Bible Verses on the Importance & Usefulness of God’s Word
For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. (Rom. 15:4)
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Tim. 3:16-17)
For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus. (1 Thess. 4:2)
Some have departed from these and have turned to meaningless talk. They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm. (1 Tim. 1:5-7)
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples . . . teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matt. 28:18-20)
Bible Teachers Must Therefore Keep the Word Central in Their Teaching
While it might seem obvious that Bible teachers should keep the Bible at the core of their teaching, that doesn’t always happen.
- Some Bible teachers merely read from the curriculum manual, never opening the Bible.
- At times discussion becomes merely the exchange of ideas with little or no reference to what the Bible says on the topic.
- When using a contemporary book or video presentation for the lesson, attention sometimes drifts from studying the Word to what the book or video communications, which may or may not point to the Bible.
Implications for Bible Teachers:
- Use the Bible as your primary text. Books written by contemporary authors or video lessons can be profitable, but they must be not only biblically based but also obvious that the Word is the source of teaching.
- Use the Bible as your primary source of authority. Recognize that the authority is God’s, as communicated in His Word, not the teacher’s or class’s opinions. Always give Him the final say. Do not water down the truth in an attempt to please people.
- Use the Bible as your primary tool for impacting lives. While building relationships and creative teaching is critical, ultimately God uses His Word to change lives.
In these ways Bible teachers will keep the Word central in their teaching.