How leaders can grow in teaching grace

Leaders lead people into the discovery of the truth – about God, the world, their purpose and themselves.  It is therefore critical for leaders to wait on the Lord for direction and instruction.

Look at this short inspirational video by Andre Kruger on growing in the prophetic anointing. For more on his teachings and to obtain a copy of his book Increasing Heaven’s Flow in 40 days go to www.heavensflow.org

Scripture

Matthew 16:13-21

13  Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14  And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15  He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16  Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

17  And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.  18  And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.  19  I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

Observations

Context: Caesarea Philippi was located at the base of Mt Hermon, next to a natural spring that gushed from the mountain – a place of pagan worship and rituals.  In the city was a statue with temple of the Greek god Pan (see excavation site below).  The city was rebuilt and renamed in 3BC by Philip II, son of Herod the Great, renamed the city Caesarea Philippi in honour of Caesar Augustus (14AD) and later he pressed his own coins with his face on in 30AD – considered an act of idolatry by the Jews.   Thus, in Jesus’ day this city was renowned for animistic pagan worship at the natural spring, Greek worship of Pan, Roman emperor worship of Caesar and even veneration of Philip himself.   

Current excavation site of Philippi Caesarea with artist rendition of how it probably looked in the days of Jesus. Note the various pagan temples – especially the temple of Pan at the mouth of the cave – the source of ancient the Jordan River.

The Greek god Pan – half-man, half-goat, playing the flute. Several images and inscriptions of this god was found in Philippi Caesarea.

 

1. Considering the background knowledge of the city mentioned above, what depth does it add to Jesus posing the question of his identity in this specific city?
2. What did Jesus do that lead to Peter’s revelation of Jesus’ identity?
3. Unpack Peter’s confession of Jesus (verse 16) – what do the parts of the confession mean?
4. What did Jesus say about the source of Peter’s revelation?
5. Jesus said that “on this rock I will build my church”. What does that “rock” refer to? [hint: ‘Peter’ means little stone or small rock, so it does not refer to Peter himself, but it is a clever play of words!]
6. Directly after Peter’s confession of Jesus, Jesus said things to Peter (verse 18-19). What did Jesus do with these sayings? What can we learn from that? [hint: identity]

Personal reflection and application:

While walking with his disciples Jesus was an anointed and skillful teacher who knew that true revelation and conviction is deep and personal revelation that comes from the Father, and therefore requires reflection and discovery – and the anointing of the Holy Spirit.  For that reason Jesus skillfully used questions, parables, illustrations and his surroundings in his teachings – relying and creating space for the Holy Spirit to reveal truth and convict hearts.

1. In which ways have you experienced the revelation and conviction of the Holy Spirit (a) when you listened to a message, (b) when you did Bible Study alone, and (c) when you taught someone else. Write down what you discovered.
2. How do you tend to teach or explain things? Are you prone to state and explain everything you know, or are you prone to ask leading questions or use illustrations?
3. In the study How do leaders grow in apostolic grace the application involved the preparation of a 10 minutes teaching on the Kingdom of God. Review your teaching in the light of today’s devotional study.  How will you adjust your teaching? Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you into truth!

Payer

Earnestly desire and ask the Lord for help to grow in His anointing to teach and lead people in truth and personal conviction.  Ask for the grace of the teacher!

Note: Images sourced from Wikipedia – public domain.

 

 

Leaders need to grow in the grace of teaching

Do you think you can still grow in the grace of a teacher?  Can you lead someone into truth with “gentleness, patience, humility correct those who oppose you”?

Watch this short inspirational session André Kruger explains the need for leaders to grow in the teaching anointing. For more on his teachings on flowing in the grace of God and his

book on the topic go to www.heavensflow.org

https://youtu.be/p3g3o34vpxs

Scripture

2 Timothy 2:14-26

14  Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers. 15  Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16  But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness. 17  And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort, 18  who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of some…

23  But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. 24  And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, 25  in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, 26  and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.

Observation and reflection questions

Context: Paul instructs and reminds young Timothy how to teach and manage the big church he oversees in Ephesus. 

1. Read through the verses above and note all the instructions regarding Timothy’s growth in TEACHING the church. Then answer these questions in your own words:
2. What do you understand from the phrase “to not strive about words to no profit”? (verse 14)
3. How does one prepare and grow in the grace of teaching the Word? (verse 15)
4. What is the danger of false or ungrounded teachings? (verse 16-18)
5. How can “profane and idle babblings… increase to more ungodliness”? (verse 18)
6. Can you think of an example of “foolish and ignorant disputes” that generate strife? (verse 23)
7. What are the character qualities of a mature Biblical teacher? (verse 24-25)
8. What is the aim of good Biblical teaching? (verse 25-26)

Personal reflection and application

Young Timothy was commissioned to oversee the big, flourishing church in Ephesus – a city renowned for its study and philosophy. Some strange doctrines were taught in the church therefore Paul exhorted the young pastor to “study and show himself tested”, able to handle the word of God without skillfully and shame. Timothy had to grow in the grace of teaching.

