Category Archives: Teaching

Bible, Christ, Scripture, Stealing, Teaching, Testimony

GOT TO WALK THE WALK

ROMANS 2:21

“you, therefore, who teach someone else, do you not teach yourself? You who preach that one is not to steal, do you steal?”

When I first started my role as VP for Tennessee Baptist Children’s Homes in Chattanooga, we got a call from a trucking company asking us if we wanted half a trailer load of fabric softener that had been turned down by a local retailer. I said we would be glad to receive that. Wouldn’t you know it, when it arrived in the semi, it was pouring rain. I couldn’t ask my staff to unload all that softener if I wasn’t willing to help. So, I quickly changed clothes and climbed up in that trailer to help unload. My staff were impressed that I, the VP, would do that. I had to do what I was asking them to do.

Paul begins a series of five rhetorical questions in today’s verse. The first two are here. He asks if they are teaching themselves what they are teaching. Then he asks if they preach against stealing, are they stealing. Most commentators agree that Paul wasn’t accusing them of these things but merely asking these questions to drive home his point. They had to practice what they preached. People were watching!

APPLICATION

When I read this verse and the two following, I immediately thought of Philippians 2:14-15 which say, “14 Do all things without complaining or arguments; 15 so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world,” As followers of Christ, we have to be above reproach. We represent a holy God and therefore must be holy ourselves.

In Paul’s role description for elders in Titus 1, he tells us this. “6 namely, if any man is beyond reproach, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of indecent behavior or rebellion. 7 For the overseer must be beyond reproach as God’s steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not overindulging in wine, not a bully, not greedy for money,” It is unfortunate that too many of our church leaders don’t practice what they preach. We have to do better!

Why is this important? Like I said earlier, people are watching. The world is looking for followers of Christ to mess up so they can expose our “hypocrisy.” They don’t understand that we aren’t perfect, just forgiven. However, that does not excuse us from living our lives as an example for others. Today, choose to be obedient to Christ in all things. You never know who is watching.

O Lord, help me exemplify Christ in all things.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

Standard
Bible, Commands, Law, Scripture, Teaching, Training

HOW DO WE TEACH OTHERS?

ROMANS 2:20

“a corrector of the foolish, a teacher of the immature, possessing in the Law the embodiment of knowledge and of the truth—”

Often when we try to teach others a new skill, they will not cooperate. I can remember being taught some basic woodworking skills by my dad. My dad was a master carpenter. He could look at something and then build it. He taught my brother and I some of these skills, but we wanted to jump ahead and start sawing and nailing. Oh no! That was not the way. My dad was deliberate and painstakingly tedious to us boys. But I still recall some (not all) of those skills he patiently taught us.

Paul addresses the Jews’ responsibility as corrector and teacher since they had the law. Since they had the knowledge, they were supposed to share it, right? The problem was they didn’t. They only barked out laws for others to follow without actually teaching them why these commandments were important. Knowing the why behind the what was important to understand. The same applies to us as we instruct others in following Jesus.

APPLICATION

Paideutés is the Greek word translated as “corrector” in today’s verse. It “appears twice in the New Testament: Romans 2:20 and Hebrews 12:9. In both places the word stands at the intersection of training, correction, and responsible authority—whether misused by self-confident religious leaders or rightly exercised by loving fathers and, supremely, by God Himself. (Topical Lexicon) In Hebrews 12:9 we see this, “Furthermore, we had earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them;” The word “discipline” is paideutés where it is referring to more about training. It’s not a punitive thing. It’s an instructive idea.

The word “teacher” is didáskalos. It’s “a teacher, an instructor acknowledged for their mastery in their field of learning; in Scripture, a Bible teacher, competent in theology.” (HELPS Word studies) In contrast to paideutés, this word is used 59 times in the New Testament. It’s the common word used to describe someone who has the knowledge to teach and passes it along.

What knowledge and skill do you possess which the Lord has taught you? Shouldn’t you be showing others? All around us are fellow followers of the Lord who struggle with their walk because no one has taken the time to correct and teach them. I will be in the Dominican Republic this weekend doing just that through our ministry to men. Why don’t you look around your church and see who could use your expertise in walking the walk?

Father, thank You for allowing me to share what You have shown me through Your Word.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

Standard
Admonished, Bible, Christ, Scripture, Teaching, Thankfulness

TEACH AND ADMONISH

COLOSSIANS 3:16

“Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”

Don’t you just hate it when someone tries to “school” you or admonish you? It takes some thick skin sometimes to accept that. Depending on who is doing the schooling or admonishing it can be even harder. If that person does it out of spite or in a condescending way, we may respond back negatively. Let’s see what Paul says about this in today’s verse.

