One of the fundamental laws of teaching is, “You cannot teach what you do not know.” Unfortunately, many believe the only criterion for being a teacher is the willingness to teach! This inevitably leads to the blind leading the blind (Mt. 15:14), so that ignorance begets ignorance which begets ignorance. Teaching others carries a great responsibility (Jas. 3:1), and this responsibility includes knowing God’s Word well enough to communicate it to others. Thus, diligent study must go hand in hand with those who would teach. The writer of Hebrews said, “For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat” (Heb. 5:12). How can we avoid having such a denunciation apply to us? Only through studying the Bible.
Every Christian has the responsibility of taking the gospel to the lost (Mk. 16:15; Mt. 28:18-20). Though some may not have the greatest ability and while some may be so young in the faith that they do not know much, neither of these works as an excuse. The responsibility to teach implies the responsibility to study in order to teach. Paul told Timothy, “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also” (2 Tim. 2:2). The gospel is perpetuated by teaching people the gospel and teaching people to teach the gospel. At the very least, every Christian should know how to teach the plan of salvation, the unique character of the church, the nature of true worship, the church’s work and organization, as well as basic summary of Christian morality, also presenting scripture for authority on each subject. Does this seem odd? Does it seem like asking too much? These are the basics that are necessary to carrying out the great commission! If we cannot explain to others why we live, worship, and act the way we do, we are failing one of the most elementary tests of our Christianity (1 Pet. 3:15).
Those who would teach Bible classes are responsible for knowing and discerning truth in regard to the material they are teaching (Jas. 3:17; Jn. 17:17). Preachers must know the word so that they can preach the word, instructing those who should have good knowledge to start with (2 Tim. 4:2). Elders must know the truth enough to teach mature Christians (1 Tim. 3:2), enough to correct those in error (Tit. 1:9ff), and enough to lead a congregation humbly but forthrightly in the practice of truth. It is not enough to know more than the ignorant. We must study so as to be among the knowledgeable.
Bible knowledge is the key to good Bible teaching. Too often, we have come to rely on manuals and commentaries so much that we never really absorb the actual Word. Therefore, we must learn to use these things as a help but never a crutch. It will require effort and time, but if we are to teach God’s message, His message must be the one we really know (Ps. 119:11, 97, 105).
-Kevin Rhodes