As to Proper Order of Subjects.—(a) "I should like a suggestion from some of our experienced Bible workers as to the best order in which to take up the Bible subjects we teach." (b) "I should like to have a list of the doctrinal subjects in the order in which they are usually taken up."
These two requests are so similar as to make it possible to cover both in one answer, and I trust that both Bible workers will consider this answer as dealing with each Problem,—as to the "best order," and "a list of doctrinal subjects."
There is no "best order" of subjects to suggest, because no two readers can be approached in the same manner. When we first come in contact with a prospective reader, it is well to ascertain the particular point of interest. If you have first met the person during a series of meetings, draw from him some expression concerning the subjects which have been presented, and if it becomes evident that the subjects have not been thoroughly understood, then cover them in Bible readings. If, however, those subjects are clear, ask if there are other truths which he would like to consider. It is well always to make this inquiry when approaching any person for Bible readings, for it helps to put him at ease, and he feels that you are there to meet his needs and help him, rather than merely teach him some new doctrine.
Often there comes the response, that there is no choice of subjects, and the matter is left with the Bible worker to decide. In such a case, much depends upon the Bible worker's good judgment in estimating her reader's needs, which must be governed by the reader's Christian experience, knowledge of the Bible, degree of education, et cetera. All these conditions have a bearing upon the topic to be chosen as the beginning Bible study.
On one occasion, an inexperienced Bible worker endeavored to conduct Bible readings in the home of a lady who manifested some interest in the truth. She started in with a study on "The Word of God—Its Inspiration," and that was the first and last reading given in that home. The woman was a college graduate, and a teacher in the college; she was a devout Christian, and a sincere believer in divine inspiration. She concluded that she did not have time to spend in being taught the very things she had believed all her life and had been teaching to her Sunday school class. She was in search of something new in the Bible, and if she had been patient, she would no doubt have found it as the studies progressed; but if the Bible worker had grasped the situation when she first talked with the woman, and had led into a line of thought which was new, interesting, and enticing, the experience might have had a more satisfactory ending.
While we should always seek to meet the individual needs as the initial step, yet there is real value in knowing how to "group" subjects in such a manner as to develop fully a line of thought and complete it, before passing on to another. I will attach a suggestive grouping of Bible subjects covering the points of the message in a fair manner. This grouping is by no means given as a model, but simply as a suggestion to help each Bible worker to adjust her own grouping. These groups do not appear in the order in which they must be taken up. As stated before, it all depends on the needs of the individual. But as an example, if the subject of the second coming of Christ is taken as the first study, it should be followed by a study on the millennium and new earth, in order to afford the reader a complete mental picture for future contemplation.
It is not necessary, and seldom is wise, to give all the phases of the law as here listed, unless there is special need indicated, or a very long series of Bible readings planned for. The reader should know, however, that the law was given by God and confirmed by Christ, that it is binding on all mankind at all times, and that by it we shall be judged at the last day. This could all be encompassed in one Bible reading. If questions arise concerning the two laws and the covenants, they should be thoroughly studied.
Sometimes it seems more natural to present the Sabbath truth after considering the "little horn" of Daniel 7. If, however, the Sabbath and its change have been presented before you begin the prophecies, then the study of the seventh of Daniel should be followed by a study of the twelfth and thirteenth chapters of Revelation, as they also present the workings of Satan through the Roman power, and thus give a more complete presentation from the rise of the Papacy in Daniel 7:25, to its healing and its power in the last days; in fact, taking the reader through to the end of time.
Daniel 8:9 and Revelation 14 are correlative on the point of the judgment, which runs through these prophetic chapters from Daniel 8:14 to the coming of Christ in Revelation 14:14-16, and thus completes the thought, so the reader will again be able to visualize this line of truth from beginning to end.
In dealing with subjects thus grouped, we shall be able to establish our readers more thoroughly in the message; and if, for any reason, the Bible worker is transferred, or the reader moves away, the foundation of truth has been well laid, and there is not so much danger that the seed will be uprooted by the enemy. This group plan cannot always be adhered to. We must lay plans for our work, and work our plans; but our plans must always be so pliable as to be adjusted to circumstances. We must seek the Lord for wisdom in this matter, as well as in all other things.
There is no significance in the arrangement of groups, as given below. They do not indicate any set order, and have not been used in the order stated. The need of the reader must always be kept in mind, and at times the groups must be broken in order to accomplish the best work for individuals.