The key for Paul (and us) is the first part of the verse – “Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you.” If you don’t have this, you will teach and admonish in the wrong way and receive it wrongly as well. It won’t be centered on His Word or Will. But look what happens if you do. You will sing and praise the Lord. That’s the last part of this verse.

APPLICATION

The Greek word for “teaching” is didaskó. HELPS Word Studies says this about didaskó. “In the NT didáskō (‘teach’) nearly always refers to teaching the Scriptures (the written Word of God). The key role of teaching Scripture is shown by its great frequency in the NT, and the variety of word-forms (cognates).”

“Admonishing” is the Greek word noutheteó. It is “used in the New Testament to describe the act of admonishing or warning someone with the intent of correcting behavior or beliefs. It involves a gentle but firm guidance, often with a moral or spiritual focus, aiming to bring about positive change. This term is used in the context of Christian teaching and pastoral care, where the goal is to nurture spiritual growth and maturity.” (Strong’s Lexicon).

Is that how you teach and admonish? Is that how you are taught or admonished? Let us all focus on the Word of Christ to richly dwell within us so we can teach and admonish in that manner. No matter what you think, you have not learned it all yet. No one has arrived. Receive and give to please the Lord.

Lord God, help me give and receive teaching and admonishment in the manner Jesus would have.

Standard
Bible, Blessing, Giving, Kindness, Money, Scripture, Teaching

TEACHERS OF THE WORD

GALATIANS 6:6

“The one who is taught the word is to share all good things with the one who teaches him.” 

I have had some great teachers in my life. Some were in Primary School while others were in High School. Some of my favorites were in College and Seminary. But my favorite teachers are the ones who have taught me the Word. I did not know the gravity of this verse back then. If I had, I would have followed it more precisely. Good teachers are hard to come by.

Paul tells the Galatians in today’s verse that they, as students of the Gospel, need to provide for and help maintain those who have taught them the Word. Now, Paul is not purely advocating for himself. He fully trusted the Lord for his provision. But he also knew that God expected those who had been blessed to be a blessing to others.

APPLICATION

In 1 Corinthians 9:11-14, Paul tells the Corinthian church the same thing. “11 If we sowed spiritual things in you, is it too much if we reap material things from you? 12 If others share the right over you, do we not more? Nevertheless, we did not use this right, but we endure all things so that we will cause no hindrance to the gospel of Christ. 13 Do you not know that those who perform sacred services eat the food of the temple, and those who attend regularly to the altar have their share from the altar? 14 So also the Lord directed those who proclaim the gospel to get their living from the gospel.”

I make my living as a minister of the gospel. To be exact, I am a missionary who relies on others to support me financially. It is a humbling thing to ask people to give to you. But I am commanded by the Lord to do so. Those who are part of our ministry support team tell me how blessed they are by the privilege they have to give. You need to give to those who teach you. Don’t hold back their wages. Bless them and you too will be blessed.

Father, thank You for the opportunity You give us to be a part of someone’s ministry of the Word.

(If you would like to give to our ministry, you can do that at www.twr.org/carl-willis.)

Standard
Bible, Child Rearing, Children, Correction, Scripture, Teaching

PARENTAL INFLUENCE

ZECHARIAH 13:3

“‘And if anyone still prophesies, then his father and mother who gave birth to him will say to him, “You shall not live, because you have spoken falsely in the name of the LORD”; and his father and mother who gave birth to him shall pierce him through when he prophesies.’” 

As parents, we have the responsibility to teach and nurture our children. We have to hold them accountable and correct them when they stray. To do otherwise would be to condone or even encourage bad behavior. It’s never easy, but it is necessary. God has entrusted these lives to us and gives us His Word to guide us.

Today’s verse is harsh. False prophets were not to be tolerated. Even if it meant rebuking and denouncing your own child who was prophesying falsely, you were required to stand up to them. This comes from Deuteronomy 13:6-10. After addressing to whom this applies, Moses tells them in verses 10-11, “‘10 So you shall stone him to death, because he has attempted to drive you away from the LORD your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. 11 Then all Israel will hear about it and be afraid, and will not do such a wicked thing among you again.’” This is why they had such hard rules.

APPLICATION

Let me be quick to say that the Lord does not expect you to kill anyone. These were Old Testament laws under the Mosaic covenant. We are under a new covenant through the blood of Jesus. He has paid the price for every man’s sins, if they will only turn to Him, repent and believe. We, however, are expected to teach and train our children in the Word of God. And if they decide to rebel against it, we hold them accountable.

Too many parents today are far too permissive in their child rearing. They let the child decide what they think is best. We don’t want to influence their decisions. Listen closely when I say that is a lie from the devil. We are most definitely supposed to influence their decisions toward Christ. How we handle this responsibility can and will directly affect your child’s trajectory in life.

