The Christian’s Education

The Christian's EducationText: John 7:15

Many people in our society place a great emphasis on education. This is good. But what about our education as Christians? How are we to learn, train, grow, and develop as disciples? Let us consider what the Scriptures say.

Modeled after Jesus

  • During the Feast of Booths, Jesus went to Jerusalem and began to teach (John 7:2, 14)
  • The Jews were amazed – Jesus had “become learned,” but had “never been educated” (John 7:15); He was knowledgable and could teach with authority, yet received no “formal” education; but He was speaking from God (John 7:16; 15:15)
  • When it comes to our spiritual/religious education, it is not necessary to receive a “formal” education – but we do need to learn from the Father in the way that He has designed for us

The Christian’s Education

  • Textbook – the Bible contains what is true (Psalm 119:160) because it is inspired of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17); we have everything we need in it (2 Peter 1:3); we can understand it (Ephesians 3:4), but must be willing to study (2 Timothy 2:15)
  • School – the church is the pillar and support of truth (1 Timothy 3:15); God’s will is made known through it (Ephesians 3:10); we can certainly learn outside of the church setting (2 Timothy 3:15; Hebrews 3:13; Acts 20:20), but the church is the only institution ordained by God for this purpose (the LOCAL church)
  • Instructors – the church has teachers (1 Corinthians 12:28); evangelists, pastors and teachers (Ephesians 4:11-12); they must teach what is true (1 Peter 4:11); guard against false teachers (2 Peter 2:1; Matthew 7:15); test everything (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22)
  • Homework – as disciples, we have a daily responsibility to follow Christ (Luke 9:23); the Bereans were commended because they searched the Scriptures daily (Acts 17:11); we must be doers of the word and not forgetful hearers (James 1:22-25)
  • Advancement – there are no “grade levels” in the church, but we do progress from infancy to maturity (1 Peter 2:2); grow in grace and knowledge (2 Peter 3:18); eventually, we ought to become teachers (Hebrews 5:11-14; cf. 2 Timothy 2:2)
  • Final exam – one day we will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10); we will be judged according to what is found in God’s word (John 12:48); we will go to either eternal punishment or eternal life (Matthew 25:46); no second chances

Conclusion

  • We need to ENROLL in this school – obey the gospel (Acts 2:38-41, 47)
  • We must not DROP OUT of this school – remain faithful (Hebrews 2:1; 10:23)
  • Continue preparing for the final exam – examine self to see if we are in the faith (2 Corinthians 13:5)