2. 1. Study
•
Studying the Bible is the first step for any creative Bible teacher. Studying any text
of Scripture is intended to extrapolate what the passage or passages in question
literally mean. It is important we study with the belief of the authority of God’s
Word. As the photo suggests, we use our minds that God has blessed us with to
study Scripture carefully.
3. 2. Focus
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As we focus a telescope to get a clearer view of what we’re looking at, so also do
we focus our results from our study of the Bible to narrow down what we have been
looking at in Scripture; we go from the broad view to specifics in this step.
4. 3. Structure
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As we move from our study of the Bible, and focusing its intended message, we
now have to prepare a framework before we present the message to our hearers. As
with all good buildings, a basic structure must be in place before anything else can
be added on; so it is with teaching the Bible. With no structure, what we’ve built
may crumble.
5. 4. Teach
•
As important as the first three steps are, nothing can get done without the actual,
hands-on activity of teaching. This is the most active (and interactive) step of the
process, one which Jesus did continually, as he went from town to town preaching
and teaching the gospel. The Sermon on the Mount is a perfect example.
6. 5. Evaluate
•
Has our teaching had any lasting impact? Or has it been “weighed in the balances
and found wanting” (Daniel 5:27). We must follow up and know if what we are
teaching has born fruit. This is a crucial, but often neglected, step. It is a necessary
culmination of what we have previously done, and will teach us whether we need to
modify our approach or continue on the same path.
