Text: 1 Timothy 4:16
Christians have many opportunities to teach the Bible, even without teaching publicly before the church. There are several benefits from having the Bible as the subject of our teaching – also responsibilities/burdens [we will discuss these in the following lesson]. In this lesson, we will focus on the blessings of teaching the Bible.
The Message Does Not Change
- Not true in other areas of study – textbooks must be continually revised and/or replaced with new ones containing new information
- The word of the Lord does not change (1 Peter 1:25) – contains all we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3); thoroughly equips us for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17); once for all delivered (Jude 3)
- We also know it does not change because God expressly forbid men to change it (Galatians 1:6-9) – must follow the Lord’s commands revealed by the apostles (Matthew 28:18-20; 1 Corinthians 14:37); going beyond this or changing the message was prohibited (2 John 9; 2 Peter 3:16)
- Therefore, we simply need to go to the Bible for the message we are to teach (1 Peter 4:11)
The Message Is Clear and Simple
- When we teach, we are to use “great plainness of speech” (2 Corinthians 3:12, KJV) – we do this because God’s word has been revealed in a way that we can understand it (Ephesians 3:4)
- God does not show partiality (Acts 10:34-35) – does not want man to be lost (2 Peter 3:9); yet those who do not obey the gospel will be lost (2 Thessalonians 1:8-9)
- Since the gospel is God’s power for salvation (Romans 1:16), He revealed it clearly and simply for us
The Message Itself Is Motivating
- It is often difficult to be motivated to learn certain subjects or read certain books – uninteresting, irrelevant, too difficult, etc.; not an issue with the Bible
- The Bible is interesting (Psalm 119:24) – learn about people, places, events; shows us God and heavenly things
- The Bible is relevant (Ecclesiastes 1:9) – addresses the problem of sin (Romans 6:23), a universal problem (Romans 3:23)
- The Bible is not too difficult (Ephesians 3:4) – even passages that are more difficult can still be understood (2 Peter 3:16)
There Is Something for All Ages
- No matter how young or old we are, the Bible is for us – from childhood (2 Timothy 3:15); as new Christians (1 Peter 2:2); as mature Christians (Hebrews 5:14); for those who are young (Ecclesiastes 11:9; 12:1) and those who are old (2 Timothy 4:7-8; Revelation 14:13)
- No one is too young or too old for the message in the Bible
There Is Something for Any Condition or Station in Life
- No matter who we are or what we have to endure, the Bible is for us – Christian or non-Christian (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 2:37-42); husband, wife, parent, child, master, slave (Ephesians 5:22-6:9); rich or poor (Proverbs 22:2; Galatians 3:26-29); abundantly blessed or suffering hardship (Philippians 4:11-13)
- Therefore, it is always appropriate to direct people toward the Bible
There Is No Greater Personal Reward for Success
- Joy in knowing that those whom we taught are following the Lord (3 John 4)
- In the end, there is salvation for ourselves (1 Timothy 4:16)
Conclusion
- When we teach the Bible, we are teaching a message that is for everyone
- It has been designed by God to be clear, simple, motivating, and rewarding
- Let us recognize these blessings and use the opportunities we have to teach the Bible to others
Adapted from a chapter in Success at Bible Teaching by Sam Binkley, Jr. and Martin M. Broadwell (p. 29-33).
