The Christian family is to be a training school from which children are to graduate to a higher school in the mansions of God. {AH 547.3}
Heaven is a school; its field of study, the universe; its teacher, the Infinite One. A branch of this school was established in Eden; and, the plan of redemption accomplished, education will again be taken up in the Eden school. . . . {AH 547.4}
We have come to another segment of our SSLesson which will lead us into a discovery in the Bible of another theme, "keep failing the tests, patiently explains the lessons again and again, until, at last, Some Learn it! Notice: Not all got it perfect. But Divine grace toward His people assures that good ending - the ultimate goal. Our responsibility, therefore is to dig deeper and learn each lessons from the Bible Stories. Learning the will of God is the foremost response to His grace, but we cannot earn such through our effort. it is only attain through a Christian Education - learning His grace!
This SSLesson will discuss the following:
A. Redeeming Education
B. Jesus as Teacher
C. The Bible as Teacher
D. Humans as Teachers
E. The Holy Spirit as Teacher
All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: {2 Timothy 3:16}
Our ideas of education take too narrow and too low a range. There is need of a broader scope, a higher aim. True education means more than the perusal of a certain course of study. It means more than a preparation for the life that now is. It has to do with the whole being, and with the whole period of existence possible to man. It is the harmonious development of the physical, the mental, and the spiritual powers. It prepares the student for the joy of service in this world and for the higher joy of wider service in the world to come. 319 {CCh 202.2}
In the highest sense the work of education and the work of redemption are one, for in education, as in redemption, "other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 3:11. 320 {CCh 202.3}
To bring man back into harmony with God, so to elevate and ennoble his moral nature that he may again reflect the image of the Creator, is the great purpose of all the education and discipline of life. So important was this work that the Saviour left the courts of heaven and came in person to this earth, that He might teach men how to obtain a fitness for the higher life. 321 {CCh 202.4}
“In the day that God created man, He made him in the likeness of God.” (Genesis 5:1)
“To restore in man the image of his Maker, to bring him back to the perfection in which he was created, to promote the development of body, mind, and soul, that the divine purpose in his creation might be realized—this was to be the work of redemption. This is the object of education, the great object of life.” {Education p. 15)
In the instruction given in our schools, the natural and the spiritual are to be combined. The laws obeyed by the earth reveal the fact that it is under the masterly power of an infinite God. The same principles run through the spiritual and the natural world. Divorce God from the acquisition of knowledge, and you have a lame, one-sided education, dead to all the saving qualities that give true power to man. {CT 395.2a}
The Author of nature is the Author of the Bible. Creation and Christianity have one God. God is revealed in nature, and God is revealed in His word. In clear rays the light shines from the sacred page, showing us the living God, as represented in the laws of His government, in the creation of the world, in the heavens that He has garnished. His power is to be recognized as the only means of redeeming the world from the degrading superstitions that are so dishonoring to God and man. {CT 395.2b}
Human beings are the only creatures on Earth that were created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27).
Adam and Eve were supposed to transmit this image to their children. However, sin made their children to be born “in their likeness” and not in God’s likeness (Genesis 5:3).
The image of God has been gradually distorted with each human generation. The purpose of God’s education is to restore the image of God in us thanks to the Redemption plan.
This plan covers the whole human history, since sin entered the world to the new Creation, including Jesus’ incarnation. We’ll keep studying the plan of Redemption for all eternity.
“Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God;” (John 3:2)
The Religion of Jesus Christ never degrades the receiver, it never makes him course or rough, discourteous or self-important, passionate or hard-hearted. On the contrary, it refines the taste, sanctifies the judgment, purifies and ennobles the thoughts, by bringing them into captivity to Jesus Christ. God's ideal for his children is higher than the highest human thought can reach. The living God has given in his holy law a transcript of his character. The greatest teacher the world has ever known is Jesus Christ. {PH154 53.1}
The great Teacher came in simplicity, though he was the light of the world. He taught the people in plain, simple words, which all could understand. He said, "As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father. . . . My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me; and I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. I and my Father are one." "All things that the Father hath are mine." With the familiarity and ease of eternal habitude, Jesus lays his hand on the throne of God. {ST, January 1, 1894 par. 3}
"There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews; the same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God; for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him." This man was a ruler, and held in high esteem by the people, and he thought it was a condescension for him to admit as much as he had to Christ. Thinking himself righteous, he was astonished at the answer of Jesus, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." {ST, September 26, 1892 par. 1}
How shall we follow Him to learn of Him who is our teacher? We can search His Word, and become acquainted with His life and His works. His words we are to receive as bread for our souls. In every sphere where man shall be placed, the Lord Jesus has left us His footprints. We do well to follow Him. The Spirit by which He spake we must cherish; we are to present the truth as it is in Jesus. We are to follow Him especially in heart-purity, in love. Self must be hid with Christ in God; then when Christ who is our life shall appear, we also shall appear with Him in glory. {20MR 114.5}
Isaiah 11:1-9 contains a surprising prophecy about the Messiah. Jesus is introduced as Teacher in this passage:
— He will have Spirit of wisdom.
— He will have Spirit of counsel.
— He will have Spirit of knowledge.
— He will judge with righteousness.
— He will decide with equity.
Nicodemus was one of the first people that acknowledged Jesus as Teacher (Rabbi).
Jesus explained him that His gift of teaching was a gift from God (John 3:11-12). God prepares the teachers to carry out His work.
“They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.” (Luke 16:29)
“The Bible is the textbook, and it is to be searched diligently—not as we would read a book among many books. It must be to us the book that meets the wants of the soul. This book will make the man who studies and obeys it wise unto salvation.” {This Day with God, April 28}
The Bible is the most precious book in the world. It is the only guide to direct the soul to the paradise of God. The apostle says: "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." The Bible is a precious treasure. It should be in every home, not to be laid away or put upon a shelf, but to be diligently studied. The Bible is the hope of both the white and the colored race. The idea is disseminated that common people should not study the Bible for themselves, but that the minister or teacher should decide all matters of doctrine for them. This is the doctrine that is taught to the colored people; but the Bible is the poor man's book, and all classes of people are to search the Scriptures for themselves. God has given reasoning powers to men, and by bringing our mental faculties into connection with the word of God, the spiritual powers are awakened, and common people, as well as teachers and clergymen, may understand the will of God. {RH, December 24, 1895 par. 1}
Paul introduced the Bible to Timothy as the textbook par excellence: “[it] is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16). Each one of its parts has something we can learn from.
THE OLD TESTAMENT:
— Pentateuch: How to live according to God’s plan for us.
— First prophets: How Israel practiced these principles.
— Latter prophets: The mistakes of Israel and how to avoid them.
— Writings: Good and bad practical examples of education.
THE NEW TESTAMENT:
— Historical books: They contain much educational content, and explain how to teach it.
— Paul’s and others’ letters: Practical applications of the teachings.
— Revelation: An overview of the educational development and its ultimate goal.
