“For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the Lord and to practice it,
and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel.” Ezra 7:10
God gives believers spiritual gifts to strengthen the church, and for me personally He has given the spiritual gift of teaching.
I led my first Bible study when I was in high school, teaching a group of middle schoolers how to honor the Lord above all in a challenging culture. I also served as an AWANA leader at my local church, helping build the foundation of faith in the lives of young children. After that I discipled a homeschool group of young ladies to “be radiant in godliness, holiness, and testimony” using the BRIGHT Lights curriculum. Over the years, my husband Reed and I have also lead Bible studies in our home.
It’s no wonder that I earned my bachelor’s degree in elementary education, teaching in both public and private schools. These days I have transitioned from the classroom to serve special-needs family members from my home, but I can’t stop putting my spiritual gift to use so I write Bible studies and articles for this website.
Over the past twenty years of discipling and teaching, I have found these to be the keys for effectively teaching the Word of God:
- Teachers must be found trustworthy stewards of the mysteries of God.
We read in 1 Corinthians 4:1-7 that servants of Christ are also stewards of the mysteries of God. We must be found trustworthy before God in how we handle Scripture, especially in the motives of our hearts. “Learn not to exceed what is written, so that no one of you will become arrogant” (verse 6). And the next verse reminds us to stay humble because any knowledge that we may have was given to us by the Holy Spirit. Boastful and arrogant teachers are loving “the approval of men rather than the approval of God” (John 12:43). But Colossians 3:23 reminds us to do our work heartily as for the Lord rather than for men! - Our testimony shines brightest through love and as a living witness of the mighty deeds of God.
In John 13:34-35, we are commanded to love one another as Christ loved the church, and that through this action “all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another”. A student must first receive love before they will accept words of wisdom.
The apostle Paul taught in “holiness and godly sincerity, not in fleshly wisdom but in the grace of God” as he coped with numerous afflictions while sharing the Good News. He was a living witness as he trusted in God and stood firm on the Word of God, teaching with godly character (see 2 Corinthians 1 and Acts 22:14-15). - Speak the Word boldly (even in weakness) through the power of the Holy Spirit.
When the apostles began ministering in the book of Acts, they immediately faced threats and persecution. They prayed that God would grant them to speak His word with confidence and God answered their prayer. It says, “And when they had prayed, the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness” (Acts 4:29-31).
We all have areas of human weakness so we must minister through the power of the Spirit. It is not in cleverness of speech or through worldly wisdom that we will have an impact for the kingdom, rather through God’s power lives are changed for eternity.
His grace is sufficient, for power is perfected in weakness. Therefore, let us boast about our weaknesses, “so that the power of Christ may dwell in [us]” (2 Corinthians 12:9). - Teach the entire living and active Word of God.
There is no greater book than the Holy Bible, so make it the center of each lesson plan. Don’t waste time and don’t water down the truth.
When the apostles were imprisoned for their witness in Jerusalem, an angel freed them and said, “Go, stand and speak to the people in the temple the whole message of this Life.” It says the next day they went to the temple and “began to teach” (Acts 5:19-21).
As teachers, we are held accountable for correctly handling the Word but also not leaving anything out. We are to teach exactly what God’s Word says and leave the consequences in His hands. Some topics may not be popular in today’s culture but we are to please God rather than man. - Don’t be ignorant of the devil’s schemes.
Bible teachers who boldly teach the Word of God are very familiar with spiritual warfare. Jesus told us, “In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). We must first prepare for each lesson on our knees. We should then “put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:11-12).
Satan is the father of lies and he attacks truth on many fronts. Don’t lose hope when ministry is a struggle. The greater the warfare, the greater the breakthrough!
Conclusion
“O God, You have taught me from my youth, and I still declare Your wondrous deeds.
And even when I am old and gray, O God, do not forsake me, until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to all who are to come.” Psalm 71:17-18
Jesus was the greatest teacher of all time and we can learn a ton by studying His example in the Gospels. At the end of His earthly ministry, He declared to God the Father, “I glorified You on the earth, having accomplished the work which You have given Me to do” (John 17:4).
If you don’t lose heart, you too can accomplish your spiritual calling during your short time on earth. But remember to glorify God in each lesson!
All Scripture taken from New American Standard Bible, 1995 version. Emphasis added by the author. Photo credit: Kinsco, Lightstock.com.