1. In which area(s) of doctrine do you feel skillful and prepared to instruct and correct people?
2. Why? And who “approved” (tested) your doctrine?
3. How did you grow skillful in these doctrines?
4. When conversation centers around spiritual or biblical matters, do you lead with Word of God as you basis? Do you steer conversations to and from the Scriptures?
5. Honestly consider the qualifications of a mature Biblical teacher below and evaluate yourself in light of the Scripture: (TRUE OF ME | SOMEWHAT TRUE OF ME | NOT TRUE OF ME)

• remind people of basic truths
• not strive about technicalities
• diligent study of the Bible
• able to handle the Bible in discipleship and counselling
• shun false teaching and idle babblings
• avoid foolish and ignorant disputes
• not quarrelsome
• gentle to all
• able to teach
• patient in teaching
• in humility correcting those who are in opposition
• praying for people who are deceived

Prayer

Thank God for how you have grown in the knowledge of the truth and the skillfulness of teachings. Then pray through the list above, asking God for grace to grow in the skillfulness and anointing of a teacher.

Motivational Gifts 4 – the teacher

The aim of the devotional bible study is to grow in the understanding and appreciation of motivational gift of the teacher.

Scripture

Ezra 7:1-11, 25-26

1  Now after this, in the reign of Artaxerxes king of Persia, Ezra the son of Seraiah… 6  this Ezra went up from Babylonia. He was a scribe skilled in the Law of Moses that the LORD, the God of Israel, had given, and the king granted him all that he asked, for the hand of the LORD his God was on him.

7  And there went up also to Jerusalem, in the seventh year of Artaxerxes the king, some of the people of Israel, and some of the priests and Levites, the singers and gatekeepers, and the temple servants.

8  And Ezra came to Jerusalem in the fifth month, which was in the seventh year of the king… 10  For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel.

11  This is a copy of the letter that King Artaxerxes gave to Ezra the priest, the scribe, a man learned in matters of the commandments of the LORD and his statutes for Israel:

12  “Artaxerxes, king of kings, to Ezra the priest, the scribe of the Law of the God of heaven. Peace…

25  “And you, Ezra, according to the wisdom of your God that is in your hand, appoint magistrates and judges who may judge all the people in the province Beyond the River, all such as know the laws of your God. And those who do not know them, you shall teach.  26  Whoever will not obey the law of your God and the law of the king, let judgment be strictly executed on him, whether for death or for banishment or for confiscation of his goods or for imprisonment.”

 

Observations

Note: in the reading of today’s Text we will focus on the character and motives of Ezra the priest to better understand the motivational gifts of the teacher. This is one of the seven motivational gifts (also called “the gifts of the Father” according to 1 Corinthians 12:4-6) that each person is born with which drives his/her actions throughout his/her life.

1. Teacher motivated people generally have the following characteristics. How can you identify them in this example of Ezra the priest?  Comment and give verse references from the Scripture above.
   1. A deep reverence and respect for right and holy things.
   2. Puts emphasis on Scripture as the source of truth and key to success.
   3. They are known for being diligent, thorough and disciplined.
   4. The have a “black-or-white” / “right-or-wrong” view of the world.
   5. They delight in teaching what they have learned in a clear manner.
   6. The study and teach with patience.
   7. They speak with authority based on a confidence in the truth they have learned.
2. The context of this account is of the Jewish exiles returning to their desolate homeland after 70 years in Babylonian exile. Who is the leader sent by imperial authority to rebuild the nation? Why do you think God commissioned a teacher motivated person with such authority in this critical time of the Jewish nation?

Reflections:

1. Looking at Ezra as an example of a teacher gifted person – what should a person with this motivational gift be cautious of in engaging other people? [hint: how can this person be perceived in a conflict situation?]
2. Considering the characteristics listed in Observation question 1 above, why do we consider teacher motivated people as “gifts from God the Father”? i.e. how do they benefit me, you and the world around us?

Application and Prayer

Note: If you have not completed the free online motivational gift test, do so now: www.gifttest.org

1. Are you a strong teacher motivated person? Considering this example of Ezra:
   1. What are you grateful for about your gift, which you must cherish?
   2. What must you be cautious about in your interactions with others?
   3. Thank God for how he made you, and pray that he may open your eyes and heart to see and love the truth, that he may grant you endurance to diligently study the Scriptures and give you wisdom, loving patience, authority and creative skillfulness to teach others well.
2. Who do you know that are strongly teacher motivated?
   1. Thank them for their good influence in your life – for their teaching and input as well as their example of diligent study of the things of God.
   2. Thank God for them and their good influence in your life. Pray that God will bless with even greater diligence, patience and revelation, as well as wisdom and love to judge right and inspire others to seek to know God and his will for their lives.

