Category Archives: Teacher Issues

Let’s face it: We’re busy people. On top of family, work, and other responsibilities, we’re adding a commitment to teach a Bible class which not only involves class-time but also lesson preparation and follow-up with students. It can become a juggling act to do everything we need to do, and especially to do it well. Teachers already struggling with time management need biblical reminders about keeping priorities as well as encouragement to follow through.

Bible Verses Teachers Need as Reminders About Priorities in the Use of Our Time

Time management needs to be about living for the glory of God, doing His will, putting Him first — not living for self or even to please other people.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matt. 6:33)

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Rom. 12:1-2)

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. (1 Cor. 10:31)

So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. (2 Cor. 5:9-10)

Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ. (Gal. 1:10)

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Col. 3:17)

We will be held accountable for how we use our time but teachers, particularly, must answer for what they say and do.

If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames. Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? (1 Cor. 3:12-13)

Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. (James 3:1)

Procrastination and laziness hurt/hinder effectiveness. We need to think ahead and take steps to that lead to productive lives and then press on.

Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest – and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man. (Prov. 6:6-11)

Sluggards do not plow in season; so at harvest time they look but find nothing. (Prov. 20:4)

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. (Gal. 6:9-10)

Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives. (Titus 3:14)

Bible Verses to Encourage Teachers Struggling with Time Management

God’s wisdom will help us discern the best use of our time. He promises wisdom to those who ask (James. 1:5). He will provide what we need to do His will.

Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. (Ps. 90:12)

Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. (Eph. 5:15-17)

Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (Heb. 13:20-21)

Resource: Time Management for Teachers Worksheet

Since we’re recruiting people to teach the Bible, that which is inspired by God, it only makes sense that we use His Word to stress the importance of learning how to teach it but also to help them focus on what’s most important. The Bible itself should be the starting point for those new to teaching.

Importance of Learning How to Teach God’s Word

The Bible makes it clear that those who teach will be held accountable for how they handle God’s Word. This is one of the first things those who are new to teaching need to realize so they take teacher training seriously.

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. (2 Tim. 2:15)

Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. (James 3:1)

Bible Verses Pointing to What Those New to Teaching Should Focus On

While there are many verses and passages of Scripture that lay a good foundation for teaching, in addition to those listed above, we’ll zero in on some that point to the kind of focus people new to teaching need to acquire and maintain.

1. Focus on your heart, not just teaching skills.

The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart. (1 Sam. 16:7)

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. (Prov. 4:23)

A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. (Lk. 6:45)

2. Focus on your students’ heart and their relationship with the Lord, not just imparting knowledge or external conformity.

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. (Eph. 3:16-19)

We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God. (Col. 1:9-10)

In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy … being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Phil. 1:4-6)

3. Focus on what God does in and through you, not just what you do.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.(Prov. 3:5-6)

I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. (Jn. 15:5)

This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words. The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit. (1 Cor. 2:13-14)

I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.(1 Cor. 3:6-7)

… for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. (Phil. 2:13)

Helpful Resource for New Teachers: Teaching Ministry Manual – A Teaching Ministry Primer

In a previous post, we noted that Bible illiterate teachers produce Bible illiterate students. Certainly Bible illiterate teachers need to grow in Bible knowledge but, as we’ll see in the following Bible verses, we all need to keep growing.

Teachers Need to Grow in Bible Knowledge So They Accurately Represent God

God commands all believers to grow and He uses Scripture to bring us to a greater knowledge of Himself. If Bible teachers don’t know Scripture, how will they accurately represent God to their students.

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen. (2 Pet. 3:18)

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)

He also told them this parable: “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)

Teachers Will be Held Accountable for What They Say So Growth in Their Bible Knowledge is Important

Bible teachers are held to higher accountability for what they say so they need to grow in knowledge in order teach that which aligns with God and His Word.

Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. (James 3:1)

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. (2 Tim. 2:15)

God Helps Teachers Who Want to Grow in Their Knowledge of Him and His Word

Learning God’s Word begins with a desire to do so.

Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good. (1 Pet. 2:2-3)

Understanding Scripture takes reliance on the Holy Spirit.

This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words. (1 Cor. 2:13)

For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God … (Col. 1:9-10)

Teacher Training Resource: What Bible Teachers Need to Know About God’s Word Worksheet

Fears often arise out of our insecurities. If fearful in teaching, then Bible teachers need a source of confidence beyond their own abilities. They need a source of courage beyond their own natural tendencies. If fearful in teaching, check out these Bible verses that point to truths that can help no matter the cause of our fears and anxieties.

If Fearful in Teaching, Remember the Truths from These Bible Verses

1. We have the Presence of an Almighty, All-Knowing God so we aren’t alone.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. (Josh. 1:9)

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (Ps. 23:4)

The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? The LORD is with me; he is my helper. I look in triumph on my enemies. (Psalm 118:6-7)

God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? (Heb. 13:5-6)

2. We have the Power of God so we can put our confidence in Him, not ourselves.

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isa. 41:10)

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. (2 Tim. 1:7)

3. We have Prayer to a God who cares and wants to help us so we always have Someone to turn to.

I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. (Ps. 34:4)

Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. (Ps. 55:22)

Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should. (Eph. 6:19-20)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:6-7)

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. (1 Pet. 5:7)

Resource: Called to Teach But Still Afraid? Devotional