Compare Yourself to an Umpire or Referee

If you, the one who proclaims the truth, could be compared to a referee, what kind of referee would you be?

1. Are you a bold or a shy referee?

Caption: Shy referees are afraid to make a call. They are timid.

Caption: Bold referees are not afraid to make a call.

Paul was a very bold referee. Consider the following ways in which Paul was bold for Jesus Christ.

• He wrote boldy, saying, “I have written very boldly to you on some points…” (Ro 15:15)



• He requested prayer for himself to be bold, asking the church at Ephesus to: "...pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel (Eph 6:19)



• He hoped and expected that he would not be put to shame in any circumstance, but rather that he would exalt Jesus Christ in all boldness. “…according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I will not be put to shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ will even now, as always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.” (Phil 1:20)
  
  Paul did not want just a little boldness, or some boldness, but Paul wanted all boldness.

Paul encouraged and reminded others not to be shy or ashamed with the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, but rather to be bold with them. He said to Timothy, “…do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord…” (2 Tim 1:8)

Are you ashamed at all about the name of Jesus or any of His words?

Those who proclaim the truth will be tempted to shy away from boldly teaching certain gospel truths. You will be tempted away from that blessed state of all boldness. Like the shy referee you may be tempted to be swayed by the crowd or the players in the game. The temptation to be afraid of man will always be there. Perhaps that is why even Paul, an apostle, asked for others to pray for him that he would be bold with the testimony of the gospel.

Yet, how should you proclaim the truth? How should you referee? When the crowd is large and the opposition may be many, how will you be tempted to teach the truth? Will you shy truth down to be unheard? Will you change the call to fit the mood of the moment? Will you fail to make the call that should be made from the rulebook? Will you be double minded in your teaching, even when the call demands a sound decision? Or will you tend to be bold with the truth in spite of what the crowd, the church or world will think? Will you correct others or let them go uncorrected?

This may be your biggest temptation as you teach, shying away from all boldness, shying away from correcting others, shying away from getting each truth out in the game for all to hear it. The crowd may react with like or dislike, boos or cheers, diligence or apathy, anger or openness. Or, they may try to fire you as referee. Still the call must be made loud and clear.

If you are teaching the gospel to others, you should make it your ambition to boldly make the Scriptures known. Are you teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ with all boldness? Have you requested prayer for all boldness? Do you hope and expect that each situation you find yourself in will turn out to exalt the name of Jesus Christ?

2. Are you a certain or an uncertain referee?

Caption: Those who are uncertain are for some reason not prepared to make the call.

Caption: Those that are certain are prepared to make the call.

Are you one who knows the rulebook of this game well enough to be able to make the call with certainty? How thoroughly do you know the book? Are you ready and prepared to make the call?

Faith has its roots in being sure and certain (He 11:1). If you do not have certainty, if you are not sure, in other words, if you do not have faith, why are you teaching the word of God? Those who teach the word of God must have great faith. They must have conviction and certainty in their belief and speech.

The older man who desires to be appointed to oversee the local church must have demonstrated that he personally holds on to, that he clings to, that his testimony shows that he maintains the faithful word of God. He must be one who sticks to the message in the rule book, so to speak. In doing so, he would be able to make the appropriate calls, loud and clear, for all those needing direction and those whose teachings defy the truth (Titus 1:9-11).

This requires deep and mature faith in the word of God, not just shallow, cursory, or first teaching faith.

How great is your faith? How thoroughly certain are you about God’s word? What kind of referee are you?

Remember that the Hebrew Christians did not cling to the basics of Christ, nor were they able to pass them on to others (He chpt. 5 & 6). They could not be very faithful referees.

Can you certainly pass on the basics to others? If so, what proof do you have that you have done it? And if you are good at clinging to and teaching the elementary principles about the Christ, this is not the fulfillment of maturity, nor is it deep faith since the writer of Hebrews pointed out that the goal of the Christian is to grow even beyond these basics in order to reach and hold to maturity.

Are you faithfully clinging to basics and beyond? Are you sure and certain of them?

3. Are you a clear or an unclear referee?

Caption: Unclear referees make a call in a way that is hard to hear or hard to discern. Clear referees are distinct enough for others to know and to see the call that they are making.

Who can create confusion and disorder? It is a referee that is unclear. Who can cause clarity and order? It is a referee that is clearly heard. Lack of clarity results in confusion. Clarity results in people being able to understand and judge a matter.

