Page 4 - Teaching Principles and Methods Student Textbook short

We teach by the way we live. We teach in the way we respond to life. Everyone is teaching someone
else.

There are hundreds of verses in the Bible about teaching. In fact, there are over 200 verses that directly
or indirectly describe the duty or the results of teaching. The children of Israel were commanded to
teach their children throughout the day and night to walk in the ways of the Lord (Deut. 11). Some
generations did this effectively, and the next generation obeyed God. But some neglected the duty to
teach, and as a result, whole generations would turn from God to idols. One king was godly, but his son
may be wicked. Why? He may have been so busy running the country that he did not teach his son
God’s ways. Perhaps his son rejected the teachings of his father. We really don’t know. But we do
know that Scripture makes it VERY clear that is our duty to teach and train our children to walk with
God, with the promise, that as they mature, they will not turn from it (Prov. 22:6).

Since we are all teachers in one way or another, should we not consider how to be the very best
teachers for the glory of God?

Colossians 3: 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God the Father through him.

I Corinthians 10: 31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

So we must ask ourselves the question, “What does it take to become a good, or even great teacher?”
The answer is a lot of work! Let look at key principles you need to understand to become a great
teacher.

1. Understand your calling.

You are called to teach. God has commanded you to be involved daily in
the process of guiding others to become holy and righteous people. If you
are a pastor, you are called by God to preach the Word (II Timothy 4:2), and
to teach your church to follow Christ’s commandments (Titus 2: 1-15). If
you are a parent, you are called to teach and train your children. Husbands
are called to teach their wives. You might be asked to teach a class at your
church. Whether you like it or not, as a believer, you have been
commanded to teach others.

Exodus 18:20 Teach them his decrees and instructions, and show them the way they are to live and how
they are to behave.

Titus 2:1 But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine.

Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing
one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

I Timothy 4: 13 Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and
teaching.

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