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| Volume 24 Number 10 October 2022 |
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| Volume 24 Number 10 October 2022 |
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Louis Rushmore, Editor
Teaching methods vary, and some are more effective than others, while some are useless in communicating the Word of God. The following, essentially at least, are teaching methods that have been for a long time and are still discoverable in – of all places – various congregations of the churches of Christ. Discern for yourself which teaching methods are worthy undertakings versus those that are culpable for memberships which have been historically and are still largely ignorant of the Bible’s directives and promises. Though every child of God necessarily begins his or her new life in Christ as a babe (1 Peter 2:2), remaining as a babe in Christ is spiritually dangerous because such a one is unprepared to distinguish between “good and evil” (Hebrews 5:12-14). Can apostasy from the one, true church of the Bible be far off for any congregation of spiritual babies (1 Timothy 4:1-3; 2 Timothy 3:1-3; 4:3-4; 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4)?
I’m Chasing Rabbits, Inc.
I’m Chasing Rabbits, Inc. is when the teacher voluntarily, or is drawn by his or her class, goes everywhere and nowhere at the same time. It is pointless to turn to the announced biblical text since that is not where things are headed, and, frankly, the whole class period may expire without ever even reading the passage that was supposed to be the objective. I’m Chasing Rabbits, Inc. is great for an endless series of classes, but the end result is completely pointless as a means of knowing God’s Word more perfectly and translating heightened edification into more orderly and devoted Christian living, Christian service or Christian worship.
Many years ago, when I was a preacher student, other classmates and I sometimes shamefully attempted to lure our instructors into chasing rabbits because that was an easier road than the harder course of earnest studying. Decades afterward when I became an instructor in a school of preaching, I suspect that, at times, my students were more interested in chasing rabbits than they were in applying themselves to their studies.
There are any number of reasons for which teachers and preachers in our local churches may appear to be charter members of I’m Chasing Rabbits, Inc. Perhaps the teacher is inexperienced or otherwise unprepared to effectively teach. Or, it may be that the teacher hasn’t made adequate preparation, and hence, he or she resorts to the gift of gab, but simply because words come easily to someone doesn’t equate to biblical teaching and preaching.
It may be that a teacher or preacher doesn’t take the responsibility of teaching or preaching seriously enough, and so he casually goes through the motions at the appointed times. He may assume that he knows more about the Bible than anyone else present, and besides no one will contrast what he says with what God’s Word actually teaches (Acts 17:11). I shudder to think that a Gospel preacher or a Bible class teacher is too lazy to enthusiastically embrace his responsibilities. Be it remembered that God will more closely scrutinize in the Judgment teachers of God’s Word than other children of God. “My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment” (James 3:1 NKJV).
It Says What It Means
and Means What It Says
A measure of the biblical literacy of a congregation became alarmingly apparent when a brother in Christ, in the absence of the local preacher, attempted to teach a Bible class. Unfortunately, though, this is not an isolated spiritual malady. He proceeded to read a Scripture, and then say, “Well, it says what it means, and it means what it says. Let’s go on and read the next verse.” It is no wonder that Christians are ill-prepared to act out first century Christianity in their lives when neither they nor their teachers are able to comprehend biblical teaching. One cannot apply to his or her life what he or she does not know!
This train wreck of congregational instruction is so commonplace that it has become sort of a joke about which brethren sometimes amuse themselves. It’s not the least bit funny! Instead, it’s tragic and a serious contributor to a biblically uninformed membership, which is ripe for apostasy. Ignorant of what Scripture teaches, Christians such as these may well become victims of false teachers. “Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple” (Romans 16:17-18).
Putting in the Time
I went to Bible class this morning. Check! I attended worship this morning and this afternoon. Check! I attended Bible class tonight. Check! However, productive Bible classes and worship for anyone attending those assemblies must amount to much more than merely putting in the time! Bible classes and worship periods need to be more important to us than simply a series of checkoff boxes! Our classes need to be meaningful. Both the teacher or preacher and those in attendance need to have a greater investment in Bible classes and worship than just putting in the time.
Compulsory attendance of Bible classes and worship services ought to be complemented with a heartfelt and burning desire to participate in them. We need to invest ourselves in Christianity (2 Corinthians 8:5), and then, we will eagerly seek opportunities for Bible classes and worship. “I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go into the house of the Lord’” (Psalm 122:1). Simply put, our Bible classes and worship times should be edification-based, versus obligation-based.
