This week, I was involved in an interesting discussion among Christian authors and editors about the use of Scripture in non-fiction Christian books. I am concerned over some of the responses I read.
On the one hand, sometimes theological books are written with pretentious language, technical jargon and copious citations that make them inaccessible and unpleasant to read. On the other hand, we have too many teachers and authors in the church writing books on subjects they feel they have a measure of expertise in, then they add a few Bible verses here and there that seem to support their ideas and call it "Christian." Many such "Christian Living" books are being produced with minimal use of Scripture. A Christian label is slapped on these products and away they are sent into bookstores, platforms and social media for public consumption. The problem is that this is the opposite of what Scripture teaches. This common practice is not the best practice. It is the worst practice in teaching. Aspiring authors with good intentions seem to be copying what the celebrities are doing because they don't know any better. We need books that are both accessible AND deep. We need works that are enjoyable to read AND contribute to meaningful growth and significant learning. I have good news. There is a better way.
In the apostle Paul’s first letter to Timothy, he provided a special model for the way Christians should teach one another:
“Until I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to teaching.” (1 Timothy 4:13)
Paul told the young preacher Timothy to do three things:
STEP ONE is to read the Scriptures. The Bible was the centerpiece of ancient worship and any first century reader who grew up attending synagogue would have understood that when Paul referred to reading, he meant the reading of Scripture. God’s word should always be front and center in our teaching because it is powerful, living and active. His word can change lives in a way that ours cannot. The Bible is the primary source of content for Christian teaching.
STEP TWO is to provide an exhortation. That means to give an application. We must tell people how to apply God’s word to their lives and give them either an invitation to respond, or a call into action. Our teaching isn’t meant to be merely speech-giving or pontificating, it is meant to be interactive. Biblical teaching calls for a response from the hearers.
STEP THREE is to teach them what the Scriptures mean. Mature believers should carefully explain what each passage of Scripture means to disciple the younger generation and new converts and to build up the church. This is how we encourage one another and help each other grow in our faith
Some teachers put the teaching and explanation before the call to respond. Others give application as they go along. It is perfectly acceptable to carefully divide Scripture into easy to digest passages and explain one at a time, breaking it down for your audience to understand. What is important is that all three steps are included so that our teaching is accurate, engaging and impactful.
Now, here is the twist. The early Christians did not just show up on Sunday and listen to one man deliver a forty-minute sermon. They took turns teaching in smaller segments. This instruction to Timothy was meant to provide a model for others to follow. While it was originally written as a letter from Paul to Timothy, we can read it as a letter from the Holy Spirit to us.
The pattern of teaching given to us in Scripture works for any type of teaching ministry whether it is spoken or written. The word of God needs to be front and center in our teaching. Our writing needs to focus on the explanation and application of Scripture. This directs our study and preparation for what we are going to write. Did you notice the three neatly outlined points which were derived directly from the Scripture itself?
By following the model for teaching laid out in Scripture for our writing, we
can adopt the BEST practice which will yield more fruitful results.
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