Tip #1

Remember that Bible College is not for people who want to do their own thing; it is for people who want to discover and do God’s will with their life.

Hebrews 10:9
“…Lo, I come to do Thy will, O God…”

Give your life to do God’s will, and you will never regret it. It is true that God always gives the best to those who leave the choice up to Him.

Tip #2

Find a place of service in the local church.

Matthew 28:19–20
“19Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

I Thessalonians 1:6–8
“6And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: 7So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. 8For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing.”

The question that all pastors ask about potential future staff is, “Are they good church members?” Find something to do for the Lord and tie yourself to it.

Tip #3

Reserve your criticism of this place until you are ten years and one thousand miles away.

Psalm 19:14
“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in Thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.”

It takes no size to criticize. The Lord will not use critical people. Ten years and one thousand miles will show you that you should never criticize God’s work or His man.

Tip #4

You may need to borrow some standards and convictions until you develop your own.

Philippians 4:9
“Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.”

Convictions are built on God’s Word and life’s experiences. You will need to live a while before you see the importance of some of them. For now, they will serve as a safety net to keep you from falling.

Tip #5

When you leave here, remember that what you have in your hand is not as important as what you have in your heart.

Psalm 119:11
“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee.”

Philippians 1:3, 7
“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you…because I have you in my heart…”

Romans 1:15
“So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.”

What you have in your heart will determine what you do with your life. People will want you to help them because of what is in your heart. Keep your heart clean so God can fill it.

Tip #6

Learn how to take notes and reflect often on the things that stir your heart.

Luke 2:19
“But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.”

Psalm 49:3
“My mouth shall speak of wisdom; and the meditation of my heart shall be of understanding.”

Ecclesiastes 1:16
“I communed with mine own heart, saying, Lo, I am come to great estate, and have gotten more wisdom than all they that have been before me in Jerusalem: yea, my heart had great experience of wisdom and knowledge.”

Reflecting and meditating on what the Lord has done in your life will mold you into the man or woman you are to become and will help you keep a grateful heart.

Tip #7

When choosing life’s mate, find one who is equally yoked.

Amos 3:3
“Can two walk together, except they be agreed?”

II Corinthians 6:14
“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?”

Being unequally yoked means more than saved and lost being together. Many Christian couples find themselves unequally yoked together in the understanding of the Lord’s work. Find a mate who has experienced the same molding and “Potter’s wheel” experience that you have.

If you’re married when you go to Bible College, make sure your wife grows in the Lord along with you. Share with her what you’re learning as you are being taught and trained.

Tip #8

Encourage someone every day.

Hebrews 3:13
“But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.”

Hebrews 10:25
“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”

A simple “Thank you” or “That helped me” goes a long way in the lives of people who are teaching and training you. Determine to be a blessing to others.

Tip #9

Stay on top of your finances.

Deuteronomy 23:21
“When thou shalt vow a vow unto the LORD thy God, thou shalt not slack to pay it: for the LORD thy God will surely require it of thee; and it would be sin in thee.”

Ecclesiastes 5:4–5
“When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for He hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed. Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.”

Romans 12:11
“Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.”

Romans 13:8
“Owe no man any thing, but to love one another…”

More Christians get off track because of finances than we imagine. Be known as a person who pays their bills and gives to the Lord’s work.

Tip #10

Choose your friends very carefully.

Proverbs 13:20
“He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.”

Proverbs 27:17
“Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.”

Psalm 1:1
“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.”

The battle is not over when you go to Bible College. The closer you get to doing God’s will, the more the devil tries to sidetrack you. Your friends will play a great role in your success or failure.

Tip #11

Finish what you have started.

John 17:4
“I have glorified Thee on the earth: I have finished the work which Thou gavest Me to do.”

II Timothy 4:7
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:”

There are two kinds of Christians: the “I have’s” and the “I have not’s.” Determine that you are going to be one of the “I have’s.”

Tip #12

Leave a good testimony for future students from your home church.

Philippians 1:21
“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

Philippians 2:20–21
“20For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. 21For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s.”

You are either going to be a Philippians 1:21 Christian or a Philippians 2:21 Christian. The next group of young people from your local church or school should not have to live down your bad example. Others deserve the same chance you have been given. Keep a thankful heart and a humble spirit toward those who made it possible for you to have this opportunity to prepare to serve the Lord.

Conclusion

These tips will help you please the Lord Jesus, which is the highest goal of the Christian life.

John 8:29
“And He that sent Me is with Me: the Father hath not left Me alone; for I do always those things that please Him.”

May these truths guide you in your journey through Bible College and beyond. Seek God’s will above all else, serve faithfully, and finish the course He has set before you.