|
"...Shepherd the flock of God which is among
you, serving as overseers..." (1 Peter 5:2)
Elders
Morris Bass, Rick Holt , Joe
Price |
"...let them serve as deacons,
being found blameless..." (1 Tim. 3:10)
Deacons
Aaron Bass, Rich Brooks, Mike Finn
John Hague, Dan Head |
"And take...the sword of
the Spirit, which is the word of God" (Eph. 6:17)
In this issue:
Our Bible Classes
Forgetting God
(Leaves of Gold, Trench)
Our Bible Classes
Joe R. Price
One of the
works the local church is to do is that of teaching the word of God (cf.
Acts 2:42; 11:26; 1 Cor. 12:28; Eph. 4:11-16). This work of teaching can be
accomplished by using any number of arrangements: separated classes (Mk.
9:2-13), “pulpit” preaching (Acts 20:7), public teaching and private
instruction (Acts 20:20), the printed page, the internet, etc.
The work
of teaching people the word of God challenges and rewards both the teacher
and the student - when both are fulfilling their respective roles.
Otherwise, the lofty goals of conveying the meaning of divine truth, of
encouraging obedience to truth, and of growth in Bible knowledge will not
be attained.
The elders
appreciate the good work being done by those who teach our Bible classes.
Thank you for your contribution to the strength of the church. While we are
grateful for the abundance of teachers we have, we must not become negligent
of our responsibilities. It is only right to take inventory of the teaching
that occurs in our Bible classes: “Is truth being taught? How can I be
more effective as a teacher? Why should I care? Am I learning as much as I
could be in my Bible class?” These are just some of the questions we should
be asking and honestly answering so that improvements, where needed, can be
made. Whether you are a teacher, a student, or both, you need to make the
most of the opportunity which your Bible classes afford you. By doing so,
you will be adding to the strength and stability of the whole congregation
(Eph. 4:15-16)
In this
limited space we will explore what the Bible says about the purpose and
importance of teaching His word. Then, we will look specifically at the
work of the teacher, and finally the work of the student. I hope in this
way to help us remember how vital our Bible classes are to the spiritual
well-being of every person here, including our children.
THE
IMPORTANCE OF BIBLE CLASSES
The
primary purpose of the Bible class is to instruct students in such a way
that they will know what God’s word says, and that they will want
to do what it says. As Bible classes meet these fundamental purposes,
they help us keep God’s word in our heart so that we can obey it in our
life. Israel was directed by Moses:
“Only
take heed to yourself, and diligently keep yourself, lest you forget the
things your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the
days of your life. And teach them to your children and your grandchildren…”
(Deut. 4:9).
Children
as well as adults need the benefit of Bible training so that God’s word will
be in their heart. With God’s word in their heart they will be equipped to
use it in their lives (cf. Prov. 22:6). This is why Israel was told to
diligently teach God’s word to their children (Deut. 6:6-9; 11:18-21).
When Bible
classes fail to be just that – classes in which the Bible is taught – their
purpose is compromised. Children’s (or adults’) Bible classes are not a
time for entertainment. We do not provide Bible classes so that our
children can play with their friends or so they can eat treats. While there
are certain learning “games” that the teacher may use to enhance learning,
that is not the same as turning the Bible class period into little more than
a child-care facility.
Some of
the most important questions we can ask about our Bible classes are “What is
being taught?” and “What is going on in the classes?” We must be sure that
God’s word is being read, discussed and learned. Otherwise, they cease to
be Bible classes.
THE
BIBLE CLASS TEACHER
Yours is a
tremendous responsibility which must not be taken lightly.
“My
brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive
a stricter judgment.”
(James 3:1)
The work
of teachers should be approached from at least two aspects; before the class
occurs, and when the class is in session.
Before one
teaches, he must be prepared to teach. This is why we expect school
teachers to have a certain amount of education and certification before we
allow them to teach our children. Bible class teacher, you must take time
to make adequate preparations to teach before you enter the
classroom. Otherwise, your lack of preparation will certainly affect the
quality of your teaching. And that will have an effect upon your students.
To have the best Bible class you possibly can, you must take time beforehand
to get ready to teach! Follow the example of Ezra who “had prepared his
heart to seek the Law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach statutes and
ordinances in Israel” (Ezra 7:10).
Once your
class begins you will call upon the preparations you have made. This is why
one should have a certain degree of spiritual maturity before trying to
teach a Bible class. You must be prepared to “give an answer” from
the Bible to address your students’ questions and needs. This principle of
maturity in teachers was implied by Paul when he told Timothy to commit the
gospel to “faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Tim. 2:2).
As you
take inventory of your work as a teacher of a Bible class, please think on
these things: “Do I prepare adequately to teach my class?” “Do I convey my
commitment to the word of God to my students like Ezra did?” “Am I maturing
in my own faith so that I can most effective in teaching it to others?”
THE
BIBLE CLASS STUDENT
Students
also have important responsibilities in the Bible class. The Bible tells us
what kind of students God wants us to be: “Apply your heart to
instruction, And your ears to words of knowledge” (Prov. 23:12). Young
people are reminded to “remember now your Creator in the days of your
youth, Before the difficult days come, and the years draw near when you say,
I have no pleasure in them” (Eccl. 12:1).
The
student does not go to Bible class to be entertained. As a student, you are
there to participate in a learning experience. Children need to understand
that they are not to be disruptive and disorderly in Bible class. It is not
play time. It is time set aside to help them learn more of God’s
word so that they will do more of God’s will in their lives. To be a
good student and to get the most out of Bible class you must prepare ahead
for class just like your teacher does. Take time to study your lesson
before class and complete the assignments you have been given. This will
help you be ready to learn more during your Bible class.
As you
think about what kind of Bible student you are, ask yourself questions
like, “Do I get ready for class by studying my lesson ahead of time?” “Do I
pay attention in class?” “Do I want to know and do God’s will in my life?”
We have
tried to touch on some of the most important things about our Bible
classes. We need to be good teachers. We need to be good students. We are
blessed with both, but there is always room for improvement. We must never
neglect this important work (cf. Heb. 6:10-12).
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Forgetting God
No man can be without his god. If he have not the true God to bless and
sustain him, he will have some false god to delude and to betray him. The
Psalmist knew this, and therefore he joined so closely forgetting the name
of our God and holding up our hands to some strange god. For every man has
something in which he hopes, on which he leans, to which he retreats and
retires, with which he fills up his thoughts in empty space of time; when he
is alone, when he lies sleepless on his bed, when he is not pressed with
other thoughts; to which he betakes himself in sorrow or trouble, as that
from which he shall draw comfort and strength -- his fortress, his citadel,
his defence; and has not this god the right to be called his god? Man was
made to lean on the Creator; but if not on Him, then he leans on the
creature in one shape or another. The ivy cannot grow alone; it must twine
round some support or other; round any dead stick whatever, rather than have
no stay nor support at all. It is even so with the heart and affections of
man; if they do not twine around God, they must twine around some meaner
thing.
(Leaves
of Gold, Trench)
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