One way or another, Bible teachers will influence their students’ walk with God … either positively or negatively. The extent of influence teachers have on their students depends on their own spiritual knowledge and maturity. — “The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher.” (Lk. 6:40)
The Impact of a Teacher’s Influence
Obviously, if teachers themselves are spiritually blind, they will have a negative or limited impact as seen in the last post. Remember the parable Jesus told, “Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into a pit?” (Lk. 6:39).
It would stand to reason, then, that the more clearly Bible teachers see God by walking in the light of His Word (Ps. 119:105), the greater the likelihood will be of them helping their students stay of God’s path of all that is good and right.
The Extent of Teachers’ Influence
The more teachers grow and mature in their own walk with God, the more they can positively influence their students’ walk. Then they can confidently say, as the Apostle Paul said, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (1 Cor. 11:1). Teachers will not blindly lead students into a pit when following Him for the Lord has perfect, clear vision 100% of the time. He always know what’s right and good.
Determining the Potential Impact and Extent Teachers are Influencing Students
If as Jesus said, “everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher” (Lk. 6:40), then we need look no further than the spiritual growth and maturity of the teacher for the kind of influence he/she will be. If a given teacher becomes a person’s primary spiritual influencer, how might these students ultimately live the Christian life? Consider the following examples:
Regarding Truth Versus Error
Do teachers take 2 Timothy 3:16-17 seriously about Scripture being God-breathed and useful? Do teachers apply 2 Timothy 2:15? — Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
If so, students will more likely be influenced to know and identify truth from error. If not, students may also tend to be Bible illiterate and/or selective in what they choose to believe.
Regarding Biblical Morality
Do teachers have a high view of the holiness and sovereignty of God? Do they see Him as the Standard, the One to whom we’re all accountable? — But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” (1 Pet. 1:15-16)
If so, students will be influenced to discern between good and evil. If not, students may also be more likely to not even think about God’s will (1 Thess. 4:3).
Regarding Differences of Belief
Do teachers display the heart of God toward students who disagree? Do they “avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless” (Titus 3:9)?
If so, students will be influenced to lovingly handle confrontations to their faith. If not, students may also tend to “turn to meaningless talk” not knowing “what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm” just for the sake of winning an argument rather than having love as the goal (1 Tim. 1:3-7).
Regarding the Essence of the Christian Life
Do teachers promote grace as the means by which students grow and gain victory in their lives? Do they not only emphasize but live like it is grace that “teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age …” (Titus 2:11-13)
If so, students will be influenced to live in the abundant life Jesus came to give. If not, students will tend to remain in bondage, no matter how hard they try.
One Bible teacher may not be the sole source of a person’s spiritual influence but certainly a contributing factor that could make a lifelong impact. As Bible teachers we therefore need to ask if we really want students to look like us. If we want better for them, then we need to keep growing and maturing in our walk with God so we have more and more to offer.