Becoming Teachers, Coming to Class

Introduction:

We believe that one of the chief and primary aspects of congregational-church life is the teaching of God’s word.

We place a special emphasis on teaching and preaching of the holy Scriptures -

Our goal is to not be ashamed of the gospel that has saved us from our sins and through the preaching and teaching of God’s word, we reveal our interest in these matters.

If we don’t pay attention to the sermons or classes, we reveal how little care we have for God’s gospel. If we don’t attend the classes, then we show disdain for the gospel of our salvation.

Part of having a growing, thriving, and working congregation is a special emphasis upon our Bible classes.

It is through these classes that we learn and grow

It is through these classes we are able to help others grow in grace and knowledge

It is through these classes we are able to help our children and the next generation learn about God’s plan through Jesus Christ to save us from our sins

Bible classes are extremely important; but in order to be successful, we need you!

Becoming a Teacher

Before you think this sermon is about the preacher giving you a guilt trip, consider the role of being a teacher from a Scriptural standpoint:

Becoming a teacher means you are becoming more like Jesus - ; ; ; ; , ,

Becoming a teacher is a sign of spiritual maturity -

“You ought...” With spiritual growth there comes the expectation that Christians become teachers - v. 12

Debunking Church Myths: “I don’t have enough knowledge and understanding of the Bible”

Do you have a buried talent that you are refusing to dig up and try to work on? - ,

From the Parable of the Talents, we see that God will judge us based on what we do have. Whatever (and however limited) your knowledge is, what are you doing with it?

With the one talent man, the issue was laziness.

Are we lazy?

Do we not want to make a time commitment?

Do we have poor attitudes (about the children, about the church, about Bible classes in general)?

Having teachers is a sign of a strong church -

Notice the use of plural nouns/pronouns (“prophets and teachers” - v. 1; “they were ministering” - v. 2; “they had fasted…prayed…they sent them away” - v. 3)

Antioch placed emphasis on teaching - ,

Debunking More Church Myths:

“Teaching Bible classes are the jobs of parents (mothers) who have children” [this assumes there’s a retirement age for class teachers]

Timothy’s mother AND grandmother taught him as a child; a child needs the teaching from people of every age -

Teachers are needed at every age level. We need young mothers who are willing to teach; we need older women who are willing to teach. We need to be excited about classes, not constantly negative about classes. We need new teachers. We need experienced teachers. We need teachers.

Have you become a teacher?

If not, why not?

Coming to Class

Bible classes can really shape us as a Christian, especially from an early age on up through adulthood. It is constant in our life that can be beneficial to us!

Consider some reasons why Bible classes are important:

Edification occurs when we learn - ;

Through teaching God’s word and learning the Bible, we learn about the word of grace which strengthens us and encourages us.

It also secures the inheritance of heaven -

Edification and growth help us become more like Jesus -

Edification helps us prepare for false teachers and spiritual dangers -

Edification and spiritual growth works when we are all working together and supportive of growth; it takes every member -

Everyone should be supportive of opportunities for growth and Bible study! We need teachers and parents who are supportive of classes; we need adult members to come, ready to learn.

For those who do not come to Bible classes, you probably don’t realize how discouraging it is for our teachers to work and prepare to teach a class only to have no one show up. Or to show up late on a regular basis. Teachers feel like they have wasted their time, energy, and resources.

We have agreed upon times where we all plan to come together to ready, study, pray, and sing songs.

We all need to be supportive of one another.

Debunking Another Church Myth: “I don’t get anything out of Bible classes”

Instead of thinking about what you get out of it, first ask yourself what are you putting into it?

You will only get out what you put in/invest -

Conclusion:

Jesus was welcoming to little children and said that the kingdom of God belonged to children and those who would become like little children -

Mark 10:13–16 NASB95

13 And they were bringing children to Him so that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked them. 14 But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and said to them, “Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 “Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.” 16 And He took them in His arms and began blessing them, laying His hands on them.

Parents were bringing their children to the Lord so He could touch them

But the disciples rebuked those parents, as if the children were a nuisance to Jesus

Are you like the parents that bring their children to Jesus?

Or are you like the disciples and feel that your child would be a burden and a nuisance to Jesus, so you don’t bring them to class?

Your children are as close to the kingdom of God as they might ever be. Don’t hinder the children!

Instead, become like your children and believe in God and trust in Jesus Christ.