The 5 E’s of Teaching

"Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church." 1 Corinthians 14:12

Labor Day isn't just the "unofficial end" of the summer for me, but it's also the beginning of Fall discipleship and Bible studies. I'm actually teaching two series this fall. On Sunday mornings, I'm teaching the Gospel of Luke to a wonderful group of women who call themselves the "Faithful Followers." Most of these women are in the 70-90 plus age range and they certainly live up to their class name. They are, indeed, faithful followers of Christ. On Thursday mornings, I'll be leading a group of young Moms through the book of Acts, which is Luke's second book of the New Testament.

This week as I've put the finishing touches on both series, I've thought a lot about teaching, what it is and how we do it. Teaching was certainly important to the Apostle Paul. In his New Testament pastoral letters to young churches, Paul often wrote about teaching. Consider some of Paul's words:

    "a word of instruction...all must be done for the strengthening of the church." ! Corinthians 14:26

    "everyone may be instructed and encouraged." 1 Corinthians 14:31

    "It was he (Christ) who gave some to be apostles....some to be pastors and teachers to prepare God's people for works of service so that the body of Christ may be built up." Ephesians 4:11-12

    "All Scripture is God-breathed & is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.: 2 Timothy 3:16

    "You, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourselves?" Romans 2:21

    "For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we may have hope." Romans 15:4

     "So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter." 2 Thessalonians 2:15

     "What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus." 2 Timothy 1:13

     "The Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful." 2 Timothy 2:24

     "You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love and endurance." 2 Timothy 3:10

     "You, however, must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine." Titus 2:1

     "In everything, set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness, and soundness of speech." Titus 2:7

Sound teaching was important to the Apostle Paul and it should be important to us. Five words can best summarize Paul's instructions to the early Church regarding the teaching of sound doctrine:

  •     Eager

  •     Excel

  •     Edify

  •     Encourage

  •     Equip

Paul's desire for every church and every Christian is that the Body of Christ might grow, build, speak the truth in love, work, and become mature.(Ephesians 4:12-16)

Yesterday while driving down Alford Avenue to my Mama's assisted living center, God used a church sign to challenge me in my teaching. The sign simply read: "The life you lead is the lesson you teach." It was a timely reminder that all of the best doctrine in the world is no substitute for a life well lived. Paul's message was never separated from Paul's life. In fact, Paul's life modeled his message. In doing so, Paul bore witness to the value of knowing and following Christ.  Oh, that our lips and lives would do the same. 

"The life you live is the lesson you teach."