To be a great teacher…

Just recently, I’ve learned that I have an affinity and gift for encouraging and teaching. I wouldn’t call myself a good teacher. But when God called to me start a small bible study during college, I had to take up the task. It was burdensome because I wanted to move spirits and inspire souls- but my teachings seemed dead. They were un-engaging and I felt like everybody left with nothing to remember.

This verse carried me on. I’ve learned that teaching is not about me and how I teach. It is all about them, those who learn. And I can trust in the Lord that when I have done my best to facilitate His word, He will do the rest and there will be fruit.

So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth;
It shall not return to Me void,
But it shall accomplish what I please,
And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.

Isaiah 55:11 NKJV

Yesterday, after months of not meeting with my disciples, we had our first bible study video call in a long time. And I felt the same feeling I had felt during my college years when we were just starting off our bible study group… I was not able to teach effectively. Perhaps, this is how God nurtures our gifts. Frustration and a sense of humility enough to bow my head in prayer and ask for help, and a desire to do better for the sake of their joy, God’s and mine.

I had a desire to be great teacher. And Jesus himself modeled how. He said,

Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Matthew 20:26-27 NIV

As I recall how Jesus taught his disciples, he simply spent time with them which brought up more opportunities to experience life together and to see how Jesus lived, and talked, and learn from him. Jesus wasn’t swayed by the pressures of the crowd, the doubts and pride of his disciples, or the misunderstandings and arguments caused by his teachings… he let it happen, stuck to whatever the Father has him to say (John 12:49-50) and set himself as an example. His compassion to those who boldly come to him for help, his forgiveness to his disciples short comings, his time with the Father when the crowd sought his healing, and his love for us.

How can I teach like Jesus and not fall into the trap of reading off of a powerpoint presentation? How can I get them to start asking questions and seek Christ?

I must look to Christ and follow his example, and be disciplined to live out His teachings in order to protect my testimony (1 Cor 9:27).

When I fall, I shall stand again in His grace and work out my faith with fear and trembling!

Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

Phil 2:12 NIV