Wednesday, December 31, 2008

teaching others


I have preached the gospel for over 30 years. I'm 52 and while I used to be the young guy, I suddenly find myself being the old fellow on the block. The younger ministers are continually asking me, "How do I teach other people?". I believe this is the answer. I also believe that this is the way that Jesus did it himself.

The process of teaching others
1) Tell me and I may remember.
2) Show me and I will remember longer.
3) Involve me and I will never forget.
4) Allow me or permit me to express it in my own words to my own generation in my own way of expression. The teacher should face their own fears that he or she failed to teach me. The teacher should trust the fact that they have done their best And the idea will be passed on.

1) Tell me and I may remember.

1Co 1:21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

It has always been God's intention to save people by using people telling other people. He wants us to share our faith out loud. Like my old grandmother said however, actions always speak louder than words.

(Mat 13:34) All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them:

(Mat 13:35) That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.

(Mat 13:13) Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.

Your words should be something that people remember. In order to help this process, Jesus used parables. Now, a parable shouldn't necessarily be some sort of Chinese proverb or something that it takes forever to figure out. It should be a catchy story or example that should be teaching the principles that you desire to convey. The purpose is to open up understanding. Teach the parables and principles of Jesus but don't be afraid to teach parables of your own also. Make it your life's mission to look for stories that make your points.

2) Show me and I will remember longer.

The message Bible says this;
(1Ti 4:12) And don't let anyone put you down because you're young. Teach believers with your life: by word, by demeanor, by love, by faith, by integrity.

(Mat 7:28) When Jesus concluded his address, the crowd burst into applause. They had never heard teaching like this.

(Mat 7:29) It was apparent that he was living everything he was saying--quite a contrast to their religion teachers! This was the best teaching they had ever heard.

People love to follow an example that they can see. They love the genuine article. A preacher, teacher, leader, not only teaches with his words but with his lifestyle.

3) Involve me and I will never forget.

(Luk 10:1) After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.

(Luk 10:17) And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.

I believe that Jesus knew the strength of involving other people in ministry. He knew that his time was short. He knew that eventually his work must be carried on. He sent the disciples out two by two to allow them to do the very things that they had seen him do. It is the purpose of the leader to model leadership. Often times the principle is much more important than the leader themselves.

4) Allow me or permit me to express it in my own words to my own generation in my own way of expression. The teacher should face their own fears that he or she failed to teach me. The teacher should trust the fact that they have done their best And the idea will be passed on.

Luk 22:2 And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him; for they feared the people.

Joh 5:18 Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.

Here is where the rubber meets the road. Most established institutions or forms of belief are always threatened by newcomers. The scribes and Pharisees were scared to death of Jesus. They were also afraid of the people. They were afraid that people would leave and that they (the Pharisees) would lose their power. Do not be afraid to allow new generations of people to take what you have taught them and apply those principles. Each generation may do it slightly different than the former one but it is their job to convey the principle that you have thought was necessary to teach. Allow them to be themselves and express it in their own way.

I think the work you are doing in Ukraine is wonderful. I think that you are teaching and making a wonderful impact. Keep up the good work. Keep allowing them to put things in their own language so that the very truth of the Gospel will be passed on.

Thanks

Cliff

2 comments:

  1. Cliff, Thanks for the advice. I pray God opens my heart,mind and spirit to entice others to joyfully spread the Gospel.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thank you sister. I'm praying for your needs there. I'm also praying that God would provide many partners for the year

    ReplyDelete