When Paul taught the teachers, he illustrated the need for them to be clear and distinct with their language, saying, “…even lifeless things, either flute or harp, in producing a sound, if they do not produce a distinction in the tones, how will it be known what is played on the flute or the harp? For if the bugle produces an indistinct sound, who will prepare himself for battle? So also you, unless you utter by the tongue speech that is clear, how will it be known what is spoken?” (1 Co 14:7-9)

As Paul further taught the teachers in that passage, he informend them that clear speech is speech that the listeners can understand (1 Co 14:9-12). If it is not clear, understandable language, then the listeners receive no edification, nor do they know how to prepare.

Can you follow indistinct Bible teaching? Can you easily listen to it? Can you be easily edified by it?

Distinct Bible teaching is clear, understandable, and easily heard. What tones do you use? How distinctly do you speak? What would those who listen to you say?

When you sit to listen to a musician, do you expect to hear him play just one note or one tone? Certainly not!

If you were an instrument, do you understand the wide range of notes and tones that you can reach for? Or do you tend to habitually only use one or two notes? Do you use the whole range of distinct sounds that can be played on that instrument? Sure, it may be dramatic if you do so, but that is what it may take for you to be fulfilling the will of God to be distinctly heard when you teach.

It may take all the energy you have in order for you to speak with distinction. Those who play the trumpet or tuba use a lot of wind and effort to make distinctly heard sounds. Those who proclaim the truth should make significant effort to make truth be distinctly heard.

4. Are you a persuasive or an unpersuasive referee?

Caption: Unpersuasive referees are not very convincing in their calls?

Caption: Persuasive referees are convincing in their calls.

Paul said of himself and those working with him, “...knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade men…” (2 Cor 5:11) Paul spoke with persuasiveness. He spoke convincingly.

Are you persuading men? Is your teaching of the gospel persuasive and convincing? If not, perhaps you do not have fear of the Lord. Paul said that he knew the fear of the Lord, and that this fear was the basis for him to be provoked to persuade men. It was the basis for him to be convincing.

It is true that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Ps 111:10). Yet, it is also true that the fear of the Lord helps those who teach to earnestly persuade men to know God and obey the gospel of Jesus Christ.

• “You are trying to persuade me…”
• “You are trying to sell me on…”
• “Why are you trying to sell me on…
• “Why are you trying to persuade me…”
• “You are trying to convince me…”
• “Why are you are trying to convince me…”

Are you failing to receive responses like that? If so, perhaps you are failing to use persuasive language when you proclaim the gospel. Yet, if you have received responses like that then you are blessed because you are being persuasive in your proclamation of the gospel.

Paul received a response like the ones listed above. Even while a prisoner, his persuasive ability did not leave him. No matter what situation Paul was in, he used it to try to exalt, show forth, and to defend the name of Jesus Christ. Therefore, he tried to persuade a ruler who was sitting in judgment of him to become a believer in Jesus. This ruler had some power over Paul. Listen to the response that Paul received from his persuasive proclamation of the gospel to this man.

“‘King Agrippa, do you believe the Prophets? I know that you do.’ Agrippa replied, ‘In such a short time you will persuade me to become a Christian.’ And Paul said, ‘I would wish to God, that whether in a short or a long time, not only you, but also all who hear me this day, might become such as I am, except for these chains’” (Ac 26:27-29)

QUESTIONS

• What was the response Paul received?
  
  The man responded that Paul was persuading him in a short time to become a Christian. Yet, we do not know if he became a Christian.



• How did Paul get to the point of receiving such a response?
  
  After some preaching about the Christ (vs. 1-22), Paul asked the king a question about his own personal belief and convictions regarding what the prophets said about the Christ. Do you ask questions in order to be persuasive about the gospel and in order to get a response?
  
  If you are going to proclaim the truth with persuasiveness, then you must be bold enough, caring enough about the souls of others to ask them very important questions about their belief in the gospel of Jesus Christ.
  
  
• How much time did Paul need to try to persuade this important man to become a Christian?
  
  The man said that in a short time, Paul would persuade him to become a Christian. Is this how you operate? Are you persuasively trying to make disciples as quickly as possible, even in one conversation like Paul?
  
  Philip the evangelist worked in this way (Ac 8). In a short time, seemingly in one afternoon, he persuaded the Ethiopian to become a disciple. He baptized him that day.

Being persuasive is not just a New Testament revelation. For example, in the Old Testament, Joshua was persuasive, even challenging people to make a decision. He preached, saying, “…choose for yourselves today whom you will serve…” (Joshua 24:15)

QUESTIONS

• Whom was Joshua talking to?
  
