Being An Effective Teacher

Topic
The Church
Acts 20:20 In this passage Paul outlined two kinds of teaching; in the assembly and out of the assembly. In an effort to teach God's word, many have gone beyond this plan and created new ways of teaching. Though these innovations often violate plain teachings of scripture, it is not within the scope of this lesson to examine these errors. I would rather give time to talking about God's plan and how we can be better teachers. This speaks to the Men who teach in the assembly and all of us who teach in our homes. In each category different things will be discussed that can make us more effective teachers in whatever capacity we may serve. Some things said will apply to either category of teaching.

1. In The Assembly:

    A. Learning Experience: 1 Cor. 14:31 (God says that the purpose of teaching in the assembly is that all may learn! See also verse 24-26. This includes children and unbelievers!) Deut. 31:11-13 (The same principle is taught in the law of Moses. Again, while man has invented new ways to teach children, God says they can learn in the assembly. Note: Your children (except infants) wont learn if you let them sleep, act up, play and be distracted, etc..) (With all this in mind, it is your responsibility as a teacher to do what you can to make teaching in the assembly a learning experience for all.)

    B. Loving: Eph. 4:15 (We must teach the truth in a loving way. When you teach harsh points from God's word, do the listeners get the idea you love them? When we resort to insults and such, does this reflect love?) 2 Tim. 2:24-25 (When instructing those who oppose the truth of God's word, we must not ridicule or be argumentative. We must instruct in a meek, humble way.) (Illustrate with bantam rooster. The "banty" is small but struts, brags, is prideful. This wins fights with other roosters but it drives people away! To be effective you must be kind and loving.)

    C. Understand, Know: 1 Tim. 1:7 (These people had a desire to teach, but they didn't know what they were talking about. It is good to desire to teach God's word. If you have the ability, you should desire to teach God's word. But desire alone is not enough. You must work, study, to know the subject. To be effective you must know the subject.)

2. In The Home:

    A. You Must Do It: Eph. 6:4 (To be an effective teacher in the home, you've got to do it. God has given parents a responsibility to teach their children. The father is named here. As head of the family, he should take a leading role but the Bible often speaks of the "law of thy mother" as well.) Deut. 11:18-21 (Once more, the law of Moses states the same principle in more specific terms. You must teach your children in the morning, at midday and at night. Note: All have the temptation to sin. Your children are no exception! Someday your children will be lost ... unless you do something about it! Your kids wont listen? Who's in charge?! You don't have time? Do you have time for recreation?! No. making excuses. Just do it.)

    B. Relevant: 2 Tim. 3:16-17 (God's word is profitable. It is practical. It speaks to our everyday problems. It teaches us, convicts us, corrects us and guides us in continuing the right way. To be an effective teacher you must teach things that are relevant to the problems your children are facing. This will help keep their interest.) 2 Tim. 2:15 (Study means to be diligent in study, rightly divide means to make the right application. Study God's word for specific application to daily problems and teach this to your children. Again, this will peak their interest in God's word and make your teaching more effective.)

    C. Planned, Methodical: Isa. 28:9-13 (God's people were complaining about the way his prophets taught the word. Line upon line, here a law, simple repetition. This is the way God told his prophets to speak. We should teach our children the same way. Start when they are young with a foundation of simple, basic teaching. Then build on those principles as you guide them through years of increased growth and learning.)

    D. Illustrate: Ezek. 4:1-3 (God had Ezekiel to illustrate the point with a visual demonstration. This shows that illustrations are an invention of God, not man. And this can make you a more effective teacher.) (Note: You say this is too hard? Too much work? God's plan is that you teach your children. Are you going to tell God his plan wont work for you? If you are not willing to put forth the effort, just get ready to let your kids go because chances are, they will go astray.)

3. Study:

    The real problem is; we don't teach our children because we are ignorant of God's word! Deut. 4:10 (Like Israel, we must learn God's law so that we may teach our children and others.) Ezra 7:10 (Ezra succeeded as a teacher because he set his heart on learning God's word. You must do the same. We don't do this because we are lazy and worldly!)