1 Peter 2:2-3 says, “Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up to salvation – if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.” God offers “pure spiritual milk” through many different avenues to include His word (the Bible) and His people (fellowship). These are just two important ways that a person experiences God, and two ways that Sunday school and small group study feeds the Christian soul.

Many times throughout the Bible, God has commanded His people to study His word and learn more about whom He is and what He has done throughout history. In order for a person to know God, they must know about God, and through the local church, there should be many opportunities for this to happen outside of a once per week sermon on Sunday morning. Most churches provide Sunday school, small groups, or both on a weekly basis. These settings provide several great opportunities for Christian believers.

Growing in Spirit and Truth

Growing in Christ and developing a deeper knowledge and understanding of God and His decrees (truth), are inseparable elements in Sunday school and small group settings. Through personal preparation and group discussion, individuals are able to get a better grasp of the teachings of the Bible and are also able to figure out application in their everyday lives. Often, individuals will study their Bibles with very little direction and limited discussion, leading them to a development of unchallenged thought, and usually many other elements of error. Talking about what the Bible teaches helps to ensure that everyone has the same understanding of what the text actually says and offers a mixture of ideas as to how the practical teaching can be implemented. Learning true propositions about Jesus are the means by which the Holy Spirit opens eyes and brings renewal into the lives of His people. Passion for God is developed when a person first knows about God and then when they continue to learn more about God. The mind matters and needs to be fed often.

Fellowship

The Christian life was never meant to be lived alone, yet many Christians have chosen to be uninvolved in the lives of other believers. Sunday school classes and small groups are usually a great means of establishing very close knit friends that share life together, typically revolving around similar interests and/or age. These groups are able to encourage one another, pray together, study together, hang out on a regular basis, hold each other accountable, and become a community of believers that are trying their best to fulfill the commands of Jesus. If believers are not living in fellowship with others, they fall flat on their face with nobody to pick them up. In fact, the Bible commands community: “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:24-25).

Learning to Teach and Lead

God calls individuals to be teachers because every Sunday school class and small group needs a leader! As a Christian matures in their faith, opportunities will inevitably become available for teaching. There are different styles, and some people are more comfortable than others in a teaching situation, but when God calls and His people respond, the blessing of sound words and confident abilities are provided. As Christians grow in their faith and understanding, they ought never to stop looking for opportunities to share with others all that they understand about God and His word. Commit to teach and learn to lead – the blessings involved are countless.

Sunday school and/or small group studies and communities are very important for every Christian to be involved in. It’s crucial for the Church to know what they believe, why they believe it, and how to apply those beliefs to their everyday life. Study God’s word and allow Him to transform your heart and mind!