Three Necessities of Effective Bible Teaching

As we wind up 31 Days to Becoming a Better Teacher, let me share three key biblical concepts that will move our teaching from the information realm to transformational reality. These three concepts are all found in one verse buried deep in the Old Testament.

… Ezra had determined in his heart to study the law of the Lord, obey {it}, and teach {its} statutes and ordinances in Israel. Ezra 7:10 (HCSB)

Necessity #1
Ezra had determined in his heart to study the law of the Lord. determined or “devoted” (NIV) means that Ezra had purposed in his heart that he was going to be a student of the Scriptures. Notice that Ezra didn’t just devote himself to study some of the Law, or certain portions of it. No, he chose to be a devoted student of the entire word of God. As Sunday School teachers, it is paramount that we take Ezra’s example to heart.

First we must be determined students of the Bible. Determination is vital to success in anything we set out to accomplish. My next door neighbor runs marathons. Day after day she runs… good weather, cold weather, snow, ice, and rain. Often she does not feel like running, but the realization that her next big marathon race is approaching reminds her that she must train. Our determination to be a student of the Word must be like that of a marathon runner. Yes, there are days when we do not want to study, or when we do not sense God’s presence as we read and prepare. But often, the sheer discipline required to study is what brings to light those incredible moments when God’s truth breaks through in new ways.

Also, we must study all of God’s Word. The temptation we have today is to study the parts of God’s Word that makes us feel good about ourselves, or that reinforces our own preconceived opinion of how life works. Studying all of God’s Word is much like looking at a well formed diamond. Yes, you can see how beautiful the diamond is by looking at it from one angle. But not until you turn the diamond and see its many facets can you truly understand the precision and detail of the jeweler who crafted it. Bible study is much like this, the more completely we study it, the better understanding we have of the Author!

Necessity #2
…(Ezra) obeyed it. The NASB says that Ezra “practiced it”. What Ezra learned in his study of God’s Word, he also chose to practice. In other words, he put God’s Word into action! He didn’t just prepare his Sunday School lesson and say, “That’s nice” but never put it to good use. Ezra actually put what he learned from the Bible into practice in his life. He did it! It is easy to tell when someone knows what they are talking about!

Over the Christmas holidays, I asked my dad for some help with a woodworking project I was doing. My dad took me out to his workshop. At first I watched and then I practiced while my dad looked over my shoulder. I realized my dad could show me exactly what to do because he had done it himself many times. The people in our classes can tell when we are sharing with them things from God’s Word that we are also practicing in our daily lives. They also know when we are trying to teach something we know nothing about!

Necessity #3
…teach its statutes and ordinances in Israel. Ultimately, your knowledge and experience will only help yourself until you teach it to others. I have noticed in my personal life that although I may have studied or even incorporated something into my life, teaching it to others not only helps them – it helps me solidify it into my life.

Also, notice that Ezra studied and practiced before he taught. If ever there was a biblical reason to avoid the “Saturday Night Special“, this is it! Study your Bible lesson early in the week. I have found that invariably, you will have opportunities to practice your Bible study during the week while you are at work, home, driving (ahem!), and in other situations. The illustrations and stories that you share with your class will be much more effective because your group will realize that you are teaching from both knowledge and experience!

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Bob Mayfield is the Sunday School/small group specialist for the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma. Bob also blogs at www.bobmayfield.com