I. INT.
A. We appreciate those who continue to do well in teaching our Bible classes
B. We say thanks to all those who have been and continue to be teachers. It’s no easy task
II. BIBLE CLASSES ARE IMPORTANT
A. IT GOES WITHOUT SAYING THAT THE PURPOSE OF BIBLE CLASSES IS TO TEACH THE BIBLE-WHY?
1. The word of God is able to save the soul-Jas. 1:21
2. We will be judged by it-Jn. 12:48
3. It gives comfort and strength-Rm. 15:4
B. THE BIBLE IS OUR CRITERION FOR TEACHING-I TIM. 6:2
2 TIM. 4:2
1. Preach means to “herald, proclaim, publish.” And “teach” to inform, instruct, to give instruction
2. Like “gospel” and “doctrine” “preach” and “teach” are different words which look at the same concept from different standpoints
3. We tend to put a lot of importance on “preaching” (which is good), but not so much on “teaching” (which is bad)
C. BIBLE CLASSES ARE IMPORTANT CONGREGATIONALLY
1. I TIM. 3:15 “Pillar and ground of the truth”-Proclaims, upholds defends the truth
2. Eph. 4:11-Why?-Vs. 12-16-He did not give coffee and donuts for this purpose. He did not give fellowship halls for this purpose. He did not give recreational activities for this purpose.
a. He gave-Vs. 11-We do not have inspired teachers today, but we have the inspired book given by these inspired teachers - 2 Tim. 3:16-17
b. The church is its own edification society
c. Bible classes are a good method for the church to do its work
D. BIBLE CLASSES ARE IMPORTANT INDIVIDUALLY-2 PET. 3:18; EPH. 6:4
1. It is impossible to grow without study
2. The classes give us a wonderful opportunity to fulfill these and a host of other similar passages
3. Fathers need to teach at home, but the classes become an excellent opportunity for bringing up their children in the right way
4. All of us need spiritual food for our souls just as physical food for our bodies
5. It is disturbing to me that some never come to Bible study
E. BIBLE CLASSES PROVIDE A WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITY IN MANY WAYS
1. It is a learning experience
a. We learn from the teachers who usually at the time have put more study into their preparation to teach the class
b. Also, we learn from other students who give new reflection and insight
2. It's a building experience
a. We can both give and receive instruction, exhortation, strength, comfort, and so forth
F. THUS, ALL MEMBERS (YOUNG AND OLD, MIDDLE AGED PARENTS, CHILDREN) SHOULD BE CONCERNED THAT THE BIBLE CLASSES ACCOMPLISH ALL THAT IS INTENDED
1. The classes should not be haphazard, careless, thoughtless, prayerless endeavors
2. SELECTION OF TEACHERS IS IMPORTANT. SELECTION OF SUBJECT MATTER IS IMPORTANT, AND ALL THINGS PERTAINING TO THE CLASSES ARE IMPORTANT
III. TEACHERS NEED TO BE QUALIFIED
A. THE BIBLE LISTS CERTAIN QUALIFICATION FOR THOSE WHO ARE TO BE TEACHERS
1. First, they must be good Christians-I Tim. 4:11-13; 2 Tim. 2:2
a. “A good man or woman may not be a good teacher; but it is impossible for a bad man or woman to be a good teacher
b. WE must practice what we preach-Rm. 2:21-I am very disappointed when I hear of members who teach one thing but practice another
c. WE should never use someone as a Bible class teacher who socially drinks, uses foul language, dresses immodestly, or goes to dances or places not becoming to the Christian
d. Paul told Timothy-2 Tim. 2:2
2. The Bible class teacher must be sound in doctrine-Tit. 2:1-2;
2 Jn. 9-11; I Pet. 4:11
a. This involves proper knowledge of the Scriptures
b. Jesus said of the Sadducees-Mt. 22:29
c. “Soundness in doctrine” means knowing the truth and being committed to it-Psa. 119:104
d. All must be willing to oppose it-Jude 3
3. The Bible class teacher must be honest and sincere-Lk. 8:15
a. When a question arises he can’t answer, he should say “I don’t know the answer, but I’ll try to find it”
b. Let us not let the element of pride get in the way-Prov. 16:18
4. The Bible class teacher must be studious-2 Tim. 2:15
a. All Christians should be studious, but especially the teachers-Heb. 5:12-14
b. You can’t teach what you don’t know
c. The first step in teaching: “Try to comprehend the passage yourself” - This may be difficult at times
d. The second step (which can be difficult): “Try to simplify the passage so that others can understand it"
e. Every Christian (especially teachers) needs the basic tools for study: a good Bible, concordance, and Bible dictionary
f. One owes it to himself and the students to be well prepared
5. One must spend time in preparation-It involves more than having all the blanks filled out in a workbook
6. DO YOUR BEST
7. MUST BE DEPENDABLE- I COR 15:58
a. All of us should understand the importance in being present for the services
b. TEACHERS SHOULD BE ON TIME
8. MUST BE PRAYERFUL-EPH. 6:18; I THESS. 5:17
a. Take time to pray to God for help, guidance, and assistance in teaching His word to others
9. MUST HAVE A LOVE FOR SOULS-MATT. 16:24-27
10. THEY MUST BE ALWAYS GROWING-EPH. 4:15; COL 1:10-11; I PET. 2:2
IV. CONCLUSION:
A. We have given some simple points, but ones that need to be stressed
1. Bible classes are important for us. We benefit from them
2. Teaching is a fearful responsibility. God will hold us responsible. We need to do our best
B. It our Bible classes are conducted in the proper manner, the church will be strong and growing
1. Each member will be grounded, established in the faith, and increasing in the knowledge of God
2. And more importantly, the holy name of God will be glorified