Teaching
Paul repeatedly exhorts Timothy to preach and teach God's Word in 1 and 2 Timothy. "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth" (2 Tim. 2:15). God's Word is meant to be preached and applied effectively. Neglecting these important aspects will prove to be detrimental to your ministry, similar to cutting steak with the blunt side of a knife.
How to Write and Teach a Devotional
Teaching a devotional is a common opportunity to explain and apply God's Word. Utilize those frequent times to teach most effectively. The general considerations in this handout will help you structure a powerful devotional for the audience and length of time you are given.
Document updated: October 30, 2010
Active Teachability: A Requirement for Obedience (Sample Devotional)
This sample devotional is written from Philippians 4:8-9. In 2009, I taught this to multiple groups of mature Christians who were college students. The devotional took around 7 minutes to teach.
Document updated: October 30, 2010
Developing Applications
A Bible teacher does not merely teach the Bible; he teaches a person. As effectively as you can, strive to apply God's Word to your listeners, in addition to explaining it clearly and concisely. Several categories and examples of applications are outlined in this handout to help you develop more effective applications.
Document updated: October 30, 2010
Developing Questions for Application
Jesus Christ not only knows the truth most accurately, but he also teaches it most effectively. One of the striking characteristics of his teaching is how he draws out a man's faith or disbelief by asking questions. The framework in this handout gives one easy example of how you can ask questions to more effectively apply God's Work to your listeners.
Document updated: October 30, 2010