“The heart of the wise teaches his mouth, and adds learning to his lips.” (Proverbs 16:23)
Teachers do not make as earnest work as they should of the Sabbath-school exercises; they should come close to the hearts of the scholars, by aptness, by sympathy, by patient and determined effort to interest every scholar in regard to the salvation of the soul. These exercises should become altogether what the Lord would have them,--seasons of deep conviction of sin, of heart reformation. If the right work is done in a skillful, Christ-like manner, souls will be convicted, and the inquiry will be, "What shall I do to be saved?" In some Sabbath-schools, positions are given to persons who have no aptitude to teach. They have no earnest love for souls. They do not half understand the practical bearings of the truth themselves. How, then, can they lead the children and youth to the living fountain? Let the teachers themselves drink deep of the water of salvation; and then angels of God will minister to them, and they will know just what course the Lord would have them take to win the precious youth to Jesus. It requires aptitude, a will perseverance, a spirit such as Jacob had when he wrestled in prayer and exclaimed, "I will not let thee go except thou bless me." When the blessing of God rests upon the teachers, it can but be reflected to those under their charge. Never place the youth under individuals who are spiritually indolent, who have no high, elevated, holy aspirations; for the same mind of indifference, phariseeism, of form without the power, will be seen in both teachers and scholars. {SSW, July 1, 1885 par. 3}
And we can present the truth to the people as it is in Jesus, and let God do the work for us. The same prayers that are ascending to God in America, are ascending to God here, that the God of Israel may work in our behalf. And I beseech of you not to become discouraged, although the powers of Satan may be great, but look to Jesus. {RH, May 10, 1887 par. 18}
The teacher should not confine himself to the repetition of the set words of the lesson, yet he wants to be perfectly familiar with the words as well as the ideas. Every teacher, before he stands at the head of his class, wants to have his plans distinctly laid out in his mind as to what he wants to do for that day and on that occasion. Reciting a lesson yourself before the class is not teaching it; you want simple words and plainly, clearly stated ideas. Make sure that your scholars understand you. If they cannot comprehend your ideas, then your labor is lost. Do not skim the surface; work deep. The Bible is the rule and guide of the life. Sound doctrine must be brought into actual contact with the minds and hearts of your scholars; then it will produce fruit, for sound practice will be seen as the result of your labors. {SSW, April 1, 1886 par. 7}
Solomon wrote about plants and animals, and composed proverbs and songs. His writings explain how to put all knowledge into practice (that is, to be wise).
He encouraged us to pursue wisdom and to use it to teach others. This way we’ll be agents that God will use to teach His people (Proverbs 9:9-10).
“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” (John 14:26)
The Spirit of God, as it comes into the heart by faith, is the beginning of the life eternal. What promise is less fulfilled in the church than that of the endowment of the Holy Spirit? Here is our greatest need. Let the spirit of controversy be put away, and let us seek for the living testimony of the Spirit of God. The teacher must be baptized with the Holy Spirit. Then the mind and spirit of Christ will be in him, and he will confess Christ in a spiritual and holy life. He will give evidence that the truth he has received has not been merely in theory, but that he has been sanctified through the truth. He can talk of Christ and him crucified in language that savors of heaven. He can present the will of God to man because his own heart has been brought into submission, and has been glorified by the Spirit of God. The sun of righteousness is risen upon him, that he may reflect its brightness to the world. {RH, February 9, 1892 par. 21}
The Holy Spirit is constantly at work, teaching, reminding, testifying, coming to the soul as a divine comforter, convincing of sin as an appointed judge and guide. {SW, October 25, 1898 par. 1}
We need to recognize the Holy Spirit as our enlightener. That Spirit loves to address the children, and discover to them the treasures and beauties of the word of God. The promises spoken by the Great Teacher will captivate the senses and animate the soul of the child with a spiritual power that is divine. There will grow in the fruitful a familiarity with divine things which will be as a barricade against the temptations of the enemy. {PH086 45.2}
Before Jesus ascended, He promised that He would send the Holy Spirit to continue His teaching work (John 14:26).
He leads us to all truth, and teaches us what we should say, when and how.
His education does not rely “on human wisdom, but on God’s power.” It does not follow “the wisdom of this age” but teaches “God’s wisdom” (1 Corinthians 2:5-7 NIV).
The Holy Spirit can teach us “even the deep things of God.” (v. 10)
How deep will that education be? How much knowledge will those who are guided by the Spirit acquire?
“The youth should be learners for the next world. Perseverance in the acquisition of knowledge, controlled by the fear and love of God, will give them an increased power for good in this life, and those who have made the most of their privileges to reach the highest attainments here, will take these valuable acquisitions with them into the future life. They have sought and obtained that which is imperishable.” {Fundamentals of Christian Education p. 49}