Horizontal Fellowship
Camaraderie or fellowship certainly has its place in Christianity, but it is not the objective of teaching and preaching. Instead of fellowship being horizontally directional in our Bible classes, for instance, those Bible study occasions should be instances of fellowship being vertically directional. Rather than making Bible classes primarily additional opportunities for fellowship or enjoying a sense of community with fellow Christians, we ought to be listening to God and fellowship with Him through the study of His Holy Word.
Especially ladies’ classes have a reputation of devolving into social affairs instead of delving seriously into Bible study. Of course, such a stereotype doesn’t fairly represent all ladies’ Bible classes. Ladies’ or men’s classes, as well as combined classes of brothers and sisters, can be so overpopulated with announcements and various concerns that little time remains for Bible study. Shouldn’t an assembly designated as a Bible class devote most of its allotted time to studying the Bible?
Text Optional
How could anything be designated as a Bible study that doesn’t inspect a biblical text? Nevertheless, some Bible class times give way to miscellaneous dissertations about nothingness relative to the Bible. The very concept of the words “Bible study” or “class” would seem to require a meaningful examination of a biblical text pertinent to an announced topic or Scripture. Yet, such an idea is lost on some teachers and preachers. Unfortunately, often a stipulated Scripture becomes merely a pretext – a jumping off point for the teacher or preacher to say whatever he likes or whatever comes to his mind as he is speaking. For such ones, alleged Bible classes and sermons find the biblical text as optional!
It is pleasing to our ears to hear an orator unload on us his skillful and eloquent speechmaking, but we must be careful that we don’t admire the oratory more than a true, biblical message. “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables” (2 Timothy 4:2-4).
There exists a popular form of teaching and preaching today that emphasizes oratory over teaching content. It goes like this. Tell an interesting story to hook the auditors’ attention. Then, read a Scripture and make an application. This method is short and sweet, and further, because it is a form of extemporaneous speaking – which requires few if any notes – the speaker can maintain constant eye contact with his audience. What’s not to like? It’s short and sweet! It is easy for the presenter and equally easy for the listener. Yet, one could hardly live long enough through such means to hear presented “the whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27).
Both Moses and the apostle Paul were anything but orators (Exodus 4:10; 2 Corinthians 10:10; 11:6), but they were “mighty in words” (Acts 7:22; 1 Thessalonians 1:5). It wasn’t miscellaneous interesting stories but the Word of God with which they filled their messages. “For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe” (1 Thessalonians 2:13). Biblical text is neither optional nor minimally important to teaching and preaching.
Making a Point
Sometimes preachers and teachers among the churches of Christ misuse and abuse Scripture as badly as we often attribute to denominational churches. Any Scripture used out of context serves merely as a pretext for the speaker to say or to teach whatever he desires – whether it is true or false. There is no excuse for using words and verses out of their correct context to teach something else. Yet, this happens frequently among our preachers and teachers. It doesn’t matter the number of academic institutes from which he may have obtained degrees, a preacher or a teacher is teaching falsely – a false teacher in that regard – anytime he uses words and verses divorced from their proper contexts to teach something else. If something is true and derives from God’s Word, one ought to always resort to the passages that teach said truths rather than taking the Bible out of context. A primary distinction between the churches of Christ and all other world religions is our loyalty to the Word of God. The word “faith” in Romans 14:23 is a prominent case in point, where “faith” in this context refers to one’s conscience – not to either the Christian faith (Acts 6:7) or to one’s faith that Jesus is the Christ and the Son of God (John 8:24). Such abuses of God’s Holy Word are sloppy at best and malicious at worst but wholly unacceptable and counterproductive.
Study a Scripture
First, there must be Scripture under consideration. The Scripture arises either out of a desire to know more about a specific portion of the Bible or because it relates to a specified biblical topic. Exegesis or explanation of a passage of Scripture is the basis of expository preaching or teaching. Topical preaching or studies, however, consider a number of Scriptures, possibly from both testaments of the Bible, which address the same or a similar biblical topic or subject.
The context of one or more Scripture passages is immeasurably important to a proper understanding of the Word of God. Context includes surrounding verses, the chapter of a Bible book, the Bible book, overall Bible teaching about something, the speaker, the original recipients of the message, the culture and customs of the recipients of the teaching, the climate, the geography, the time period, whether the passage contains literal or figurative language and as many additional considerations that may be relevant to a passage.
The objective of studying Scripture is multifaceted. Foremost, the Bible student needs to ascertain what the original recipients of a biblical message were expected to understand. After all, the Bible is first of all communication between God and mankind; God expects people to understand His Word.
