our thoughts, let us consider that the question of attending Bible class falls into two important points: it is a command of God through the command to grow and in the command to obey the eldership, and it is a matter of true love for God. If I find myself considering whether or not I should attend Bible class on Sunday morning or for midweek Bible study, I need to ask myself, “Do I want to obey God by obeying the authority of the eldership?” and also, “Do I truly love God?” If the answer is “yes,” then I need to attend the Bible class meeting. If the answer is “no,” then I need to honestly reevaluate if I really want to be a Christian as Christianity is not a religion for the lukewarm (Revelation 3:15-16).
Ask Myself:
What are some reasons as to why I should attend Sunday morning and midweek Bible classes?
What excuses do I make for myself to not attend Sunday morning and midweek Bible classes?
Read Romans 12:1. How many things can I list that God has done for me? What things can I do for Him that show my life as a living offering to Him?
When we become Christians, we make a vow to follow after Christ (Romans 6:3-4, 17-18). Read Ecclesiastes 5:5. What is the importance of keeping a vow, and how does it apply to what was discussed in this article?
Model Answers:
It will help me fulfill the command of God to grow; it shows my obedience to the eldership; it shows my love for God.
I have worked all day and am tired; it is not absolutely necessary; I will go next week.
You may discuss this with the writer or any of the Bible class teachers.
You may discuss this with the writer or any of the Bible class teachers.