Bible teachers need to get practical in their teaching about serving the Lord to not only help their students know how to serve but also to help them identify where they might best serve. But, Bible teachers also need to get real about serving. It isn’t always easy. It can take time and require sacrifice. It isn’t always appreciated and we don’t always see results. It can be easy to give up.
Get Real About Serving But Also Provide Perspective
Bible teachers need to help students understand that serving God has an eternal and spiritual impact that isn’t always seen in this life time. Use verses like the following to help them see that it is worth persevering:
Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. (1 Cor. 15:58)
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Heb. 12:1-2)
Point to the Power Source That Helps Us Persevere
Bible teachers must stress how it is not only worth persevering but also possible, when God works in and through us. If serving out of one’s own strength and determination, getting discouraged and possibly giving up may soon be their reality. Uses verses like the following to point to the Lord as their Power Source to do that which counts for eternity:
Jesus said, “apart from Me you can do nothing.” (Jn. 15:5)
I can do all this through him who gives me strength. (Phil. 4:13)
- Pray that what students learn goes beyond mere head knowledge and generates into a real love for the Lord which in turn translates into a true desire to serve Him.
- Pray for their walk with the Lord, that they learn the balance of sitting at Jesus’ feet and serving.
- Pray they identify how God has equipped them to serve and that they will follow His design in their lives.
- Pray God will use opportunities to serve in even small ways to grow a passion within their hearts to follow His purposes in their lives.