  He was talking to the people of God, the Jews. Therefore, do not be surprised if you need to be persuasive with God's people. They need to be challenged to obey the truth that they are failing to put into practice.



• When did Joshua call upon the people to make the decision?
  
  Joshua challenged them to make the decision that day. When you proclaim the truth, are you challenging others to make their decision today to follow a particular truth?

Are you persuasive enough to get disciples to make the right decision, even today? Are you proclaiming to them, “Put this command into practice today?” Or, “Make your decision to do this today.” Or, “Believe it and obey it today.”

Like Joshua, are you persuasively getting people to a decision point? You should be looking for a response from them. Their response may be to agree. Or, their response may be anger. Yet you must be persuasive with gospel commands because Jesus said to teach disciples everything he commanded the apostles (Mt 28:20). This includes the whole New Testament teachings, not just the gospels.

5. Are you a controlled or an uncontrolled referee?

Caption: A referee who is uncontrolled is one who is combative. A referee that is controlled is one who maintains behavioral composure, no matter what the mood of the players.

It seems that Timothy did not lack the spiritual quality of being self-controlled. Nor does it seem that Timothy was unloving. Yet, Paul revealed that Timothy was timid.

For whatever reason, Timothy was shying away from taking his stand on the Gospel. Therefore, Paul enouraged Timothy, saying,

“For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline [self-control].” (2 Tim 1:7)

Note how Paul wisely put together three spiritual qualities (love, bold ability, and self-control). He tied them together as the winning combination to make a proclaimer complete and effective.

Consider each spiritual quality without the other. For example, self-control all by itself can make you mute. Love without boldness, will make you mute. Yet boldness without love and self-control, will make you a fool.

James clearly pointed out that your tongue, and how well you can or cannot bridle and censor it, will determine the outcome of your very own life (James 3:3-12). How are you directing your life with your own speech? Is your life not going the way you would have liked? If so, is it because of your very own speech? Could you have received a different outcome if you would have kept silent or used differing words in the past?

If a bit in the mouth of a horse can control the direction of the whole horse (vs. 3), if a rudder of a ship can direct the whole ship (vs. 4), if a spark can engulf the whole forest (vs. 5), then the tongue can control the whole direction and course of a man's life and body, his ship (vs. 6).

James points out that this may be the most difficult task a human being is faced with (vs. 7, 8), since stumbling in speech is a common sin of mankind (vs. 2).

Can you imagine steering a ship in the wrong direction, especially when it is near land? Can you imagine riding a galloping horse that has no bit and bridle? Can you imagine starting the forest on fire just to cook some food?

The one who teaches the word of God, must direct his life at the tip of his tongue. According to James, self-control has its start with your tongue, righteousness of speech.

6. Are you an accurate or an inaccurate referee?

Caption: Inaccurate referees make the wrong call for the play at hand.

Caption: Accurate referees make the right call for the play at hand.

Is there anything worse than a referee who makes the wrong call? Yes, it is a Bible teacher who makes the wrong call, either telling someone they are right when they are wrong, or telling someone they are wrong when they are right.

Oh, it may be that the crowd can tell whether an umpire has made a bad call. But the church may have a much more difficult time discerning or noticing the error of it's referees. For example, Paul said that the church in Corinth clung beautifully to teaching that was different than what the Gospel actually revealed, and it was in the form of another Jesus, a different spirit, and another gospel. Yet, Paul had previously instructed them correctly on all three things.

"For if one comes and preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted, you bear this beautifully." (2 Co 11:4) Oh, the naivety of church goers!

The conclusion of the matter is that you must take pains to personally study the word of God so that you will: (1) not mishandle it, (2) show yourself to be accurate, 3.) be approved to God, (4) be unashamed since you are not in error, like that foolish referee who called the ball fair that should have been foul. He could be put to shame for his poor judgment.

"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth." (2 Tim 2:15)

In conclusion, these are the words that describe an ineffective proclaimer of the truth: shy, uncertain, unclear, unpersuasive, uncontrolled, unloving, inaccurate.

Yet these are the words that describe an effective proclaimer of the truth: bold, certain, clear, persuasive, controlled, loving, accurate. Compare yourself to a referee. What kind of referee are you?

Make People Ready for the Lord!

The angel Gabriel announced before the birth of John that: "...he will be great in the sight of the Lord..." (Lk 1:15)

Why did the Lord confess that John was such a great man? The angel Gabriel listed many of the reasons why John would be great in the sight of the Lord. Listen to what the angel said:

"But the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your petition has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will give him the name John. You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth."

