1. You reap what you sow.
In other words, you have to commit. Like 110% commit. If you fully commit to the Bible study, read your Bible, wholeheartedly put effort into doing the homework in the workbook, pray about it, and seek God, you will be amazed at the things He will teach you. He will reveal so many exciting things to you. Pray for Him to prepare you to accept His blessings! And I assure you, if you're seeking Him with all your heart, He will bless you.
2. Expect attacks.
This one is no fun to hear, but it is a very serious one to remember. Before you begin your Bible study, pray for a hedge of protection. I like to also pray for God to keep reminding me that I already have victory through Him, even before any attacks happen. There doesn't even need to be a battle, since Christ fought it for you and won. But, that being said, attacks will still be thrown your way. Think about it: the enemy has no use for you if you're not getting closer to God. But the instant you decide to strengthen and deepen your relationship with God, the enemy starts trying to tear you down. I mean in any way possible. During my current Bible study, I have been struggling with doubt and trust, and not even with God, just in general. It helps to talk to others in your Bible study group, Christian family, or Christian friends and share with them the struggles you are facing. Don't be ashamed, either. The attacks mean that you ARE getting closer to God! Pray, pray, pray, and declare victory over the enemy the moment you feel you are under attack. Remember, there is power in the name of Jesus to break every chain! Don't be discouraged if you feel like your faith, relationships, or life in general is a struggle. Trials make you stronger, and God can use them to build your testimony. "For I hold you by your right hand--I, the LORD your God. And I say to you, 'Don't be afraid. I am here to help you.'" Isaiah 41:13
3. You will develop a desire to read your Bible more.
I will admit, before my Bible study, I wasn't very good at reading my Bible. I would definitely try, but I felt discouraged before I would even start because I didn't know where to begin reading. I still don't always know where to begin, but when I'm doing the homework in the workbook and looking up Scriptures, I feel so encouraged! I do my homework in pencil, but I always keep a pen handy because I am constantly underlining verses in my Bible! God's Word is so powerful, and even a single simple verse can reaffirm that for you.
4. One dreaded word: Homework.
Now I don't know about the specific Bible study you will be doing, but in my current Bible study, there are 5 days of homework. FIVE DAYS! That's a whole business week, which is like the cousin of a real 7-day week, which means there is a ton of homework! The first thing you need to know about the homework in your workbook is: Do. Not. Procrastinate. No, seriously, don't do it. Don't even think about procrastinating. Don't even procrastinate about thinking about procrastinating. You can assume if there are 5 days of homework that each day probably has a lot packed into it. Because really, why have a lengthy 5 days if there is hardly any information for you to learn during those days? But here's the second thing you need to know about the homework: It will change your life. I'm being completely serious. Some of the lessons may be simple for you, some may be more fun than others, and some may hit home and be pretty personal. The kicker is, you'll get so much out of all of them. It sounds silly, because homework has such a negative connotation, but honestly, I have just as much fun doing the homework as I do meeting with my Bible study ladies and enjoying some great snacks and chit chat!
5. It's okay to be nervous.
Being super serious here: I was nervous. I mean I've grown up in church, I had a picture Bible when I was like 5, I memorized Bible verses in my Age 7-10 Sunday School class, and I'm saved and baptized (and have been since I was young). But all of that did not give me confidence for this Bible study. For one, I knew maybe 2 or 3 of the ladies in my Bible study group before it started, and I didn't even know they were going to be in the Bible study group. For two, I had tried a Bible study once before in college and it just kind of fizzled out. It wasn't really for me, and I wasn't into the homework and didn't do it (which probably led to me not liking the Bible study). So I wasn't super encouraged about this Bible study. I HOPED I would like it, but part of me was a little afraid it was going to be the same experience as the last time I tried one out. For three, fear will equip you with lots of "what if's" and you just have to ignore them. Easier said than done, I know. It's okay to have "what if" questions, but try not to put too much stock in the negative ones. Turn your "What if I don't learn anything?" into "What if God shows up and does something big and awesome?" Turn your "What if I'm not any good at this?" into "What if this turns out to be really fun and something I start looking forward to?" Truly I tell you, nervous or not, if you let it, a Bible study can be one of the most exciting things in your life.