Five Fold Ministry 3

The aim of this devotional Bible Study is to grow in understanding the role of the teacher: his/her model, manner and method.

Scripture

Titus 2:1-15

1  But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine.

2  Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. 3  Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, 4  and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, 5  to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. 6  Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled.

7  Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, 8  and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.

9  Bondservants are to be submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, 10  not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.

11  For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12  training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13  waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14  who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

15  Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.

Observations and reflections

Note: Paul wrote this letter to Titus, whom he appointed head of the church of Crete, to appoint local leadership, and to model and teach sound doctrine as well as good moral behavior.

1. Reading through this chapter, list the references to teaching / instruction / doctrine. Then order it in a short summary as a model the role of a teacher.
2. Which basic doctrines does Paul instruct Titus to teach these new Cretan coverts? List these teachings and give the verse references (eg: on work and submission v9-10; on salvation and sanctification/ holiness v11-14; what else do you notice in this chapter?).

Relfections

Note: Notice the symmetry in the format of this section: beginning (v1), core message (v7-8), closure (v15)

1  But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine… 

7  Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, 8  and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us…

• Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.

1. In the central message regarding teaching, Paul starts with the teacher being a model of good works; why is this important?
2. Then Paul states the manner by which one ought to teach: “with integrity, dignity and sound speech that cannot be condemned.” Why is this important?  And give a few examples of what this way of teaching sounds like?
3. Paul gives four charges to Titus regarding the method of the teacher in verse 15; briefly say what you understand these mean in your own words.
   1. “Declare”
   2. “Exhort”
   3. “Rebuke with all authority”
   4. “Let no one disregard you”

Application

Are you teachable?  Are you humble enough to be corrected? Ask a good friend to tell you what he thinks of your ability to be taught and corrected. Perhaps even pray with him.

Prayer

Pray for yourself for humility to be taught, to be corrected and to follow godly examples.  Who are the people that teach the Scriptures to you?  Pray for them by name that they may have Christ-like boldness, graciousness and inspiration to teach well!  Do you teach others at times?  Pray the same for you, plus a love for studying the Word of God!

Knowing Jesus 1

The Aim of today’s devotional study is to grow in the knowledge of Jesus and our appropriate response to Him.

Scripture

Mark 4:35-41

35  On that day, when evening had come, [Jesus] said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” 36  And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. 37  And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling.

38  But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?”

39  And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.  40  He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?”

41  And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”

Observations

1. Mark uses repetition here to show how the disciples responded inwardly to during this episode on the stormy ocean. What is that repeated word?  (v37, v39, v41).  So what is the lesson he wants to convey?
2. There seem to deliberate correlation with Jonah’s story here.

Jonah 1:4-6, 15-16

4  But the LORD hurled a great wind upon the sea, and there was a mighty tempest on the sea, so that the ship threatened to break up.

5  Then the mariners were afraid, and each cried out to his god. And they hurled the cargo that was in the ship into the sea to lighten it for them. But Jonah had gone down into the inner part of the ship and had lain down and was fast asleep.

6  So the captain came and said to him, “What do you mean, you sleeper? Arise, call out to your god! Perhaps the god will give a thought to us, that we may not perish.”

15  So they picked up Jonah and hurled him into the sea, and the sea ceased from its raging.

16  Then the men feared the LORD exceedingly, and they offered a sacrifice to the LORD and made vows.

3. What similarities do you see between the two stories above?
4. What differences do you see differences between the two stories above?
5. Look again at the similar response of both the disciples (Mark 4:41) and the mariners (Jonah 1:16) after the storm was stilled.  What do you see more clearly now that you compare the two stories? So what is another word then for the “great fear” the disciples had towards Jesus?
6. This storm / crisis on the sea appeared to have been a great opportunity for the disciples to grow in their understanding of who Jesus is. How did they know him initially? (v38).  How did they know him after the storm?

Application

1. Has there ever been a “great storm” in your life that was too big for you to handle, and you cried out to the Lord and He brought “great calm”? How did you grow in the knowledge of the Lord then?
2. During that crisis, did you respond appropriately like the disciples (in Mark 4) marines (in Jonah 1) with “great fear” or in other words “great worship”? Do so now.
3. What life lesson do you wish to take away from this Bible study where Jesus calmed the storm?
4. What knowledge of Jesus (from this Biblical account) do you wish to hide in your heart?

Prayer

Close by praying the short Psalm 93 over your life and circumstance:

1  The LORD reigns; he is robed in majesty; the LORD is robed; he has put on strength as his belt. Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved. 2  Your throne is established from of old; you are from everlasting.

3  The floods have lifted up, O LORD, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their roaring.

4  Mightier than the thunders of many waters, mightier than the waves of the sea, the LORD on high is mighty! 

5  Your decrees are very trustworthy; holiness befits your house, O LORD, forevermore.