"For he will be great in the sight of the Lord; and he will drink no wine or liquor, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit while yet in his mother's womb. And he will turn many of the sons of Israel back to the Lord their God."

"It is he who will go as a forerunner before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, TO TURN THE HEARTS OF THE FATHERS BACK TO THE CHILDREN, and the disobedient to the attitude of the righteous, so as to make ready a people prepared for the Lord." (Lk 1:13-17)

Simply put, John was great in the sight of the Lord because he made people ready for the Lord's arrival. Jesus is going to return someday, and He is only going to take with him those who are ready for Him. Therefore, it is important for you to study how John made people ready for the Lord so that you can make people ready for the Lord’s return. Study how to be great in the sight of the Lord. Compare Yourself to John the Baptist.

1. Be a Person of Strict Self-Restraint (Are You?)

Caption: Are you abstaining from getting drunk?

John was a person of great self-restraint. The angel said of him, "...he will drink no wine or liquor..." (Lk 1:15)

He was to be a person of strict self-restraint. He was not to indulge, nor try drinking intoxicating things even once. He was not to see what it was like, nor was he to experience it.

John never indulged himself with these things, not even once. Is that the kind of self-restraint that you demonstrate, that you do not even taste intoxicating things?

Daniel decided on his own not to defile himself with the king's choice food or the wine that the king drank (Da 1:8). Daniel showed that he could exercise strict self-control.

The kings of Israel were commanded to be persons of self-restraint, limiting themselves greatly in the area of wives, horses, and riches. (De 17:14-17). Yet some did not listen to this and reaped the wages of sin. Solomon married too many wives, even foreign ones. This lack of strict self-restraint led to his practicing the sin of some of his wives, the sin of idolatry. God eventually divided the Israelite kingdom in two because of this sin of Solomon (1 Ki 11:31)

If you proclaim the truth, are you a person of strict self-restraint in all the necessary areas? Or are you indulging yourself in the comforts of this life, ministering to your flesh in every way in abundance, permitting yourself to experience all things of sensuality?

2. Be Filled with the Holy Spirit (Are You?)

The angel Gabriel said of John that: "...he will be filled with the Holy Spirit..." (Lk 1:15)

What did it mean that John would be filled with the Holy Spirit? Did it mean that John would be one who does miracles?

Gabriel also said of John: "It is he who will go as a forerunner before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah..." (Lk 1:17)

Elijah was a prophet who did miracles. Does this mean that John would be filled with a spirit that would enable him to do miracles?

"Many came to Him [Jesus] and were saying, 'While John performed no sign, yet everything John said about this man was true.'" (Jn 10:41)

Since John the Baptist performed no sign, no miracle, then the spirit he was filled with had nothing to do with miracles. Instead it had everything to do with holiness. John was a man of holiness. That is what it means to be filled with the Holy Spirit.

Now, consider further what it means to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Holy means separate. Separate from what? Separate from sin. John was filled with the Spirit that helped him to live separate from sin. God’s Spirit is holy, separate from sin. Being filled with the Holy Spirit meant that John was living a holy life directed by the Spirit of God. That is what it means to be filled with the Holy Spirit.

In Acts 6:3-5, notice that those who were to be selected to serve be men who were filled with the Holy Spirit.

They did not have to be miraculous men. They simply were to be men who were holy in their conduct and behavior and activities. Is your life holy? Are you as separate from sin as is required of one who serves God's people? Are you filled with the spirit that separates your life from sin?

3. Turn People to the Lord (Are You?)

John had a goal in life, but it was not a selfish goal. Instead, his life was dedicated to turning as many people as possible to his master, the Lord Jesus Christ. Gabriel predicted John's life calling, saying, "And he will turn many of the sons of Israel back to the Lord their God." (Lk 1:16)

It seems that when a person is filled with the Holy Spirit, he cannot help but make it his priority to turn people to the giver of that Spirit, the Lord. John is a great example of this. Peter is another great example. He was filled with the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. He used that spiritual ability to proclaim the mighty deeds of Jesus Christ to a very large audience. He turned 3,000 souls to Jesus that day (Ac 1,2).

Paul is another example of someone who was filled with the Holy Spirit. In Acts 9 he began to receive of that Spirit. Then he began to turn people to the Lord.

Jesus made it perfectly clear that his number one goal was to have his disciples proclaim his name among the nations (Mk 16:15, 16; Mt 28:18, 19). If you claim to be filled with the Holy Spirit, are you then boldly making Christ and his teachings known?

