Basic Principles for teaching

We can do it!

Evangelism is a “we thing.” We are not in it alone.

We can grow the Lord’s church when we strive together with the souls of man as our focus. Bringing the good news to man.

Jesus sent out the apostles in 2’s and then the 70 in 2’s too. As we look forward to the time later this year that we do evangelistic door knocking campaign we will go out in 3’s.

We have covered much ground over the last 4-weeks.

Motivation

Perspective

Opportunities

and building courage

(Transition) This morning we are going to look at some basic principles in teaching. Remember we are in it together.

Think of climbing a steep mountain—one person might struggle alone, but a team makes it an adventure! Just like in evangelism, when we partner together, we encourage one another and work off each other's strengths. The Bible often highlights the power of two or more coming together (Matthew 18:20). So, whether it's sharing faith or spreading love, our partnerships amplify our efforts and reach. Let's lift each other as we climb to new spiritual heights!

Time to make a decision

This is the time to make a decision.

I am willing to do a bible study with someone

I am willing to bring someone to do a bible study with someone and sit in.

I am willing to invite someone to do a bible study with someone else.

Should you be ready to begin teaching others, we are covering some basic principles that can increase the likelihood of a successful study.

Something to keep in mind.

There are times and places that are not convenient to do a bible study (i.e. at work, in store, etc.)

People are searching, we need to know they are searching and our place is to invite them to search together, invite them to sit down to have a spiritual conversation.

There will be those who are not serious and will decline, but others are seekers and may inquire more or set up a study.

A no does not mean it is definite, leave the door open for future.

Setting up a study gives you time to prepare to do it, a time, a place, material.

(Note: having spiritual conversations with people is more productive when there is ample time, and the Bible there to be used.)

Listen more to understand.

Our next principle is to seek first to understand than to be understood.

Ask questions like an example we find. (turn to Act8:29-31)

Acts 8:29–31 NASB95

29 Then the Spirit said to Philip, “Go up and join this chariot.” 30 Philip ran up and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet, and said, “Do you understand what you are reading?” 31 And he said, “Well, how could I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.

Ask questions, and listen carefully to what is said; acknowledge often that you are listening and understanding.

Find out where they are at spiritually, know what they believe and you can even ask why they believe what they believe.

Be careful you may be challenging what they have held strong to for years, so be gentle and respectful.

Listen to understand more than to be understood at this point.

(Transition) -These simple, basic things will improve your ability to effectively communicate with them, but also increases the change that they will be attentive listeners too as you were to them.

Disagree without being disagreeable

This principle is knowing that people will frequently disagree with you on some points. Our point is to disagree without being disagreeable.

We want to have a spiritual discussion without it getting into a an argument that produces little light.

Get your bible out, for we have a scripture to look at together, and some I will read or reference.

we want to maintain a spirit of gentleness and humility (ref: Gal6:1)

turn to 2Tim2:23-26

2 Timothy 2:23–26 NASB95

23 But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels. 24 The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, 25 with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.

From these verses

Refuse to be drawn into religious quarrels, if that starts to happen, admit your own frustration and suggest the study continue another time.

Also, do not try to teach if you are not able to teach, (v.24) then turn to Jm3:1-3

James 3:1–3 NASB95

1 Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment. 2 For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well. 3 Now if we put the bits into the horses’ mouths so that they will obey us, we direct their entire body as well.

Be patient (v.24) knowing people come along at different paces.

Be willing to correct, with gentleness and respect and in humility (v.25)

Or we can look at the words of the teacher turn to Pro15:1-2

Proverbs 15:1–2 NASB95

1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. 2 The tongue of the wise makes knowledge acceptable, But the mouth of fools spouts folly.

May we remember what Paul said (v.26) those in error are in “the snare of the devil, having been taken captive to do his will.”

What you have a the word, the sword of the spirit. (quote Eph6:17)

Ephesians 6:17 NASB95

17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

A sharp sword (turn to Heb4:12

Hebrews 4:12 NASB95

12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Be ready to have people read the scripture themselves

Let the bible answer the questions. Use an open bible and invite the person to read the passage. People are more apt to grasp when they read it themselves, and read out loud.

It is hard for someone to disagree when they read something from the scripture themselves.

You show the authority is God’s word not you, your thoughts or your opinions.

Answering difficult questions

Many do not want to teach for they are afraid they do not know enough, or will get hit with a question they do not have the answer too, or are not prepared to answer.

That is OK, it is great to say “I don’t know,” it shows you are a seeker too.

Be honest, it will help gain respect when you say you need to study it out more before giving a good answer to the question.

This is an open door to set up another study. Remember you want to answer the question, write it down, and tell them you want to give a sufficient and correct answer so let’s get together again.

(Transition) What may appear to be a stumbling block can actually be a stepping stone for increased opportunities.

Closing effectively

You decided to invite

You have decided the material

You have had a study

Now what? let’s turn to scripture again, Philip asked the question, got an answer (vv.30-31) You can even see the passage (vv.32-34).

turn to Act8:35-37

Acts 8:35–37 NASB95

35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture he preached Jesus to him. 36 As they went along the road they came to some water; and the eunuch said, “Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?” 37 And Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”

Philip preached Jesus.

The Eunuch now has another question (v.36); and it calls for a response (v.37).

Maybe what you do is ask a couple of questions now.

Do you have any questions on what we discussed today? Does this make sense to you?

Have I been talking, teaching you anything other than what we read in the bible?

We cannot push people, people need to be like we read in (turn to Act2:37)

Acts 2:37 NASB95

37 Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brethren, what shall we do?”

people need to be pierced on their own, you cannot push them, but can invite them if they think they need to be baptized for forgiveness of sins.

If answer is yes, act immediately like all the N.T. examples.

If no, still set up another study and keep studying from where they are at.

Close with offering a prayer.

Follow up afterwards thanking them, and reminding them of the next time you are going to meet, and tell them if they know someone that may want to join them, tell them to invite them.

Now it is decision time here.

Have you decided you are willing to do a study?

Have you decided you are ready to invite someone to study with someone else and you are willing to sit in the study?

Have you decided to invite people to a study done by someone else?

Have you obeyed the gospel

(song) (Prayer)