In a previous post we pulled four elements of the Bible Learning Process from Deuteronomy 32:12.
“Assemble the people, the men and the women and children and the alien who is in your town, so that they may hear and learn and fear the LORD your God, and be careful to observe all the words of this law.” (Deut. 31:12, NASB)
Here are the four elements:
1) hear (the topic of this post)
2) learn
3) fear the Lord
4) observe
Bible Learning Starts with Hearing the Word
While this seems obvious, we must stop and ask what students are hearing. Is it truly the Word of God? Or is it merely talk whether that be the teacher talking or a video presentation?
“… faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.” (Rom. 10:17)
“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (Jn. 8:32)
Do you want people to truly trust in the Lord? Do you want to see people set free from their bondage? Then you need to make sure they are “hearing” the Word itself and not simply a “how-to” lesson or mere discussion of current events or issues. Scripture itself must be presented.
Implications for Bible Teachers
If it begins with hearing the Word, then teachers need to examine their own view of the Word and how they use it in the classroom.
- Choose curriculum that is Bible-based, that truly adheres to the inspired Word of God.
- Understand the importance of using God’s Word in the lesson if you want to make a difference, a lesson worth teaching.
- Don’t merely talk about the Bible but actually read it for hearing the Word is the starting point in the Bible Learning Process.