Next, what was the application of a biblical message to the original recipients? Then, does God expect people today to apply that message to themselves? We are not required to build a floating zoo as Noah was called upon to do. Our worship now does not involve animal sacrifices. In our time, we need to learn foreign languages or use translators to preach or to teach people whose language we do not speak, rather than to use a miraculous ability to do so.
Even if a Scripture does not apply to us in the 21st century, it may contain implications and principles that apply to us (Romans 15:4). All of the foregoing in this section contributes to a better understanding of God’s Word and promotes our biblical edification.
Conclusion
Edification is the purpose for which one studies the Word of God, or if a teacher or a preacher, what he hopes for the ones for whom he preaches or teaches (1 Corinthians 14:12). “…But we do all things, beloved, for your edification” (2 Corinthians 12:19).
A Marvelous Model
Rodney Nulph, Associate Editor
The apostle Paul was a steadfast soldier in the Lord’s army. His inspired writings keep us on track and encourage even the most discouraged of saints. However, Paul needed encouragement too! He was human and faced struggles that are common to all mankind. In fact, dare I say that Paul faced even more difficult hardships than most Christians will ever face (2 Corinthians 11:25-28). Despite his struggles, Paul had some brethren who seemed to encourage him to keep pressing on even when times were bleak. Brethren like those in Philippi, Rome, Thessalonica and other locations as well encouraged Paul. In fact, when Paul wrote his first letter to those in Thessalonica, he told the brethren that they were “examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe” (1 Thessalonians 1:7 NKJV).
Their godly influence and faithful example were heard of all around (1 Thessalonians 1:8). Why were folks so encouraged by this local assembly of Christians? What made this congregation of God’s people such a marvelous model of what authentic Christianity is all about? Paul explained, “For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come” (1 Thessalonians 1:9-10). Their Christianity was authentic because it involved at least three necessary qualities.
Firstly, there was an alteration. “For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols…” (1 Thessalonians 1:9). Salvation for the Thessalonians was not merely outward in appearance, but they severed their relationship with the world. Far too many times Christianity becomes a “checklist” way of life. “Do this, don’t do this, say this, never say that,” etc. While there are certainly commands to be obeyed as Christians, the alteration that we undergo should be a joyful and willing way of life. Altering our lives to the will of the Savior is not burdensome or grievous (1 John 5:2-3)! Christianity will never be lived as God intends until a true alteration of heart and mind takes place. Godly sorrow leads us to change our lives (2 Corinthians 7:8-10). Paul was greatly encouraged when he saw an alteration in the lives of his brethren in Thessalonica.
Secondly, there was action. “…to serve the living and true God…” (1 Thessalonians 1:9). Christianity is not just ceasing to do the wrong thing. If the Thessalonians would have only stopped serving idols and not actively and passionately served the true God of Heaven, their faith would not have been complete. The word “serve” here carries with it the idea “to be devoted to.” Far too often Christianity is seen as merely ‘being on the roll’ of a particular congregation. To be devoted to involves and includes active participation in the Lord’s work. There is no such thing as an unemployed Christian. Jesus compared disciples to branches on a tree, and those branches that bear no fruit are cut off (John 15). The Thessalonians were willingly and actively bearing fruit for the Master, whereby they were the fuel to feed Paul’s spiritual fire.
Thirdly, there was an awaiting. “And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come” (1 Thessalonians 1:10). “Wait” here carries with it the idea of excited anticipation. How do you view a fun and exciting event in your life? We usually think of such events often, talk about them regularly and plan for their arrival. One of the greatest parts of Christianity is anticipating Heaven! It is impossible to think about Heaven, talk about Heaven and plan for Heaven without being excited about going there. Unfortunately, some Christians fail to look beyond today and allow the troubles of this life to zap their joy. It does not take much effort to notice the scowl and misery on the face of those in the world. Very few have any joy or have a remote hint of a smile. Sometimes Christians can fall victim to this plague as well, especially when we forget about what it is for which we are waiting! I am going to see Jesus soon! I am going to Heaven; this world is not my home! Misery and heartache are not eternal! The Thessalonians were engulfed with “much affliction” (1 Thessalonians 1:6), and so it was essential for them to remember regularly that the problems they were facing were only temporary. Our situation is no different! Trouble is part of this life, but troubles are not in the life to come for Christians.
The lesson for us is clear. Purposefully turn from your idols (anything that comes before God), passionately serve the living God and patiently wait for the Savior. In doing this, our faith will be noticed and the Word of God will be sounded forth all over this sinful world! Like the Thessalonians, let’s each be a marvelous model for Christ!