Before I get started, I would like to say that I am not writing this post in opposition to biblical preaching. I believe very strongly in the importance of bible preaching. My thoughts on this may not even seem important to some, but that does not concern me. There are many who will stand by preaching as the "purest form of evangelism" (their words, not mine) but make no mention of what God has called every believer to do. "Go ye therefore and TEACH all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: TEACHING them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen" Matthew 28:19,20. I love how in Christ's departing words, He gave a double emphasis on teaching. Also, there are 169 references to the word teach in the KJV along side 145 references to the word preach. In the book of Psalms, we find in many passages that God is a teacher. The ministry of Christ Himself was one of constant teaching, of those in the synagogues, on the hillsides and byways, and His disciples. These two forms of ministry should be working hand in hand with each other.
So, what does that mean for you and I? It means that we all have a great responsibility on our hands. We all have a reasonable work set before us to do. This message was given to the disciples. We are today's disciples of Christ. That message is given as much to us as it was to them. What are we doing with this great command and challenge? I for one, do not want to sit every week in the pew of my church, continually growing fat on the Word of God that is preached and taught, without any plan to give what I have learned to someone else. Am I saying that everyone should teach a class? No, we are not all gifted in the area of public speaking. This lack of gifting is not to be used as an excuse not to teach. The bible gives clear instructions on who is to teach. Them that are elder in the faith are to teach the younger, men with younger men and women with younger women. Also, fathers and mothers are to be teaching their own children the whole council of God throughout each and every day as a part of their practical lives. If you have no children, then seek to mentor a child and teach them the things that God has taught you. Pastor's, let me challenge you to lead the way in setting solid standards for what is taught in the Sunday School. It is helpful to plot out our curriculum so that we know what all of our classes are being taught throughout the course of the year. Make it easy for families to teach these same truths to their kids by keeping them informed on what their child is being taught. Most of all, we each need to devote time to read and study God's Word for ourselves so that we can get His mind on what we should be passing on to others.
You know that this will mean that we will have to live a transparent life that is centered around God and His Word, right?! Only by submitting to the Master Teacher and His Word can we truly have anything worth teaching to anyone else. I grow weary in seeing those negatively affected by the world and learning what not to do from them. I am ready to see what God is doing in and through His children who are living separate from the world! People who are not afraid to take a stand for God and who are willing to fight for His Word and His church. I'm ready to take that stand myself and say as the apostle Paul, "Follow me as I follow Christ!" Would you be willing to join me in this great work and responsibility? Will you decide today to live a life that is pleasing to God and share the truths of His Word with a world that is in such darkness?
So, what does that mean for you and I? It means that we all have a great responsibility on our hands. We all have a reasonable work set before us to do. This message was given to the disciples. We are today's disciples of Christ. That message is given as much to us as it was to them. What are we doing with this great command and challenge? I for one, do not want to sit every week in the pew of my church, continually growing fat on the Word of God that is preached and taught, without any plan to give what I have learned to someone else. Am I saying that everyone should teach a class? No, we are not all gifted in the area of public speaking. This lack of gifting is not to be used as an excuse not to teach. The bible gives clear instructions on who is to teach. Them that are elder in the faith are to teach the younger, men with younger men and women with younger women. Also, fathers and mothers are to be teaching their own children the whole council of God throughout each and every day as a part of their practical lives. If you have no children, then seek to mentor a child and teach them the things that God has taught you. Pastor's, let me challenge you to lead the way in setting solid standards for what is taught in the Sunday School. It is helpful to plot out our curriculum so that we know what all of our classes are being taught throughout the course of the year. Make it easy for families to teach these same truths to their kids by keeping them informed on what their child is being taught. Most of all, we each need to devote time to read and study God's Word for ourselves so that we can get His mind on what we should be passing on to others.
You know that this will mean that we will have to live a transparent life that is centered around God and His Word, right?! Only by submitting to the Master Teacher and His Word can we truly have anything worth teaching to anyone else. I grow weary in seeing those negatively affected by the world and learning what not to do from them. I am ready to see what God is doing in and through His children who are living separate from the world! People who are not afraid to take a stand for God and who are willing to fight for His Word and His church. I'm ready to take that stand myself and say as the apostle Paul, "Follow me as I follow Christ!" Would you be willing to join me in this great work and responsibility? Will you decide today to live a life that is pleasing to God and share the truths of His Word with a world that is in such darkness?