The Discipline of Teaching
As students and teachers of God’s Word, it is important that we are able to demonstrate good spiritual discipline. An important part of that discipline is the study of Scripture. As teachers, we owe it to our students to be well prepared so that we can help them in their walk with Christ.
I can think of no better way than through the study of the Holy Bible. As educators, we have the responsibility to make the words of the Bible “come alive on the pages.” Through research and proper exegetical exercise, we are able to accomplish this. We must properly prepare the text so that our students understand the message that God wants to convey to us.
Paul tells us in 2 Timothy 2:15 to “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (KJV). The word “study” in Greek means “to make effort, be prompt, give diligence.” When we study the Bible, we have to focus on making sure that we are looking at the Scripture in its proper perspective. That means using available tools to get a clear understanding of what that Scripture means. But first and foremost, we must allow the Scripture to interpret itself before seeking outside resources.