Teaching God’s Word

Articles

Jared Law
07/01/18 - Teaching

Teaching God’s Word
By Jared Law
Teaching is an important part of serving God and
following after Christ (Matthew 28:18-20). The Bible has much to say about teaching but we will consider just a few points.
1. Teaching is a serious matter. When we teach others we can
have a tremendous impact on their souls. If we are carefully teaching God’s word, we will be providing them with what they need to obtain the salvation of their souls (Romans 1:16; 10:17; 1 Corinthians 1:18, 21; 1 Timothy 4:16). However, if we teach error or the doctrines of men, or leave out parts of God’s word we can cause others to be lost (Matthew 24:11; Galatians 5:7-10; Titus 1:10-14), and bring condemnation on ourselves as well (Galatians 1:7-9; Philippians 3:18-19; 2 Peter 2:1-3).
2. We must prepare ourselves before we can teach others. In Ezra 7:9-10 God was with Ezra because he had prepared his heart to do and to teach God’s word. Like Ezra we must diligently ready ourselves to handle God’s word (2 Timothy 2:15). God expects us to grow to the point where we can teach others (1 Timothy 4:6; Hebrews 5:12-14). We cannot teach what we have not learned.3. We must live by God’s word if we are going to teach it. One of the biggest problems that Jesus condemned the teachers of His day for was hypocrisy (Matthew 15:7-8; 23:2-4; Luke 6:42). We have no right to teach God’s word if we are not willing to live by it (Psalm 50:16; Titus 1:16)! If we do not “practice what we preach,” then instead of drawing people to God we can cause God’s name to be blasphemed (Romans 2:21-24). By pattering our lives after God’s word we will ensure that we do not become disqualified (1 Corinthians 9:27).
4. Having a good attitude. Having the right attitude will have a big impact on the effectiveness of our teaching. We are told to be patient (2 Timothy 4:2), kind and gentle (2 Timothy 2:24-25), meek and humble, like our Lord (Matthew 11:29; 2 Corinthians 10:1), bold (Acts 4:13; Ephesians 6:19-20) and loving (Ephesians 4:15; 1 Corinthians 8:1).
5. Remember that the gospel is God’s power to save (Romans 1:16). This means that we must not change God’s message for any reason (Galatians 1:6-10; 2 John 9). It also means that God’s word doesn’t need our schemes or plans to bring people to salvation (2 Timothy 3:16-17). We should not try to lure people in or somehow trick them into believing the gospel (2 Corinthians 1:12; 2:17; 4:2).
6. Teach publicly. Jesus often publicly addressed large groups of people in His ministry (Matthew 5:1-2; Mark 2:1-2) and expected His disciples to do likewise (Matthew 10:27; Acts 5:19-20, 29). We have many examples of them doing so: Acts 2:14; 3:11-12; 5:21, 25, and many more! Note: not everyone can or should teach publicly (1 Timothy 2:12; 1 Corinthians 14:34-35).
7. Private study. Jesus would also teach individuals or smaller groups in a more private setting (Matthew 13:36; John 3:1-3; 13:12-15). The Apostles and disciples followed His example and so should we (Acts 8:27-35; 13:7, 12; 18:26; 22:12-16). Private and individual study allows for more specific teaching based on where the students are in their knowledge of God’s word.
8. Singing. We are commanded to sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, not only to give thanks and praise to God, but also to teach and encourage one another (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16). Songs can be effective teaching tools because they can convey truths in a way that is convicting and memorable (Deuteronomy 31:19-22).
9. Teach by example. Jesus taught that we should be a light to the world (Matthew 5:14-16). There are times when people will not listen to our words but they might be won by our example (1 Timothy 4:12; 1 Peter 2:12; 3:1-2). Let us not just teach others how to be like Christ but let us also show Christ to them in our lives (1 Corinthians 11:1; 1 Thessalonians 1:6; Titus 2:7-8).
Hopefully these points have been a helpful reminder for us as we try to teach others. Let us examine ourselves and always seek to improve. May God bless you in your efforts to teach His word.