In their role as conduits, Bible teachers need to make sure it’s God’s message flowing through them and not merely human wisdom. They also must make sure they are using His means in communicating that message. Notice how 1 Corinthians 2:4-5 says,
My message and my preaching were not with … persuasive words, but with a demonstration …
God’s Message Must Flow Through Bible Teachers Using His Means
Somehow we think that if we can just persuade people enough about the truth of God’s Word, they’ll believe and conform. Bible teachers might even use coercive tactics filled with manipulation, bribery, and other forms of enticement, thinking that somehow the end will justify the means. Yet, in 1 Peter 3:15-16, a classic passage used for apologetics (to give an answer or defense), we find that how we present, or defend, the truth matters.
Make no mistake, the truth is that which sets people free (Jn. 8:32) and sanctifies them (Jn. 17:17), yet the means by which that message is communicated matters. Bible teachers must present truth, not just with persuasive words but “with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power” (1 Cor. 2:4-5). The word “demonstration” comes from two Greek words, “apo” meaning forth and “deiknumi” meaning to show. Bible teachers need to show forth, or demonstrate, truth not just speak it, which takes the Spirit’s power (the topic of the next post).
Think about it: What will be most effective — plausible arguments or proof?
In addition to what you read here, the Bible Teacher’s Role resource further expounds on how our role as a conduit affects the means of presenting God’s message. Along with more teaching about how to be a conduit, this resource looks at seven other roles a Bible teacher might assume in order to have the greatest impact in students’ lives.