None of us have a complete knowledge and understanding of the Bible Yet, if we’re going to help our students base their lives on the foundation of God’s Word, we need at least a basic understanding and a pursuit to grow in that knowledge. If not, as Bible illiterate teachers, we will produce Bible illiterate students.
Jesus said, “Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into a pit? The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher.” (Lk. 6:39-40)
Why Teachers Need at Least a Basic Knowledge of God’s Word
If nothing else, we need to consider our accountability to the Author of God’s Word. He said, “Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.” (James 3:1) Why? Because our words can affect people’s lives for eternity (James 3:2-12). An inaccurate representation of God can turn people away from Him or set them on a course toward dysfunction, maybe even destruction, rather than build their faith.
We may think teachers lacking a basic knowledge can get by because they use a curriculum with a teacher’s manual that tells them what to say. What happens when students ask a question or the lesson plan uses a method that opens the door to discussion? What happens if a student approaches the teacher before or after class?
Tendencies of Bible Illiterate Teachers
Bible illiterate teachers tend to lack discernment that’s based on godly wisdom and righteousness.
In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. (Heb. 5:12-14)
Bible illiterate teachers consequently tend to pass on that which is based more on human wisdom rather than the truth of God’s Word. These mistruths need to be unlearned which sometimes never happens and people continue on with an inaccurate understanding of God which affects the way they live. Is it any wonder we’re exhorted, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” (2 Tim. 2:15)?
A big reason we have teachers who remain Bible illiterate is that they have a shaky foundation which doesn’t produce the motivation to study God’s Word. The next post will look at Teachers with Shaky Foundations.
Bible Illiterate and Want to Better Know God’s Word? Go To: Bible Study Resources