Know Your Bible

VOL. 10 November 27, 2011 NO. 44

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Bible Class Drop-Outs

Who of us can deny the essential element of Bible teaching in the local church? It is a part of worship and the primary work which the Lord has assigned to the church. That being so, we must not overlook the importance of Bible teachers. In fact, few things contribute more to the growth and strength of the Lord’s church than qualified and dedicated teachers. Those members who are parents want the very best instruction available for their children and rightly so. Even parents themselves deserve the same. Yet, at a time when mature and competent teachers are desperately needed, many are “retiring” from teaching in Bible classes to the student’s seat. Why?

It may be they need to rest. Conscientious teachers do work hard to prepare and present their lessons. A great deal of time and thought goes into each lesson. So, over a period of months, a break is needed and deserved. Yet, more times than not, whenever a teacher takes a break it turns out to be permanent! The church loses a good teacher and a talent is buried. Teaching God’s Word is “well doing” and we know that Galatians 6:9 says that we are not to be “weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap if we faint not”. We all need a break but let’s be careful lest we faint. We should keep in mind that our fainting is not being a good example to others and teachers need to never forget that. They have a great influence upon others in the church and especially to those they teach. Never let teachers be guilty of showing a lack of interest in teaching, or in attending services, or being unprepared for class. Others are sure to imitate you.

There may also be teacher drop-outs because of discouragement. This is surely a device of Satan which afflicts many in the church. To a teacher, it can be caused by students who are uninterested and thus misbehave, parents who aren’t concerned enough to help when called upon, and appreciation not being expressed on the part of members in general for a job well done. Let us remember, if we give in to discouragement it only gets worse and God’s work goes undone. With faith, we can overcome discouragement (1 John 5:4) and continue to “press on” (Philippians 3:14).

Last of all, teachers may drop-out because they don’t feel needed. Will there ever come a time that no teaching of God’s Word will be needed? What about in the home or in the neighborhood? It doesn’t have to be done in the church building! Start your own classes! Older men need to teach the younger men and older women need to teach the younger women (Titus 2:1-4). The world needs the gospel taught (Matthew 28:19). Don’t be a drop-out!

---E.R. Hall

Reprinted from KNOW YOUR BIBLE July 22, 1990

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The Willful Absentee

They are at home with friends -- when they ought to be at services with friends.

They don’t want the fellowship of God’s people, though they may want their attention.

They don’t want the Lord’s fellowship, though they will want the Lord to cross the valley of the shadow of death with them.

They don’t want the fellowship of the gospel, though they may stoutly tell sinners it is the power of God to save.

They don’t care what happens to the church, though they may grieve if it disbanded and vanished from the community.

They don’t care what happens to sinners, though they hope new converts will be faithful.

They don’t care whether babes in Christ thrive or die, though they flinch when accused of setting a bad example for them.

They don’t care what happens to their children, though they lavish education, financial and social luxuries upon them.

They don’t care what happens to their soul, though they fare sumptiously every day.

They prefer newspaper/novels to the gospel; pleasure to worship; convenience to sacrifice; selfishness to liberality.

They are more interested in their lawn than in the Lord; more concerned about fishing than the welfare of the soul; more concerned about the jingle of money than the songs of the saints.

Their life is just an excuse -- instead of a reason.

Their life is just an echo -- instead of a voice.

Their life is a shadow -- instead of substance.

Their life is a tragedy -- instead of a triumph.

---Selected

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”I’M NOT GOING TO CHURCH ANY MORE”