Take Jude, for instance. "Jude, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, and a brother of James, to those who are called, sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ: Mercy, pleace and love be multiplied to you." (v.s 1-2)
1 -- Jude was a bondservant of Jesus Christ. You are too!
2 -- Jude was teaching the church, 'the called.' You are too!
3 -- The condition of the 'called' was 'sanctified' and 'preserved' in Jesus Christ. That is, they were in the process of growth and were held for eternity. This is an important perspective to remember when teaching. We must know our audience! It's spiritual condition, and it's level of maturity. Study it, make application on their level (or it's not application), but remember their eternal condition. They are His, and His Spirit is in them to help illuminate what you teach. You are literally working in conjunction with the Holy Spirit, if led by Him.
4 -- Jude wanted to impart to his readers, his 'class', his 'Bible Fellowship'
- Mercy. Always show 'mercy' toward your people. God granted it to you and me; let's teach in a 'merciful' mindset, not as one with 'religious truth' to pound people with.
- Peace. There is nothing more foreign to our American Culture, including American Christian Culture, than peace! Show them how Jesus gave peace (by the Spirit, and not as the world does)
- Love. There is nothing more misunderstood in our culture than 'love.' Teach them what Biblical love -- Jesus love -- is (actively and tenderly choosing someone's elses best interest over your own).
1 comment:
I reflect on the idea that "not many should seek to be teachers among you". There is a sharp accountability for those that seek to speak authoritatively in the body of Christ.
I know that I am far mor focused on my daily attitudes, word choices, viewing choices, personal interactions, etc.
Jude described himself as a bondservant -- that means slave, compelled servant, shackled aide. Some may bristle at this definition of disciple. I do not claim to understand it fully. But when I think of myself as a slave that is assigned the duty of teaching slaves to be better slaves, or of teaching bondservants to be better bondservants, the concept takes on a whole new perspective.
Whereas, in the past, tax collectors and traitors would serve the one in power to assist in the control of the bondservant population, we are bondservants of freedom and liberty. We are compelled and controlled by the only one with the power to release us from bondage.
It is an interesting dichotomy. Moreso, it is an entrancing mystery.
We love those we teach as Christ loves the church.
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