Category Archives: Teaching Objectives

Certainly we want our teaching ministry to impact students’ lives. How much more exciting it is when they use what they have learned to teach others! Realistically, however, that ministry of multiplication won’t happen with all students. Before getting discouraged, remember that even Jesus’ teaching didn’t impact everyone in this way. Some remained in disbelief. One of His twelve closest disciples, in whom He had heavily invested, even betrayed Him.

Why Multiplication Won’t Happen with All Students

Take note of the Apostle Paul’s instruction that Timothy entrust what he heard to “reliable people” (2 Tim. 2:2). The Greek word for reliable, pistos, signifies belief, being persuaded or convinced of the truth. So, these are people whose hearts truly receive what’s been taught.

Reflect on Jesus’ parable about the different kinds of soil (Matt. 13:1-23) which represent different kinds of hearts into which we plant the seeds of God’s Word. Some hearts are so hard they can’t even receive the Word at all. Others are rocky so the seed never firmly takes root even though they appear to at first believe. Some ground is filled with thorns so though the seed may start growing, it gets choked out. A ministry of multiplication won’t happen in students with those kinds of hearts. Only a heart with good soil can bear fruit.

Implications for Bible Teachers Desirous of a Ministry of Multiplication

God alone truly knows people’s hearts. Yet, we can perceive indications of people’s spiritual condition (Ps. 27:23). We must be diligent in getting to know our students and pay attention to the whole of their lives, not just what they “say” in class.

What’s in the heart tends to come out (Prov. 4:23; Lk. 6:45) but isn’t always immediately evidenced. So, wholeheartedly teach all students and fervently pray for each one. As you observe those who truly seem to soak in God’s Word, those whom 2 Timothy 2:2 refers to as “reliable people”, further invest in them. As you entrust what you’ve learned to them, they will become “qualified to teach others” (2 Tim. 2:2) and so it multiplies.

The Apostle Paul exhorted Timothy to engage in a ministry of multiplication rooted in a Body of Truth — that which he heard Paul teach. From this we can conclude that multiplication begins with our own learning. We must be rooted in God’s Word so we have something substantial to pass on to others.

We aren’t trying to multiply through self-improvement plans based on human wisdom. We need to pass on a biblical worldview and divine wisdom, as found in God’s Word.

Bible Teachers Must be Rooted in God’s Word Because That’s What We Entrust to Others

To truly engage in the ministry of multiplication, we need to entrust to others something that stands the test of time, something authoritative, something that is able to change lives.

1. God’s Word not only has survived attempts to destroy it but also remains as relevant today as when first written (Matt. 24:35). Hence, we can look at it as a Surety we can rely on since it stands the test of time.

2. God’s Word is inspired by the All-Knowing, All-Wise, Almighty God (2 Tim. 3:16). Hence, we can hold to its teachings as an authoritative Standard upon which to make decisions and navigate life.

3. God’s Word is sufficient to generate faith (Rom. 10:17) and to not just equip us but to thoroughly equip us (2 Tim. 3:16-17). Hence, we have a Source of power that changes lives.

Only when we ourselves grasp hold of Truth in these ways, in our own hearts and minds, will we have something worth passing on to others. The multiplication suggested in 2 Timothy 2:2 will only happen if it’s rooted in God’s Word. That which is based on our own finite understanding and limited abilities will be insufficient to stand the test of time. It will not have the authority behind it nor the ability to change lives.

A Starting Point: What Bible Teachers Need to Know About God’s Word Worksheet

The Apostle Paul not only was an apostle and herald of the Gospel but also a teacher (2 Tim. 1:11). He invested into the life of Timothy whom he told to do three things with what he learned: (1) align with the teaching  – 2 Tim. 1:13; (2) guard that teaching – 2 Tim. 1:14; (3) teach others with a ministry of multiplication as the goal – 2 Tim. 2:2

Bible Teachers Today Still Have a Ministry of Multiplication

Had Paul and the other apostles not invested what they had learned from the Lord into others, the Church would have come to a disappointing end. But, here we are today. We too, as teachers of the Word, have this same ministry of multiplication.

And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. (2 Tim. 2:2)

Timothy was exhorted to take what he had learned and invest it into the lives of others who in turn would teach others … and it would just keep multiplying that way.

As we look at this verse in upcoming posts, we’ll learn that:

• Multiplication Begins with Our Own Learning
• Multiplication Won’t Happen with All Students
• Multiplication Can Happen Even When the Odds are Against You

Imagine the impact if each Bible teacher today would invest into the life of just one student a year and then encourage that student to do the same with someone else!

Are you a disciplemaking teacher or are you content to simply show up? Check out this worksheet: DISCIPLESHIP : Isn’t teaching a lesson enough?

When asked what the greatest commandments are, Jesus said to love the Lord with all of who we are and to love our neighbor as ourselves (Matt. 22:37-40). Loving students should therefore be a priority for Bible teachers.

Questions Bible Teachers Might Have about Loving Students

What’s the best way to show students you love them?

The Bible says “let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth” (1 Jn. 3:18). That doesn’t mean we never say “I love you” but rather that to love as God loves (agapao, the verb used in that verse), it needs to be demonstrated by our actions, not just our words. Agape love is also authentic. To love with “actions and in truth” is therefore the best way to show students we love them.

There may not be one best way to demonstrate love to students. Rather, it may depend on the individual student’s needs or how they most prefer to receive love. Since we might not initially know the needs and preferences of each person, we should show love in a variety of ways. We must guard against projecting on them the way we prefer to give and receive love. We need to get beyond what feels comfortable or convenient for us. God’s love, agape, looks beyond one’s self and often acts in sacrificial ways. (Learn more about love languages in Gary Chapman’s books: 5 Love Languages …link takes you to one of our affiliate stores)

The Bible Teacher’s Handbook of Frequently Asked Questions also asks, “What if we struggle with the hard-to-love students?”. Find a response to that question as well answers to questions covering 49 different teaching issues.