Now, you may do your best and your child may still rebel. That is between them and God. But you have to do your part. Parents, be bold. Be brave. Teach your children from the Word each day. When they stray, correct them quickly. Correct them consistently. Above all, show them Christ’s love. Plant the seed deep. He will make it grow.

Father, give parents the boldness to teach their children Your truths and hold them to it.

Standard
Abiding, Accountability, Bible, Guilt, Scripture, Teaching

GOD’S TESTINGS

ZECHARIAH 11:16

“‘For behold, I am going to raise up a shepherd in the land who will not care for the perishing, seek the scattered, heal the broken, or provide for the one who is exhausted, but will devour the flesh of the fat sheep and tear off their hoofs.’”

I get asked a lot why God allows His children to be tested so much. These questions come from solid believers, people who truly love Jesus. Do you know what I tell them? I say, “I don’t know.” Isn’t that a great answer? Seriously, I don’t know, but I trust Him. I know He wants what is best for me. I may not see it now, but it’s coming.

The Lord, speaking through Zechariah, tells the people that He is going to raise up someone (or some nation) to test them. They will be scattered, stricken and left with no hope. Why? Because of their rebellion and lack of repentance. Sin will have its reward. That reward costs us – a lot. Israel’s sin was costly. Not a very encouraging word.

APPLICATION

Read Ezekiel 34:1-5. Zechariah seems to pulling from Ezekiel’s words. Look at verses 3-4. “3 You eat the fat and clothe yourselves with the wool, you slaughter the fat sheep without feeding the flock. 4 Those who are sickly you have not strengthened, the diseased you have not healed, the broken you have not bound up, the scattered you have not brought back, nor have you searched for the lost; but with force and with violence you have dominated them.”

Just who is Ezekiel and Zechariah talking about? The false prophets and religious leaders of the day were guilty of leading the people right into bondage. How? They were not teaching the people God’s commandments. They had gotten lazy and now the people were going to suffer.

Listen to me. If you are a leader or teacher in your church, you had better take it seriously. You are responsible, as a teacher, for every word that you teach. You can’t make the people follow it, but you have to teach it. Don’t be weak. Be bold and present the Word unfiltered.

Lord, keep me accountable to others for the words I use when I teach.

Standard
Accountability, Authority, Bible, God's Will, Harm, Scripture, Teaching

THE RIGHT TOOL

ZECHARIAH 11:15

“And the LORD said to me, ‘Take again for yourself the equipment of a foolish shepherd.’”

My dad had quite the tool collection when he passed away. Over decades he had accumulated those tools, one by one, as he needed them. I remember him telling me that if he had a job to do at the house or on one of our vehicles that required a certain tool, he would purchase it. That way he would have it the next time it was needed. Having the right tool is important.

The Lord tells Zechariah to act the part of a foolish shepherd and acquire the wrong tool. Cyril explains it well. “Good shepherds, who understood their business, had slight staves, that, if there should be occasion to strike, the stricken sheep might not be bruised; but one who understandeth not, beats them with thicker clubs.” Right job, wrong tool. Damage was done with the wrong tool.

APPLICATION

There are so many good applications to this truth today. Let’s take, for example, preaching and teaching about God. We have the perfect tool to use for that – the Bible. Those who study and prepare are able to use it for God’s glory. Others use everything but the Word. They use social media. They use lights and music. They will use anything but the Word. Right job, wrong tool.

If you are in the position to lead others in your church, remember to use His Word. James 3:1 says, “Do not become teachers in large numbers, my brothers, since you know that we who are teachers will incur a stricter judgment.” This is serious business. We have to use the right tool and use it correctly. Even the right tool handled incorrectly can harm.

I am thankful for mentors in my life who have taught me well. They showed me the importance of holding God’s Word in the highest regard and to be careful in how I handle it. I have to be careful to make sure everything I say is based on His Word, not mine. I know I have the right tool, and I know I have the right job. But I must continue to sharpen my skills in handling this tool.

O God, Your Word is the truth I need to share. Give me the wisdom to teach it well.

Standard
Answers, Asking, Bible, Disciplemaking, Encouragement, Following, God's Will, Scripture, Teaching

HERE WE GO AGAIN

ZECHARIAH 4:13

“So he answered me, saying, ‘Do you not know what these are?’ And I said, ‘No, my lord.’”

A large part of my ministry career involved supervising people. I felt like I have been a pretty good coach over the years. I tried to answer everyone’s questions. Better yet, I tried to get them to ask the right questions. I wanted them to think for themselves. We teach men in our ministry of Every Man A Warrior to think for themselves and to teach their children to do the same.

That is what the angel is trying to get Zechariah to do – think for himself. This is the second time in this vision that he has given this answer to him. In fact, if you look back at verse 5, this verse is identical to it – the same words. That is not a mistake. Repetition is important for learning. The angel was repeating himself on purpose. Think Zechariah, think!

