Bible Study Guides – The Character and Work of the Teacher

May 13, 2012 – May 19, 2012

Key Text

“Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” I Peter 2:5.

Study Help: Testimonies, vol. 6, 145–167.

Introduction

“The Christian teacher who faithfully presents the word of truth, leading his converts to holiness of heart and life, is bringing precious material to the foundation; and in the kingdom of God he will be honored as a wise builder.” Sketches from the Life of Paul, 159, 160.

1 BAPTIZED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT

  • What factor is indispensable to a Christian teacher? John 16:13.

Note: “Principal and teachers need to be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” Testimonies, vol. 6, 153.

“Baptized with the Spirit of Jesus, there will be a love, a harmony, a meekness, a hiding of the self in Jesus that the wisdom of Christ will be given, the understanding enlightened; that which seems dark will be made clear. The faculties will be enlarged and sanctified. He can lead those He is fitting for translation to heaven to loftier heights of knowledge and broader views of truth.” Counsels to Writers and Editors, 81.

  • What should be constantly in a teacher’s mind? I Corinthians 3:9; Hebrews 12:2, 3.

Note: “Christ taught in a way altogether different from ordinary methods, and we are to be laborers together with Him.” Testimonies, vol. 6, 153.

2 STUDENTS OF GOD’S WORD

  • Name some key points a teacher should practice in order to obtain success. I Timothy 4:12, 13, 16; II Timothy 2:15.

Note: “Teaching means much more than many suppose. It requires great skill to make the truth understood. For this reason every teacher should strive to have an increased knowledge of spiritual truth, but he cannot gain this knowledge while divorcing himself from the word of God. If he would have his powers and capabilities daily improved he must study; he must eat and digest the word, and work in Christ’s lines. The soul that is nourished by the bread of life will have every faculty vitalized by the Spirit of God. This is the meat which endureth unto everlasting life. …

“In all their instruction teachers should impart light from the throne of God; for education is a work the effect of which will be seen throughout the ceaseless ages of eternity.

“Teachers should lead students to think, and clearly to understand the truth for themselves. It is not enough for the teacher to explain or for the student to believe; inquiry must be awakened, and the student must be drawn out to state the truth in his own language, thus making it evident that he sees its force and makes the application. By painstaking effort the vital truths should thus be impressed upon the mind. This may be a slow process; but it is of more value than rushing over important subjects without due consideration.” Testimonies, vol. 6, 153, 154.

  • What is the first step in effective teaching? Psalms 1:2; 143:8.

Note: “Teachers need to be constant learners. The reformers need to be themselves reformed, not only in their methods of labor, but in their own hearts.” Testimonies, vol. 6, 154.

“It would be well for us to spend a thoughtful hour each day in contemplation of the life of Christ. We should take it point by point, and let the imagination grasp each scene, especially the closing ones. As we thus dwell upon His great sacrifice for us, our confidence in Him will be more constant, our love will be quickened, and we shall be more deeply imbued with His spirit.” The Desire of Ages, 83.

3 LEARNING AND UNLEARNING

  • Why must teachers be constantly on guard? Colossians 2:8.

Note: “It may be difficult for teachers to give up long-cherished ideas and methods; but if they will honestly and humbly inquire at every step, ‘Is this the way of the Lord?’ and will yield to His guidance, He will lead them in safe paths, and their views will change by experience.” Testimonies, vol. 6, 155.

  • How carefully should educators be selected? Exodus 18:21; Acts 6:3; Ephesians 4:11–13.

Note: “If men and women professing to be Christians have not learned to put away their own evil and childish tempers, how can they expect to be honored and respected?

“Then what carefulness should be exercised in selecting proper persons as instructors, that they may not only be faithful in their work, but may manifest a right temper. If they are not trustworthy, they should be discharged.” Testimonies, vol. 6, 134.

“To place over young children teachers who are proud and unloving is wicked. A teacher of this stamp will do great harm to those who are rapidly developing character.” Ibid., 201.

