The Bible is filled with commands from a Sovereign and Holy God. However, if Bible teachers primarily emphasize the do’s and don’ts of Scripture, they risk the following:
- Students might confuse salvation with works rather than it being grace because there is so much emphasis on what they are supposed to do to please God.
- Students might approach the Christian life legalistically, as religion, rather than relationally, as life itself.
- Students might be turned off by the wall of “no’s” and consequently the God whom they perceive to be nothing more than someone who polices their activity.
Are your Bible teachers communicating the purpose behind the commands? … to protect and provide for us to become more godly
Are your Bible teachers emphasizing what is most important to God? … the heart
Are your Bible teachers showing how the commands flow out of God’s character? … so it’s about lining up with Him and not just regulations
Are your Bible teachers working toward character development and not mere external conformity? … so doing flows out of being
Teacher Training Resource: Tips for Teaching about Character Traits Worksheet