Scripture Reading: Nehemiah 8:8-12
Teaching a Bible Class
Intro.
1. The importance of teaching the gospel is clear:
a. God’s plan uses teachers, Matt 28:19-20; Rom 1:15-16; 10:14; 1 Cor 1:21; 2 Tim 2:2. Cf. Acts 8:30-31
b. Every mature Christian has some responsibility to teach, Heb 5:12.
c. Teach only the gospel, 1 Pet 4:11; Acts 20:24, 27, 32 (Gal 1:6-10).
2. Both private and public classes are vital, Acts 18:26, 28.
3. Give attention to the why, what and how of teaching classes to exhort greater involvement, improvement and success as teachers.
I. WHY YOU SHOULD TEACH A BIBLE CLASS. (Motives)
A. From a Desire to Save Souls, Matt 9:36-38 (Rom 10:1, 16-17).
1. Not about merely filling a slot on the teaching schedule.
2. Not to get out of being in another class.
3. To help strengthen and save souls of our students.
B. To Do our Part in the Body of Christ, Rom 12:3-8.
1. Use gifts God has given us, Rom 12:7; 1 Pet 4:10 (marks maturity).
2. To bear good fruit for Christ, Jno 15:8.
3. To strengthen the body of Christ, Eph 4:11-16.
C. To Experience one of Life’s Great Joys, 1 Ths 2:19-20; 3 Jno 4.
1. Some teachers constantly complain about “having” to teach!
2. Should we not get joy from teaching? Which type of teacher do you prefer to have? Which type are you? Which type pleases God?
II. PREPARE YOURSELF TO BE A TEACHER. Ezra 7:10
A. Every Faithful Christian can Prepare to be a Teacher, 2 Tim 2:2; Heb 5:12. Don’t sell yourself short about being able to teach.
B. Prepare to Teach by being a Good Bible Student, 1 Tim 4:15-16.
1. Must know the Bible before we can accurately and successfully teach it, cf. Jno 3:10.
2. Must faithfully live the word of God in order to effectively persuade others, cf. 2 Tim 2:24; Matt 23:1-4; cf. Heb 13:7.
C. Prepare to Teach by Growing in Grace and Knowledge, 2 Pet 3:18.
D. Work at it! 2 Tim 2:24 (more than natural ability)
1. Be prepared, know it is God’s word you are teaching…its value!
2. Laziness results in pride and failure: Destroys the faith and enthusiasm of our students! Prov 26:16; 12:27
III. HOW TO TEACH A CLASS. (Preparing your lessons)
A. Be Sure of Your Motives: The Glory of God and the Salvation of the Students, 1 Ths 2:3-8.
1. The pulpit is not the place to “get back” at someone.
2. Bible class is not the place for opinions, etc. – Studying Scripture.
B. Know Your Objective: Help Students Learn and Live God’s Word.
1. “Regardless of how well students may recite Bible facts, they have not learned to follow Jesus until they learn to live those facts.”
2. Teach applications and encourage obedience.
C. Know your Subject: Study, study, study (2 Tim 2:15).
D. Know your Audience: Teach on the Level of Age, Maturity and Spiritual Condition. 1 Cor 4:21
1. If they don’t understand they haven’t yet learned; so adjust your communication (1 Cor 9:19-23).
2. Remember, you are teaching in order to help others.
E. Use a Variety of Teaching Methods:
1. Telling: Tell facts and explain the truth. (Illustrations, etc.)
2. Asking: Stimulates thinking; Involves class in problem solving; Tests their knowledge (just be sure truth is clearly taught).
3. Showing: Pictures, charts, maps, etc. Visuals increase learning.
4. Class participation: Homework, etc.
5. Be excited to teach: It’s contagious.
6. Pray: For wisdom to communicate effectively, Col 4:2-4.
Conclusion
1. Remove the obstacles to effectively teaching God's word.
2. We can all become better teachers of the gospel by keeping proper motives, by preparing ourselves and by preparing our material to clearly communicate it to our students.
3. Teaching the gospel is a great work; Honor it (and God) by doing your best when you teach it.