(Lesson 4) Introduction to Teaching the Bible: How to Teach the Bible

Now that we have a grasp of reading, understanding, and applying the Bible, we can bridge the gap to how to teach the Bible. We will consider Paul’s divinely inspired description of the Church in Ephesians 4:11–16.

God has given His church many gifts, including the apostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastor-teachers. As the church grew and mature (displayed in the books of Acts and the New Testament epistles), we see the pastor-teacher, or elders, are the primary teachers in the church. But this does not mean that individual members do not have a role in sharing the Scriptures with one another. In fact, as we continue to read Paul’s words we see the emphasis on the “we.”

We are to mature, we are not to be children, we are to grow as we speak the truth in love, we have specific roles for which God has created us. Teaching in an official sense is the work of the elders. But there are different levels in which we can teach the Word of God, which we will discuss this evening.

But first, let’s observe a few considerations. These are practical and I hope helpful as you share the Word of God with others.

I. Introductory Considerations

The first steps are to read and understand the passage of Scripture first before we ever entertain the thought of teaching. We Just as we cannot apply what we do not understand or read, so too, we cannot teach what we have not applied, nor what we have not even read. There are some people who teach who get up and say, “Well, I have not really prepared, y’all pray for me!” That should never happen. I do not mean to imply that there are never any special circumstances, but as a rule, this should not be the case.

A. Do the work—read, understand, apply

We mentioned last week Ephesians 3:1–6, but it is a good thought. We read, understand, and apply the Scriptures we seek to help others understand.

B. Consider the Audience—to whom am I teaching?

Are the Christians? What are their backgrounds? What struggles are they facing? Are they mature? The New Testament epistles consider the audience. They write specifically to them and their needs and problems. Peter writes his letters to people facing persecution. Paul writes his letter to the Thessalonians for several reasons, one being their misunderstanding about the end times.

We must also consider the audience. Paul provides us with an excellent example of this. In Acts 9:19–22 “and taking food, he was strengthened. For some days he was with the disciples at Damascus. And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.” And all who heard him were amazed and said, “Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called upon this name? And has he not come here for this purpose, to bring them bound before the chief priests?” But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ.”

How did Paul prove that Jesus was the Christ? Through the Old Testament Scriptures. He was preaching and teaching Jewish people.

What about Gentiles? Those not Jewish? Acts 17:16–34 demonstrates a change in Paul’s approach. He still used the Word of God, he just used it a little differently. He told of the creation story (17:24–27) and bridged the gap to what the Athenians would know in “the unknown God” (17:23). Paul always consider his audience.

Hebrews is another example, in Hebrews 5:11–14 “About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.”

There is more to be said here, but this gives you an idea of different approaches in the Bible.

C. Consider the Time—how long do I have?

You may be meeting a friend for coffee or lunch, or you may have a few minutes, or you may have half an hour. Think about what you will say before hand.

D. Consider the Structure—will it be formal or informal?

Not much to add here, but the approaches will be very different.

E. Consider the Method—notes, manuscript, or extemporaneous?

I won’t go into great detail here, but in formal settings people tend to use notes (like an outline), a full manuscript, or to speak extemporaneously. I would recommend using these all and find what works best for you.

II. One-on-One Teaching (Discipleship & Biblical Counseling)

This will be the majority of our teaching opportunities. Friends, family, etc. will present a multitude of times to help people understand God’s Word better.

Acts 20:20–21 “how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house, testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.”

We spoke last week about the applications of Scripture. These applications can be tailored to individual needs. For example, let’s say you struggle with anxiety. Philippians 4:4–9 provides us with a passage of peace for individuals struggling with anxiety.

But people struggle with different aspects. One person may be worried about their children’s safety, another may be anxious about weather, and another may be worried about politics. The applications will be different, though the truths of God’s peace will be the same.

This is, by the way, where “teaching” the Bible gets really fun. We truly believe God’s Word is for God’s people and has all that we need for a life of godliness (2 Pet. 1:3–4).

I list “discipleship” and “biblical counseling” in parentheses because these are the two main avenues through which we do one-on-one teaching. Discipleship assumes a regular life of growth. Biblical counseling assumes that we are struggling with something in an additional way.

Romans 15:14 ESV

I myself am satisfied about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another.

1 Thessalonians 5:12 ESV

We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you,

Now, before we move on to group teaching, let me say one more thing. We read Ephesians 4:11–16, and we noted the mutual edification that is to be in the church. Members help one another and further one another’s sanctification as we minister the Word of God. You should, as you seek to grow in your own Christlikeness help others grow in theirs.

III. Group Teaching

Titus 2:1–10 offers a good demonstration of types of group teaching.

There seems to be a division between older (i.e., mature) believers teaching younger (i.e., maturing) believers into two main groups: men and women.

This is a natural division as men have more in common with men and women likewise have more in common with women. Older men have experienced the challenges of life as husbands, fathers, and just men generally. The same for older ladies and younger ladies.

Generally speaking, churches have either Sunday School classes or small groups in which typically an individual (or, possibly two) heads a lesson or discussion.

These can be formal (Sunday School) and informal (small group), and will range in the various approaches to delivery.

IV. Public Teaching

The Public Teaching of God’s Word, at least the way I am using it, comes to the preaching of God’s Word in His Church. This would be what I do on Sunday mornings, and the men that we have been blessed with in this congregation. This is reserved for qualified men. This is formal in nature.

V. Types of Teaching

Briefly, let me offer a few ways by which you can prepare to share God’s Word with others. I will not dwell on each one but simply provide an idea of the various approaches to delivering the Word of God.

A. From Personal Study

This comes from your study of the Scriptures. You have read, understood, applied, and then want to share it with other people. You may record your studies in journals or in the margins of your Bibles (wide-margin Bibles) or simply remember what you read.

B. From Expository Study

Expository Study is what we do together on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings. We work out way through books of the Bible in a verse-by-verse way. We read it together, understand it together, and apply it together.

This is an excellent way both to preach and study the Scriptures individually. It requires a good bit of work, but the benefits are wonderful.

C. From Systematic Study

Charles Hodge defines systematic theology this way,

“Theology, therefore, is the exhibition of the facts of Scripture in their proper order and relation, with the principles or general truths involved in the facts themselves, and which pervade and harmonize the whole.” (Charles Hodge, Systematic Theology, I:19)

A systematic study collects all the biblical materials on a subjects and, as the name implies, systematizes it. These would be the -ologies of the faith: soteriology (doctrine of salvation), ecclesiology (doctrine of the church), demonology (doctrine of demons), and my favorite word, eschatology (doctrine of last things).

D. From Biblical-Theology Study

Biblical Theology is super fun! It traces themes across Scripture that reveal the glories of Christ.

Here is one definition that may be helpful.

“Biblical theology studies how the whole Bible progresses, integrates, and climaxes in Christ.” (Jason DeRouchie, Oren Martin, and Andrew Naselli, 40 Questions about Biblical Theology, 20)

Here are a few “themes” mystery, covenants, the serpent, Sabbath, the Law, and the promised land. There are others as well.

E. From Topical Study

This is similar to systematic and biblical theology, but topical studies tend to focus on aspects like hope, or money, or parenting. In other words, you start with a topic and then study all that the Bible has to say on the subject. Or, another approach is, you want to deal with a particular subject and find a passage that focuses on it and then present that.

F. From Pre-Prepared Study

This could be a book study (such as our book Essential Virtues) or it could be Sunday school literature. Although a good bit of the leg-work has been completed for you, you still have to read over it and check and make sure what you are discussing is biblical.

Practice, practice, practice!