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Bible Teachers, Do You Have a Consistent Voice?

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Bible Teachers Have a Consistent Voice

In a world marked by false teaching (Titus 1), the Apostle Paul exhorted Titus, “You, however, must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine” (Titus 2:1).

We already looked at the first part of the verse, noting that his voice was to stand in contrast to such errancy. The second part of the verse shows us that he also needed a consistent voice — “teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine.”

As noted, the Greek word translated “teach” in that verse (laleo) is not the typical word used for what we would think of as teaching. It simply refers to speaking or using your voice. The word for doctrine (didaskalia), however, comes from the root word normally used for teaching (didasko).

In other words, whenever, however, or about whatever, Titus spoke into the people’s lives it was to be in accordance with (appropriate or fitting to) sound teaching. — That’s consistency. The Greek word for “sound” is hygiaino, similar to the English word “hygiene” — clean, free from contagions …. not corrupt, healthy.

With what is a Bible teacher’s voice to be consistent?

The only truly “hygiene” teaching to use as a standard would be that which comes from a Holy God who is perfect, just, and right in all His ways. These are words that stand the test of time, unchanging and absolute.

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Tim. 3:16-17)

For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. For, “All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord endures forever.” And this is the word that was preached to you.  (1 Pet. 1:23-25)

In what ways is this consistency demonstrated in Bible teachers?

Obviously we must be consistent in terms of content. We need to speak truth that aligns with God’s intent. And so, as Bible teachers, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.” (2 Tim. 2:16-17)

Consistency shows itself at all times and places. We always seek to speak in ways “appropriate to sound doctrine” whether that’s during the Bible lesson or outside of the class time. We don’t compartmentalize based on where we are or scheduled activities.

Consistent voices go beyond vocal communication to actions or processes. Everything not only said, but also done, is in congruence with God and His Word. How we live reflects what we teach so we avoid hypocrisy which taints the message.

With such consistency, we are then ready to speak into the lives of those we teach, about how they too can live in ways “appropriate to sound doctrine” — that which aligns with the teachings of a Holy God.

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