What are you making known to people? Who are you introducing them to? Who are you turning people towards? Are you turning people towards yourself and your name and your things? Or are you elevating the name of Jesus and His things? Are you primarily concerned with introducing Christ and his teachings to others? Are you leading people to Christ?

4. Teaching Parents to Be Devoted to Their Own Children (Are You?)

John had a goal to make parents, fathers in particular, treasure, cherish, and be devoted to their own children. Gabriel said that John would:

"...TURN THE HEARTS OF THE FATHERS BACK TO THE CHILDREN..." (vs. 17)

Are fathers paying little attention to their own children? Are parents devoted to something else in comparison?

Do you treasure and cherish your own children? The Bible says, "...where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Mt 6:21) What are you treasuring? Is it your children, or is something else getting in the way? Where is your heart?

If you want to be great like John, consider how you, the proclaimer of truth, can motivate parents to cherish, treasure, and be devoted to their own children.

Answer the following questions with wisdom to help you to turn the hearts of parents to their children.

• What do children need from their parents?
• What do children need from a father?
• What do children need from a mother?
• What does God want you to do as a parent?

What should you direct parents to be devoted to as they interact with their children?

• Direct parents to personally teach the Bible to their own children.
  
  Deuteronomy 6 teaches parents to be devoted to this throughout the day. The New Testament also specifically directs fathers to personally train up their own children in the things of the Lord (Eph 6:4). Parents, are you personally having devotionals with your children?
  
  Remind parents that this is the way that they can cherish and treasure their own children.



• Direct parents to diligently discipline their own children.
  
  Proverbs tells parents to diligently be devoted to disciplining their own children, stating that the one who fails to do this hates their child (Pr 13:24). Contrastingly, the one who does not fail to do it loves their child. In other words, he is being devoted to his children.
  
  Direct parents to be devotedly correcting of their own children. Direct them to take pains, take the time, daily, to correct, reprove, exhort, and train their own children in righteousness.



• Direct parents to teach their children to be chaste.
  
  This would involve a couple of things. First, teach parents to train their children to keep their hands and bodies to themselves (1 Co 7:1). Second, direct parents to teach their children to dress very discreetly, not to be revealing of their bodies, and not to dress in the slightest way that encourages lust in the eyes of the opposite gender (1 Tim 2:9).

Certainly it is also wise to teach about other family matters, such as directing wives and husbands to be devoted to each other in righteousness.

Are you turning wives towards their rightful husbands? Are you turning husbands towards their rightful wives? Is this what your teaching includes?

In comparison, like John, are you teaching that a godly family must be devoted to each other? Godliness includes family devotion.

5. Correct Those Who Are Disobedient (Are You?)

Gabriel said that John would turn: "the disobedient to the attitude of the righteous, so as to make ready a people prepared for the Lord." (vs. 17)

Only those with a righteous attitude will be prepared for the Lord. Turning someone from disobedience to obedience is called repentance. Turning someone from wrong to right is called repentance. Therefore, John had a ministry of correction, he had a ministry of repentance. He corrected disobedient attitudes, beliefs, and practices. This became clear as John's ministry progressed. For example, some of the very first words he used as he began his preaching ministry were, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." (Mt 3:1)

Later, he repeatedly tried to correct a Gentile king regarding his unrighteous marriage union (Mk 6:18).

Another time, he strongly taught two religious sects, the Pharisees and the Sadducees, to produce fruit in keeping with repentance (Mt 3:8).

John required repentance for salvation. In fact, his baptism was a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins (Mk 1:4). Jesus still requires repentance for the forgivness of sins (Ac 2:38, Lk 24:47). Yet baptism is now to be done in the name of the Lord.

John demonstrated the understanding that the heart of God shouts forth, saying, "...the one who practices righteousness is righteous." (1 Jn 3:7)

Are you correcting anyone? Are you causing the repentance of anyone? John taught strongly on the doctrine of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. People would come to him confessing their sins as they were being baptized (Mk 1:15) Therefore, John required proven repentance before or during the conversion of his disciples. Do you require proven repentance at or before baptism? Are you teaching strongly on repentance before baptism? John first corrected the people, are you? Repentance must come first.

6. Be Bold, Clear, and Distinctive (Are You?)

Gabriel did not mention this about John, yet in another place it was said of John that he was: "...one crying out in the desert, prepare the way of the Lord." (Mt 3:3)

One who cries out is one who is clearly heard. One who cries out is one who is distinct in his speech. John was bold and distinctive in his proclamation of the word of God. Would others write that way about you? Would they say that you boldly cried out the truth?

