Every Part Doing Its Share: Can You Be a Co-Teacher/Learner?

Every Part Doing Its Share

Can You Be a Co-Teacher/Learner?

Introduction: We have been considering all the ways a church can be involved in reaching those who are lost. As Ephesians 4:11-16 points out, this is a work for the whole church. Every Christian are gifted differently so that each person can become equipped in working with other members, which causes the growth of the body. It is this lack of using every part that keeps a church from growing! 

We have already looked at (1) Compassion, (2) Working with God in Prayer, and though assumed, (3) Being the Primary Teacher. The first two of these can be done by everyone! Compassion and prayer are two of the greatest needs.

1. Every Member Has a Part: Can you be a co-teacher? 
   1. Romans 16:1-4
   2. What are the advantages of the “teacher” having a second person at their side?
      1. Help in answering questions or finding scriptures
      2. Help in recognizing when a learner is struggling to understand. A co-teacher can ask a question or ask for clarification or help give a more complete explanation.
      3. A second or third person helps connect a learner to more Christians, increasing influence.
   3. A co-teacher can learn to become a primary teacher (2 Timothy 2:2). 
2. Every Member Has a Part: Will You Prepare Yourself for Biblical Discussions?
   1. One of the primary reasons Christians do not take advantage of opportunities with those who need the gospel message is the lack of confidence in their ability to have a biblical discussion or answer questions. 
   2. 1 Peter offers a number of keys to preparing ourselves for a biblical discussion.
      1. 1Peter 1:13 “Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” 
      2. 1Peter 1:15 “…but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct…”
      3. 1Peter 2:5 “…you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” 
      4. 1Peter 2:9 “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” 
      5. 1Peter 2:12 “Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.” 
      6. 1Peter 3:14-16 “But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.” 
      7. 1Peter 4:11 “…whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.” 
   3. Two ways to prepare to give an answer:
      1. First, and most importantly, concerns how you read and study your Bible. Being prepared to give an answer obviously begins with knowing/understanding the text. Though foundational, that step is not enough.
         1. “Do you know how to explain the text?” Consider Hebrews 5:11-12 “About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God.” 
         2. Note that the preacher tells us that becoming “dull of hearing” is a result of not reading the scripture in a way that we can explain it to someone else.
   4. …to be continued…

Berry Kercheville

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