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The Role of Teaching in the Christian Life

Teaching is an integral part of the Christian life. Whether formally or informally, Christians have the responsibility to share God’s Word and principles with others. Jesus’ command in Matthew 28:19-20, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you,” emphasizes the importance of teaching in the Great Commission. Within the Christian congregation, this responsibility is further highlighted. Ephesians 4:11-13 speaks of the roles of “shepherds and teachers” given to build up the congregation, and Titus 2:3-5 encourages mature women to be “teachers of what is good” to younger women.

Imitating Jesus’ Teaching Methods

To improve our effectiveness as teachers, we should look to the Great Teacher, Jesus Christ. Although we cannot achieve His perfection, we can strive to emulate His teaching methods to the best of our abilities. Jesus taught with simplicity, effective questions, logical reasoning, and fitting illustrations. By adopting these methods, we can communicate the truths of God’s Word more effectively.

Keeping It Simple

Simplicity was a hallmark of Jesus’ teaching. The basic truths of God’s Word are not complicated, and Jesus conveyed these truths in a way that was accessible to all, including those who were “unlettered and ordinary” (Acts 4:13). In prayer, Jesus praised the Father for revealing these truths to “babes” rather than to the “wise and intellectual ones” (Matthew 11:25). This simplicity is essential for making spiritual truths clear and understandable.

Using Plain Language

Jesus used plain language that His listeners could easily grasp. For example, in His parables, He often employed everyday situations and common experiences to illustrate spiritual principles. To teach with simplicity, we should avoid high-sounding words and complex phrases that might intimidate or confuse our listeners. Instead, we should follow Jesus’ example by choosing simple, clear language that conveys the truth with power (1 Corinthians 2:1-2).

Avoiding Information Overload

Jesus was considerate of the limitations of His disciples, understanding that they could only absorb so much at once. In John 16:12, He said, “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now.” Similarly, when teaching others, we should be mindful of their needs and abilities, avoiding the temptation to overwhelm them with too much information. Our goal is to help them understand and apply the truths of God’s Word, even if that means taking time to explain concepts thoroughly and at a pace they can manage (Romans 12:2).

Clarity in Public Speaking

When giving talks in the congregation, it is crucial to ensure that our speech is “easily understood” (1 Corinthians 14:9). This can be achieved by explaining unfamiliar terms, avoiding wordiness, and not trying to cover too much material in one session. By focusing on a few main points and presenting them clearly, we can help our audience grasp and retain the information.

Effective Use of Questions

Jesus was a master at using questions to engage His listeners, stimulate their thinking, and reveal their hearts. Questions can be powerful tools for teaching and can help us connect with our audience on a deeper level.

Engaging Householders

When preaching from house to house, we can use questions to pique the interest of householders. Observing their surroundings can provide clues for tailoring our questions to their circumstances. For example, if there are toys in the yard, indicating children in the home, we might ask, “Have you ever wondered what the world will be like when your children grow up?” This approach helps to create a connection and opens the door for discussing God’s Kingdom (Psalm 37:10-11).

Probing Bible Study Questions

In conducting Bible studies, we can use questions to draw out the thoughts and feelings of the student. Proverbs 20:5 states, “The purpose in a man’s heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out.” For instance, when discussing God’s view of dishonesty or fornication, we might ask, “Does Jehovah’s view of such matters seem reasonable to you?” or “How can you apply these Bible principles in your life?” Such questions encourage the student to engage with the material on a personal level and reflect on its relevance to their life.

Public Speaking Techniques

Public speakers can also make effective use of rhetorical questions—questions that do not require an audible response but prompt the audience to think. Jesus frequently used this technique (Matthew 11:7-9). Additionally, questions can be used to outline main points at the beginning of a talk and to review them at the conclusion, helping to reinforce key messages.

Shepherding with Questions

Christian elders can use questions to offer comfort and guidance during shepherding visits. For example, to reassure a discouraged individual, an elder might point to Psalm 34:18 and ask, “Jehovah is near to whom? Do you at times feel ‘broken at heart’ and ‘crushed in spirit’? If, as the Bible says, Jehovah is near to such ones, does that not mean that He is near to you?” Such questions help to personalize the Scriptures and provide spiritual encouragement.

Logical Reasoning

Jesus employed logical reasoning to convey spiritual truths effectively. This method helps to reach the hearts of listeners with sound, persuasive arguments (Acts 19:8; 28:23-24).

Simple Yet Effective Reasoning

Sound reasoning does not need to be complicated. Simple, logical arguments can often be the most persuasive. For example, when someone doubts the existence of God because they cannot see Him, we might use the natural law of cause and effect to reason, “If you were in a remote area and came across a well-built house stocked with food, you would readily accept that someone built that house and filled its cupboards. So, too, when we see the design evident in nature and the abundance of food in earth’s ‘pantry,’ does it not make sense to accept that Someone is responsible?” This line of reasoning echoes the Bible’s argument in Hebrews 3:4, “Of course, every house is constructed by someone, but he that constructed all things is God.”

Highlighting Jehovah’s Qualities

We can use logical reasoning to highlight Jehovah’s qualities and ways. The “how much more so” line of reasoning, which Jesus used (Luke 11:13; 12:24), can be particularly effective. For instance, to expose the absurdity of the hellfire doctrine, we might say, “No loving father would punish his child by holding his child’s hand in a fire. How much more so must the very idea of hellfire be repugnant to our loving heavenly Father!” (Jeremiah 7:31). Similarly, to illustrate Jehovah’s care for individuals, we might reason, “If Jehovah knows each of the billions of stars by name, how much more must He care about humans who love Him and were bought with the precious blood of His Son!” (Isaiah 40:26; Acts 20:28).

Fitting Illustrations

Illustrations are powerful tools for making abstract concepts more concrete and understandable. Jesus was a master at using illustrations drawn from everyday life to convey deep spiritual truths (Mark 4:33-34).

Characteristics of Effective Illustrations

For an illustration to be effective, it should fit the audience, reasonably parallel the point being made, avoid unnecessary details, and have a clear application. Jesus’ illustrations often drew on the common experiences of His listeners, making His teachings relatable and memorable.

Finding and Using Illustrations

We can find fitting illustrations by observing the world around us, drawing on personal experiences, and considering the varied backgrounds of fellow believers. Simple, everyday examples can be very effective. For instance, to illustrate God’s forgiveness, we might say, “When Jehovah forgives our sins, He wipes them away as though using a sponge or an eraser.” Such illustrations are vivid and easy to grasp.

Christian publications, such as those by Christian Publishing House Blog, provide many excellent examples of illustrations. By studying how these publications use illustrations, we can learn to adapt them for our teaching needs. For example, comparing the different personalities in a congregation to the variety of vehicles on a road effectively highlights the diversity and unity among believers.

Conclusion

Imitating the Great Teacher, Jesus Christ, involves adopting His methods of simplicity, effective use of questions, logical reasoning, and fitting illustrations. By doing so, we can become more effective teachers of God’s Word, helping others to understand and apply spiritual truths in their lives. This approach not only fulfills our commission to make disciples but also brings joy and satisfaction as we share the life-changing message of God’s Kingdom.

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).