APPLICATION

Often, in our walk with the Lord, He will not give us the answer immediately. He wants us to grow. He wants us to learn. He is helping us mature as believers. It is like Paul told the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 3:2, “I gave you milk to drink, not solid food; for you were not yet able to consume it. But even now you are not yet able,…”

Can you imagine living your whole life only drinking milk? You would not be very strong physically. You need other foods to grow. In the same way, God will not spoon feed you all your life. He wants you to grow strong, spiritual muscles, so He allows things in your life to stretch those muscles. He will give you the strength you need, but you will need to push yourself as well.

Now, don’t be afraid to keep asking Him for help. He is always there. But be patient when the answers come slowly. There is a reason for that. He may give you the exact same answer you got last time. That’s okay. That’s for a reason as well. Trust the process He has you in. He is building you into a beautiful vessel.

Lord, I do have to admit that I am impatient sometimes when I ask You for something. Give me more faith, Lord, to trust the process.

Standard
Abiding, Bible, Calling, Career, Commands, Disciplemaking, Modeling, Obedience, Passion, Salvation, Scripture, Surrender, Teaching, Witnessing

FARMER PROPHET 

AMOS 1:1

“The words of Amos, who was among the sheepherders from Tekoa, which he saw in visions concerning Israel in the days of Uzziah king of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam son of Joash, king of Israel, two years before the earthquake.”

I can recall when the Lord called me to full time ministry. I had only been a Christian for a few months. It was in the Fall of 1978. I was in my Senior year of high school. It was almost like my surrender to Him in salvation morphed directly into my calling as a minister. He took out some things I thought  were important and replaced them with a passion to serve in ministry. So, I can relate somewhat to Amos, as we begin this study.

Amos was a farmer. He had sheep and also tended sycamore trees. Out of that unlikely vocation God called him to go prophesy against the nation of Israel. He had not been schooled in the school of prophets. He had been schooled by life. He obviously had a passion and desire for Jehovah, or he wouldn’t have been chosen for the task. God can use any instrument He chooses to accomplish His goals.

APPLICATION

Are you being used by the Lord right now? Perhaps you think He can’t use you. Wrong! Just like Amos, you just have to be available. It doesn’t matter what vocation you are in, the Lord can use you. The Lord doesn’t need more preachers. Now, hear me out. I am not knocking preachers. I am one. But you can reach so many more people in your circle of influence in your vocation, if you are willing.

God plucked Amos right out of the pasture and sent him on a mission. God may select you to do something extraordinary. He is just waiting for you to surrender to His will. Do you trust Him to give you the words? He gave Amos some very bold words. Do you trust Him to direct your path? He will. Just ask Him.

Oh, the things we can do if we are willing. God changed the world with 11 unlikely disciples, mostly uneducated men who had a passion for Jesus. They all laid down their lives for the mission. I often ask myself if I would do the same. I know I can through His power. I want Him to use me to change the world. Will you join me?

O Lord, use me like You did Amos. Give me the same boldness to speak truth in a fallen world.

Standard
Abiding, Advice, Bible, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Contentment, Direction, Disciplemaking, Encouragement, Holy Spirit, Inspirational, Knowledge, Mentoring, Parenting, Scripture, Teaching, Truth

KNOW IT ALL

1 JOHN 2:27

“As for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him.”

Have you ever known someone who knew everything about everything? You couldn’t tell a story without them butting in and finishing it or trying to top it. Name any subject and they would have an opinion. You really couldn’t tell them anything. Those kinds of people are kind of annoying, aren’t they?

You could read this verse and think John is telling us to be like that. You may even think he is shunning education and teachers. I mean, at first glance it appears that way. He actually says, “you have no need for anyone to teach you.” But John is warning us to be careful of who we let influence us. Everything must be in agreement with what the Spirit tells us according to the Word of God.

APPLICATION

This is never more true than today. Our children are constantly being told how naïve and even ignorant they are if they believe in the creation story. After all, science teaches that evolution is reality, right? But what does God’s Word say? Does evolution match up to Genesis 1-3? No, it doesn’t.

Other examples of teachings that go contrary to the teachings of God are abortion and the redefinition of marriage. We have to keep pointing our children to the only true source of knowledge. Only God’s Word gives the wisdom needed to guide us through life. Only God’s Word will always point us in the right direction. There is no other truth.

Let me encourage you today to reexamine your knowledge base. Whom or what do you trust for truth? We have seen in just the past few months the vacillation of scientist on the covid-19 causes and treatments. What one holds as truth, another says is not true. Aren’t you glad that we know THE Truth – Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior?

Father, thank You for sending Your Spirit to be my teacher. I thank You also for sending others into my life to mentor and direct me.

Standard