Hello Visitor   |  Login  |   Create an account!

Overcoming Fears of Expository Teaching

Many pastors are afraid to teach verse by verse because there is so much that they don't understand in Scripture, and they don't want their congregations to know how much they don't know! That, of course, is prideful. There is no one on earth who perfectly understands everything in Scripture. Even Peter said that some of the things that Paul wrote were difficult to understand (see 2 Pet. 3:16).

When a pastor who teaches verse by verse arrives at a verse or passage that he doesn't understand, he should simply tell his flock that he doesn't understand the next section and skip over it. He can also request that his flock pray that the Holy Spirit will help him understand. His humility will set a good example before his flock, a sermon in itself.

The pastor/elder/overseer of a house church has the extra advantage of teaching a small group in an informal setting, because questions can be asked during his teaching. This also opens up the possibility of the Holy Spirit giving insight to others in the group regarding scriptures that are being studied. The result can be much more effective learning for everyone.

A good place to start when teaching Christ's commandments is His Sermon on the Mount, found in Matthew 5-7. There, Jesus gave many commandments, and He helped his Jewish followers rightly understand the laws given through Moses. A little later in this book, I will teach through the Sermon on the Mount verse by verse to demonstrate how it can be done.

Read the previous article in this series,
What to Teach
 

This article is an excerpt from the book, The Disciple-Making Minister. The actual book itself may be ordered by visiting our online store. To view our copyright policy, click here. © 2012 by David Servant

Provide a toilet for Makanka

Problem: Makanka is from Zimbabwe and she has Spina Bifida. Her family has a hole in their backyard they use for a toilet but it is too difficult for Makanka to use by herself.
Solution: An indoor Western-style toilet will allow Makanka to use the toilet by herself without injury.
Still Needed: $245. Any size
gift will help.

Articles Related to The Ministry of Teaching:

To view other biblical teaching from The Disciple-Making Minister, click here.