“In selecting teachers we should use every precaution, knowing that this is as solemn a matter as the selecting of persons for the ministry.” Ibid., 200.

“An important element in educational work is enthusiasm. On this point there is a useful suggestion in a remark once made by a celebrated actor. The archbishop of Canterbury had put to him the question why actors in a play affect their audiences so powerfully by speaking of things imaginary, while ministers of the gospel often affect theirs so little by speaking of things real. ‘With due submission to your grace,’ replied the actor, ‘permit me to say that the reason is plain: It lies in the power of enthusiasm. We on the stage speak of things imaginary as if they were real, and you in the pulpit speak of things real as if they were imaginary.’

“The teacher in his work is dealing with things real, and he should speak of them with all the force and enthusiasm which a knowledge of their reality and importance can inspire.” Education, 233.

4 THE PROSPECT BEFORE US

  • The expectation of what imminent event should motivate the solemn work of the teacher? Zephaniah 1:14.

Note: “We are nearing the close of this earth’s history. We have before us a great work, the closing work of giving the last warning message to a sinful world. There are men who will be taken from the plow, from the vineyard, from various other branches of work, and sent forth by the Lord to give this message to the world.” Testimonies, vol. 7, 270, 271.

  • What scene should motivate us without delay to prepare children, youth, and adults for the call of the hour? Luke 21:25–28.

Note: “The world is out of joint. As we look at the picture, the outlook seems discouraging. But Christ greets with hopeful assurance the very men and women who cause us discouragement. In them He sees qualifications that will enable them to take a place in His vineyard. If they will constantly be learners, through His providence He will make them men and women fitted to do a work that is not beyond their capabilities; through the impartation of the Holy Spirit He will give them power of utterance.” Testimonies, vol. 7, 271.

  • How is God testing all aspiring teachers? Deuteronomy 8:3, last part.

Note: “Victories are not gained by ceremonies or display, but by simple obedience to the highest General, the Lord God of heaven. He who trusts in this Leader will never know defeat. Defeat comes in depending on human methods, human inventions, and placing the divine secondary. Obedience was the lesson that the Captain of the Lord’s host sought to teach the vast armies of Israel—obedience in things in which they could see no success. When there is obedience to the voice of our Leader, Christ will conduct His battles in ways that will surprise the greatest powers of earth.” Testimonies, vol. 6, 140.

5 PEACE IN RIGHT PATHS

  • In the sacred yet challenging task of educational reform, what do we need to consider? Psalm 143:10; Matthew 9:29.

Note: “Let sincerity and faith characterize your prayers. The Lord is willing to do for us ‘exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think’ [Ephesians 3:20]. Talk it; pray it. Do not talk unbelief. We cannot afford to let Satan see that he has power to darken our countenances and sadden our lives.

“Pray in faith. And be sure to bring your lives into harmony with your petitions, that you may receive the blessings for which you pray. Let not your faith weaken, for the blessings received are proportionate to the faith exercised.” Testimonies, vol. 7, 273, 274.

  • What clear distinction does Christ make as He offers us peace of mind in obeying Him and following His ways? John 14:27.

Note: “We need now to begin over again. Reforms must be entered into with heart and soul and will. Errors may be hoary with age; but age does not make error truth, nor truth error. Altogether too long have the old customs and habits been followed. The Lord would now have every idea that is false put away from teachers and students. We are not at liberty to teach that which shall meet the world’s standard or the standard of the church, simply because it is the custom to do so. The lessons which Christ taught are to be the standard.” Testimonies, vol. 6, 142.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 What endowment do teachers need in their sacred undertaking?

2 What habits and aims qualify teachers for success in their work?

3 Why is enthusiasm so essential in a teacher, and how is it obtained?

4 What motives should teachers cherish in fulfilling their solemn duty?

5 What does God desire to grant us as we truly seek His guidance?

© 2005 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.