Category: Teaching
Subject: Teaching
What Is Important? The Message!
Paul, as an apostle of Jesus Christ, though he was “one born out of due time” (1 Corinthians 15:8), said in 2 Corinthians 11:5, “I consider that I am not at all inferior to the most eminent apostles.”
His apostleship was given directly by Jesus Himself (cf. Acts 9:15-16), and both his own epistles and Luke’s record of his ministry (Acts) attest to the truth of this. But the next words written, in 2 Corinthians 11:6, give a very good reason for Paul’s success, “Even though I am untrained in speech, yet I am not in knowledge.”
There is great reward, both for the teacher and the student, when knowledge is shared. It doesn’t matter if the speech or ability is limited. Paul is proof of this, and expressed it wonderfully through his pen.
Some disagree. Some said about Paul, “For his letters, they say, ‘are weighty and powerful, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.’” (2 Corinthians 10:10). What an inept and inappropriate criticism. What Paul was preaching was the gospel of Christ, “the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes…” (Romans 1:16). The proof is evident.
If you have little talent, but you have studied and know God’s word, share it! Let the power of God come, not by eloquence, but from the scriptures themselves. It is there from whence true power comes!
Sound Doctrine
Doctrine is not important to many religious people today. A common belief distinguishes between the gospel of Christ and Christian doctrine. One is necessary to hold to and be in agreement about, the other is not. Others emphasize the “Man” rather than the “Plan,” and call those who advocate for unity in doctrine to be “legalists.” They emphasize a relationship and deemphasize the necessity of adhering to scriptural precepts. In their words, they serve “the Living Word [Christ}, and not a bunch of dead words on paper.”
The apostle Paul felt differently. In his words to Timothy, he denounced some in his time that were causing disputes, straying from the “purpose of the commandment.” He noted the “ungodly and sinners” the “unholy and profane” who were guilty of various listed sins like murder, fornication, homosexuality and lying. He ended the list with “any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine, according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God which was committed to my trust” (1 Timothy 1:3-11). Continue reading “Sound Doctrine”
Mining the Scriptures: Mark 1:21-28
Jesus taught as “one having authority” in contrast to the teaching of the scribes. The scribes taught the people from the law, making their appeal based upon Moses or the prophets. However, Jesus’ teaching was different. Consider His sermon on the mount (Matthew 5-7). Again and again He made clear, “You have heard… but I say unto you…” Such authoritative statements amazed His audience.
The demons recognized the authority of Jesus. “I know who You are—the Holy One of God” (24). It is amazing how Jesus was rejected by so many in His day. While the demons recognized Him as God’s Son, often men did not.
However, early in His ministry He certainly had an impact upon those who heard Him. When Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, the authority with which He spoke led to the exorcism of the demon. This was new, and made clear the authoritative way in which Jesus spoke was legitimate. As such, “they were all amazed” (27).
It also gave Jesus notoriety. His words, together with His works made Him famous in the area. Such fame was a two edged sword. The people eagerly came to Him. The leaders felt threatened by Him.
Able to Teach
The Greek word didaktikos is found twice in scripture. The first mention of the term is in the list of qualifications for elders, located in 1 Timothy 3:1. The second mention is also penned by Paul in 2 Timothy 2:24. In both places the term is translated “able to teach” in the NKJV.
Thayer defines the term, “apt and skillful in teaching.” Vine agrees “skilled in teaching.”
Paul’s instructions to Timothy in 2 Timothy 2 are personal. He wanted Timothy to be skilled in teaching as a “servant of the Lord.” He also explains why. In this way, Timothy would be able to correct “those who are opposition” so that “they may know the truth” and that they may “come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil.” (vs. 25-26).
The same need is present among elders. As they are given the responsibility to feed the flock (as pastors), they are in need of an ability to teach. Also, Titus wrote that an elder must be able “by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict” (Titus 1:9).
All should strive to be “able to teach.” It is obvious that this attribute is a relative one. Ability varies, and one may be apt, or able to teach though not as capable or as talented as another. Too, ability increases with study and the acquiring of knowledge (cf. Hebrews 5:12-14).
Obviously, an elder must be a competent teacher. It is part of his ministry, and he can’t do his job without it.
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Sermon: Correction and Pedagogy
God corrects and teaches His people. In the same way, parents are to correct and teach their children, and churches their members.
Walk in Wisdom
“Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one” (Colossians 4:5-6).
