For over 50 years, Precept inductive Bible studies have guided millions to discover truth in Scripture for themselves—but not by themselves. Now, Precept’s new Know God Deeply study series meets you right where you are with applicable, beautiful studies that help you apply God’s Word like never before—without sacrificing the depth you know and love.
Our Know God Deeply Bible studies are new and fresh, but this hasn’t changed—we think Bible study is better with community! You might be wondering, “How do I lead a Know God Deeply Bible study with a group?” Whether you’ve led dozens of Bible studies or this is your first time, we’re here to help you feel prepared to lead any of the Know God Deeply studies.
Here’s everything you need to know.
1. Pray, pray, and pray again.
As with any Bible study, prayer is key to leading an effective discussion of a Know God Deeply study. Prayer invites God into the room with your Bible study group—and reminds everyone of His presence with us as we seek Him through knowing His Word.
A good rule of thumb is to pray before each part of the Bible study. Pray as a group before beginning to go over the chapters assigned, pray as a group when discussion ends, and pray throughout group time for the Holy Spirit’s guidance and empowerment!
Ephesians 1:15-19a is a beautiful prayer to get you started.
For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe…
Still stuck on what to pray? Our Know God Deeply studies include guided prayers throughout every study that you can read aloud together with your group!
2. Prepare beforehand.
Taking some time to prepare before group time will be a gift to your group. Complete the assigned chapters thoroughly, taking extra time to invite the Lord to search your heart and reveal how you can apply His Word to your life (Psalm 139:23-24).
Unlike Precept Upon Precept® and In & Out studies, our Know God Deeply Bible studies don’t have leader guides. Instead, group discussion questions are included at the end of every chapter, easily accessible, so everyone can be prepared ahead of time.
During your preparation to lead, consider whether your group might struggle with particular questions. Maybe the chapter contains a deep theological issue or a heavy topic. If you have time, seek out extra insights from the Lord, His Word, and His people.
This might look like cross-referencing the passages in the assigned chapters to learn more about what Scripture says about a given topic, then consulting a trusted commentary or two to dig deeper. You could also reach out to wise and godly people in your life to help you process the topic and prepare to help your group wade through it. (And just remember—your goal as a leader of a Know God Deeply study is to help facilitate meaningful discussion among your group, not to lecture!)
With group discussion questions, free audio/video resources accessible via QR codes, and prayer prompts all included in each study, our Know God Deeply studies make it easier than ever for you to lead your people in discovering truth for themselves, but not by themselves.
3. Ask plenty of questions.
As the leader of your group, one of the most important ways you will help your group grow is by being a good listener. When you truly hear what people share—without being distracted by your notes, listening to respond, or thinking about what’s next—you create an atmosphere for learning and discovery that will bless everyone in your group.
Asking the right questions is a key part of active listening that will make your group members feel heard and help them work through the Word and apply it to their lives. Our Know God Deeply studies include group discussion questions at the end of every lesson to help guide your conversation.
Before Discussion Time
Before discussion starts, consider asking intentional questions to help your group share about what God is doing in their hearts and lives. Here are some examples.
- What’s the biggest struggle you’re facing right now?
- What have you been worried about lately?
- What have you been praying for this week?
- What are three things you’re grateful for right now?
During Discussion Time
Following up with a question or two when someone shares during discussion time is an important way to keep the conversation going, prompt deeper discussion, and love the people in your group well.
Here are some sample questions for helping your group dig deeper in discussion time:
- What stuck out to you in this week’s study? Why?
- Has this week’s study made you think differently about a relationship, activity, or mindset?
- Did anything in this study surprise you? Why, or why not?
- What truth most encouraged you in this week’s study? Why?
- What did you learn about God in this week’s study?
After Discussion Time
Our Know God Deeply study series includes supplemental audio and resources available for free, easily accessible through QR codes inside your study—including robust roundtable discussions featuring three master teachers having a conversation about the topic of the chapter, sharing their insights from Scripture.
Feel free to use these as you prepare to lead your group—or with your group as an added resource after group discussion.
Get Started
We’re so glad you’re interested in leading a Bible study group through a Know God Deeply study. It’s our hope that these studies will help you and your group grow closer to God and live out His calling on your lives.
Ready to jump in? Shop our Know God Deeply study now!
FAQs
When using a Know God Deeply Bible study, how much time should I spend studying each day?
The amount of time you spend studying is really up to you! Our Know God Deeply studies have chapters that can easily be completed in 5 days/week, with five sections per chapter that are designed to fit into your busy schedule.
These studies require less study time than our Precept Upon Precept® and In & Out study series, but with video resources, prayer prompts, and journaling space, how much time you spend in Scripture each day is really up to you and your schedule!
How long will it take to complete a Know God Deeply Bible study?
After extensive research of the needs and desires of American Christians today, our Know God Deeply Bible studies were designed to be completed in 4-6 weeks—but can easily be adjusted to fit your group’s schedule and needs.
Perfect for those with busy lives and many commitments, these new Bible studies from Precept meet believers right where they are with applicable, beautiful studies that help you apply God’s Word like never before—without sacrificing the depth you know and love.
