Category Archives: Miscellaneous Teaching Skills Needed

As Bible teachers, we teach the Word of God which is unlike any other textbook. When we remember that the Almighty, All-Knowing, Always Wise God inspired these words (2 Tim. 3:16-17), we start to acknowledge the powerful book it is, able to change lives from the inside out.

Truths That Need to Be Reflected in the Way the Word of God is Taught

Hebrews 4:12 provides truths about Scripture that can guide Bible teachers on how to wield such a powerful tool. Over the next several posts we’ll break down this verse, asking teachers if they’re teaching like the Word of God is ….

alive
active
accurate

Resources to Help Bible Teachers in Teaching Such a Powerful Book:

• A Lesson Worth Teaching Workbook
• Bible Lesson Preparation Worksheet
• What Bible Teachers Need to Know About God’s Word Worksheet

We’re living in a time where media, particularly technology, is being used more and more. Whether it’s because you can’t meet in person or to enhance in-class studies, it’s important for Bible teachers to get acquainted with technological, online, and other media possibilities for teaching.

Questions about Media & Bible Teaching

How do we compete for the hearts and minds of students in a media-saturated world?

Simply put, we don’t compete. We have Christ to offer and the abundant life He came to give, not mere transmission of information. Always keep perspective. Using media should never be about entertaining or competing with the world. It’s not an end in itself but a tool to be used to point people to the Lord who wants to be in a relationship with them. With that said, when using technology we should learn to use it well so it doesn’t become a distraction from that purpose. Rather, we want whatever means we use to enhance the presentation of God’s Word so that “in every way we will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive” (Titus 2:10).

Other Questions Related to Bible Teaching and Media:

• How might our media-saturated world affect learning?
• What tips should we follow for effective online Bible teaching?

Get answers to the above questions in the Bible Teacher’s Handbook of Frequently Asked Questions. This resource looks at 48 other topics related to Bible teaching, answering a total of 153 questions.

As noted in a previous post, 1 Corinthians 2 makes it clear that the Spirit needs to be at work within teachers during lesson preparation so they’re able to grasp the spiritual truth they’ll be teaching. That’s the only way to ensure that what they teach isn’t just human wisdom but rather that they’re “explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words” (1 Cor. 2:13).

How can we, as Bible teachers, explain what God’s Word says if we ourselves haven’t been taught by the Holy Spirit? How will what we teach have powerful effects if it doesn’t come from the Spirit?

We Can’t Explain Spiritual Realities without Spirit-Taught Words

Our finite minds can’t possibly understand the depth of God’s wisdom and understanding.

The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. (Isa. 40:28)

Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! (Rom. 11:33)

But, “the Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God” and “no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God” (1 Cor. 2:10-11). Consequently, if the Holy Spirit teaches us as we study God’s Word, then we can explain those spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words. As Bible teachers, we need the Spirit to be at work in and through us in presenting the lesson.

What Happens When Teachers Try to Explain Spiritual Truth Without the Holy Spirit

As Bible teachers, we can go into a lesson thinking we’re prepared since we studied. However, if those spiritual thoughts aren’t combined with spiritual words, something will get lost in the translation.

• We could inaccurately explain the truth.
• We could present some semblance of what the Word says but miss the real essence of what God intended and merely present human wisdom.
• We could give a true but very shallow explanation, not nearly tapping into the depth of God’s heart and mind.
• We could simply address head knowledge but have very little, or no, impact on the heart.
• We could miss those spontaneous, teachable moments in the classroom where spiritual truths get connected to students’ life experiences.

Having been taught by the Spirit, we also need to explain what we’ve been taught through the Spirit. Bible teachers need to see their role as conduits through whom the Spirit speaks. That means we’re relying on the power and wisdom of the Almighty God, not on ourselves … not even the fact that we’ve studied for the lesson. We begin the teaching process with the Spirit teaching us and we continue the process in the classroom with the Spirit guiding even the very words we use.

Teacher Training Resource: The Holy Spirit & My Teaching Devotional

Bible teachers need both a contrasting and consistent voice if they’re going to make inroads into the lives of their students who live in a world of false teaching. As noted at the end of the last post, Titus was to use that voice to help the believers of his day live in ways appropriate, or consistent, to sound doctrine.

If we continue on in Titus 2 we can learn how to effectively use that voice. Only part of the referenced Scripture will be provided below so you would do well to take time to read the entire chapter. Click on this link to read it online: Titus 2

Tips for How to Effectively Use Your Voice

1) Show how God’s Word is applicable to the people you’re teaching. What’s most need for their age, gender, social status, etc.?

Teach the older men to … Likewise, teach the older women to … urge the younger women to … Similarly, encourage the young men to … Teach slaves to … (Titus 2:2-10)

2) Teach by example.

In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us. (Titus 2:7-8)

3) Rely on the grace of God to effectively use your voice.

For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age … (Titus 2:11-14)

4) Speak with the authority of God’s Word in grace-filled ways, not in quarrelsome ways (2 Tim. 2:24-26).

These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you. (Titus 2:15)