How to Teach the Bible

Class #1: Preparation of the Teacher:

The Calling, Posture, and Purpose of a
Teacher

Introduction: Think of a favorite teacher. What made

them a favorite?

Orientation to the Course

Analogy: Preparing a Meal

1. Preparation of the Teacher: "A Clean Vessel"
2. Preparation of the Lesson: "Cooking the Food"
3. Teaching the Lesson: "Presenting the Food"

I. The Character of a Christ Centered Teacher

A. A deep, developing love for God

Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven-for she loved much. But he who
has been forgiven little loves little." Luke 7:47

Question: How does love for God affect our motives for teaching?

B. A deep, developing love for God’s Word

Psalm 19:9 The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous. 10 They are
more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey
from the comb.

Question: How does a genuine love for God’s Word change a teacher’s effectiveness?

C. A deep, developing love for people

… but we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children. We loved you
so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives
as well, because you had become so dear to us. 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8

Question: How do you respond to those you teach who do not listen, do not change, do not
agree, or do not show up?

1
II. The Concerns of a Christ Centered Teacher

A. To see people develop more and more their understanding of God and Scripture
2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke
and encourage-- with great patience and careful instruction. 3 For the time will come when
men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather
around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.

B. To see people develop more and more into the image of Christ
Ephesians 4:11-1311 It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some
to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12 to prepare God’s people for
works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the
faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole
measure of the fullness of Christ.

Question: How would our teaching look different if we are concerned about spiritual
transformation in our hearers?

C. To see people develop more and more in their unique calling to serve Christ
“He appointed twelve-designating them apostles-that they might be with him and that he
might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons. “Mark 3:14-15

Question: What allows a teacher to successfully draw out the best in people?

III. The Competencies of a Christ Centered Teacher

A. A thorough knowledge of the subject

When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching,
because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.
Matthew 7. 28-29

So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am the
one I claim to be and that I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has
taught me. John 8.28

Question: Why is thorough knowledge of the subject vital for successful teaching?

B. A thorough knowledge of the teaching/learning process

2
In Groups: Read over these verses. What do you notice about Jesus’ teaching method?

Mark 4:2 He taught them many things by parables, and in his teaching said:
Mark 11:17 And as he taught them, he said, “Is it not written:
”‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations’? But you have made it ‘a den of
robbers.’”
Luke 5.3: Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.
Luke 11.1: When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just
as John taught his disciples.” 2 He said to them, “When you pray, say:
Matthew 9:11 When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your
teacher eat with tax collectors and ‘sinners’?”
Matthew 26.55: Every day I sat in the temple courts teaching, and you did not arrest me.
Mark 6.6: Then Jesus went around teaching from village to village.

C. A thoroughly developed gift of teaching

Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have
the same function, 5 so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member
belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a
man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. 7 If it is serving, let him
serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8 if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is
contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him
govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. Romans 12:4-8

Question: What steps can one take to develop their gift of teaching?

Take home assignment: Discuss with someone who knows you well: How clearly do I
reflect the character, concerns and competencies of a Christ Centered Teacher? Where
am I strong and where am I weak? What steps could you take to grow as a teacher?

3
 HOW TO TEACH THE BIBLE

DESCRIPTION: This class is designed to train both men and women at Uptown church how to more
effectively teach God's Word. It will cover a variety of topics including: Bible study tools and resources, basic
hermeneutical principles, how to analyze a text, how to prepare a lesson, and principles and methodology of
teaching. The class would be ideal for current leaders/teachers at Uptown Church but is also open to anyone
with an interest in becoming a more effective teacher.

TEACHERS: Mike Kruger and Greg Lanier

TIME AND PLACE: Every Sunday in November-December, 9:15-10:15 AM

3rd floor

COURSE OUTLINE:

I. Preparation of the Teacher: The Calling, Posture, and Purpose of a Teacher (Nov 4th)

II. The Preparation of the Lesson

A. Basic Hermeneutical Principles (Nov 11th)

B. Study, Tools, and Resources (Nov 18th)

C. Verbal and Structural Analysis of the Text (Nov 25th)

III. Teaching the Lesson

A. Structure and Outline of the Lesson-Part 1 (Dec 2)

B. Structure and Outline of the Lesson- Part 2 (Dec 9)

C. Teaching Style/Method (Dec 16)

D. Classroom Management (Dec 23)

4
5