We must be careful teacher training gets beyond natural principles in the teaching-learning process. If we only work within the natural, our end result will be behavioral modification, not heart transformation. Changed lives from the inside out takes supernatural power.
Bible Verses about Supernatural Power
While we could point to quite a few verses showing the need for God’s power to be at work in people’s lives for lasting change to occur, reflect on the following.
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know … and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms … (Eph. 1:18-20)
His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. (2 Pet. 1:3)
… it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. (Phil. 2:13)
Rely on God’s Power in Bible Teaching Yet Remember How He Designed People to Learn
While changed lives from the inside out requires divine power, that doesn’t mean we ignore natural principles of learning. God made people to learn certain ways, so we should work within that design. We must, however, always run the natural principles through the grid of Scripture. Just because something seems to work or is used widely in public education, doesn’t mean it’s right or profitable in Bible teaching.
Also check out The Holy Spirit & My Teaching Devotional which encourages teachers of all ages to rely on the Spirit for the supernatural power needed in teaching.
If teaching children, the worksheet, Heart Transformation or Behavior Modification?, would also be helpful.