This past week I had reason to answer via email an article an institutional preacher had written, defending the practice of supplying a “fellowship hall” and kitchen to facilitate the common meal of a congregation.
The article was sent to me by one who believes that practice to be scriptural, but who has presented herself kindly as a seeker of truth. I prayed long, and carefully crafted a response to facilitate understanding and not to unnecessarily offend. In effect, I tried to follow the admonition of Paul in the passage above.
The intent of teaching is to convict and correct. To prejudice the hearer/reader through inappropriate rudeness or crassness is not conducive toward gaining a proper response from your audience.
Though our Lord and others spoke harshly to hypocrites and dishonest individuals, the truth seeker was always treated with kindness.
Think of that the next time you consider “shooting off” a response via email or social media. Or “shooting off” your mouth when discussing God’s word. Our purpose is to win souls, not drive them away!
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The Wise and the Foolish
Listening to the radio last week, the sports commentator was discussing a coach’s evaluation of one of his rookie players. He noted that the young man was very smart and teachable. He mentioned that this player seldom made the same mistake twice, and he never had to correct him more than once. Because of this aspect of his character, the coach was confident that the player would have a successful career as a professional.
The conversation brought to my mind the words of Proverbs 17:10, “Rebuke is more effective for a wise man than a hundred blows on a fool.” With each of us there is the potential for mistakes. These may come from ignorance, or perhaps because we have been taught wrongly in the past. What distinguishes the wise man from the fool is whether correction is accepted.
Reminding You
Most people enjoy learning new things. Gaining new knowledge is exciting and important. This is certainly so when God’s will is the subject being considered.
What is rare is the mastering of a subject. We are in awe of those individuals who show such a mastery. A philatelist who can discuss the value of an inverted Jenny, or the 1847 issue of the block of 16 Ben Franklins is pretty impressive to those of us who had to look up the term “philatelist” (stamp collector), and have no idea what an inverted Jenny is! Conversely, those of us who know Dirk Nowitzki’s rank on the list of career NBA scorers (6th), and who he last passed to get there (Wilt Chamberlain) may be considered a little crazy. (Note: I didn’t have to look those up).
Familiarity and relative mastery of God’s revealed will is impressive (few make the effort), and important (the subject is impactful of our final standing in eternity). As such it is worthy of our effort to not only learn new things, but to become completely familiar with what we already know. With that in mind, consider Peter’s words:
“For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth. Yes, I think it is right, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding you, knowing that shortly I must put off my tent, just as our Lord Jesus Christ showed me. Moreover I will be careful to ensure that you always have a reminder of these things after my decease” (2 Peter 1:12-15).
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Sermon: How to Properly Teach Others
Speaker: Armando Vera
Armando shared with the congregation scriptures and experience to help us better teach one another as Christians.
Sermon: Doctrine – What is It? Why is it Important?
A discussion of the concept of doctrine as it is revealed in the Bible. Why is doctrinal preaching not popular today? What is it? and why is it so important?
Sermon: Teachers and Bible Classes
The lesson begins with a discussion of how the use of Bible classes by a local congregation is authorized by God, and ends with an exhortation for members to prepare to teach, and for members to understand the importance of attendance to such efforts.
Sermon: The Beatitudes
Third in a series on the life of Jesus. A discussion of the Beatitudes, which begin Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5:1-12.
Sermon: Teaching Our Children
This sermon deals with the concept of accountability to God, and explains how important it is to teach our children. So, when God holds them accountable for their actions, they will live righteously before Him.
“Come over … and help us”
While in Troas during his second preaching tour, the apostle Paul had a vision in the night. In the vision, “A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, ‘Come over to Macedonia and help us’” (Acts 16:9). The text reveals that Paul was obedient to the vision, Luke recording him as having concluded “that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them” (10).
The journey took Paul and his companions to Philippi, where they were beaten with rods, and placed into prison (cf. 16:22-24). After traveling through Amphipolis and Apollonia they went to Thessalonica, where again they fell afoul of the enemies of the cross (17:5). This necessitated a departure under cover of darkness to Berea. Some from Thessalonica followed them, and stirred up the crowds against Paul yet again (17:13). Finally Paul traveled to Athens, where his message was met with mocking (17:32).
Teaching by Parables
Lesson 1 of 8.
Speaker: Stan Cox
The series begins with a discussion of the parable as a form of teaching commonly used by Jesus in His ministry. The lesson serves to introduce the week’s series.