In conclusion, if you can do all these things in your teaching that John was doing, then, like John, you will be great in the sight of the Lord. Amen and amen! Compare yourself to John the Baptist.

Proclaim the Truth with Wisdom

John the Baptist was a wise teacher because he taught the people how to follow wisdom. One of his goals was: “…to turn the disobedient to the attitude [the wisdom] of the righteous…” (vs. 17)

Paul said that he and others with him were: "...admonishing [warning KJV] every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ." (Col 1:28)

What does it mean to teach with wisdom? How can you be a wise teacher?

The book of Ecclesiastes sheds light on how to teach the truth with wisdom. Listen carefully to discover what wise teachers teach. Listen and compare yourself to Solomon, the wise teacher.

Eccl 12:9-14

9 In addition to being a wise man, the Preacher also taught the people knowledge; and he pondered, searched out and arranged many proverbs.

10 The Preacher sought to find delightful words and to write words of truth correctly.

11 The words of a wise men are like goads, the masters of these collections are like well driven nails; they are given by one Shepherd.

12 But beyond this, my son, be warned: the writing of many books is endless, and excessive devotion to books is wearying to the body.

13 The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person.

14 For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.

Now compare yourself to Solomon. Consider how Solomon, a well driven nail, taught with wisdom (Eccl 12:9,11). Are you a well driven nail?

How Can You Proclaim the Truth With Wisdom?

1. Inform the People (Are You?)

“In addition to being a wise man, the Preacher also taught the people knowledge…” (vs. 9)

Is your instruction informative? Do those who hear you, or those who read your literature tell you that you or your material is knowledgeable or informative?

A crime happened in the inner city. A policeman had to investigate the initial scene. He started to ask questions of the family members who were affected by the crime. The policeman was looking for clues that could help him understand who, what, when, where, and why this crime took place. Can you imagine a person seeking God, coming to you and trying to find the answers to the greatest crime scene ever recorded in history, yet you fail to fully inform him of the details of that crime? Are you not aware that it is his family that is affected, the human race? Can the policeman find anyone who will inform him of the whole truth? Are there people seeking the whole truth? Be aware that you who proclaim the truth are a witness for Christ. Are you an excellent witness, one who fully informs?

Wise teachers bring knowledge to the people. Wise teachers are informative. Are your lessons informative and knowledgeable? Give people knowledge. Do not let them be ignorant. Inform the people.

2. Be a Seeker of Wisdom Yourself (Are You?)

“In addition to being a wise man, the Preacher also taught the people knowledge; and he pondered, searched out … many proverbs.” (vs. 9)

You cannot teach with wisdom unless you are seeking wisdom. Are you a seeker of wisdom? Are you considering and critically thinking about the word of God?

Wise teachers carefully consider wise sayings, such as Solomon did with proverbs. He pondered various aspects of wisdom. He thought about wisdom, studied wisdom, and valued wisdom. Just look in the book of Proverbs to notice how many times Solomon used the word "wise". It is a testimony that he was a seeker of wisdom.

If you want to be a wise teacher, you yourself must be a seeker of wisdom. Are you devoted to the wisdom of God? Love wisdom.

3. Arrange and Publish Wisdom in an Orderly, Accurate, and Complete Way (Are You?)

“In addition to being a wise man, the Preacher also taught the people knowledge; and he pondered, searched out and arranged many proverbs. The Preacher sought to find delightful words and to write words of truth correctly.” (vs. 9, 10)

Solomon not only searched for wisdom and considered it for himself and his own personal satisfaction and personal benefit, he went one step further. He wrote wisdom down in an orderly and accurate way to help the people. He wanted others to benefit from his study and love of wisdom, not just himself. He wanted others to be edified by wisdom.

He arranged and wrote truth down, with accuracy. Solomon was known to be the one who wrote most of the book of Proverbs. This is the result of his careful thinking about wisdom and how to impart it to the people. Of course, these proverbs were inspired by God because Solomon was a prophet of God.

The comparative writing style that Solomon used to write proverbs, comparing wisdom to folly, is helpful to the reader. Orderly arrangement of truth helps to aid learning. Orderly groupings of truth are helpful to the reader.

The Bible has been written and arranged with a variety of orderly wisdom.

Luke taught with orderly wisdom. Listen to the reasons he gives for writing his own gospel account of the Messiah.

“Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile an account of the things accomplished among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word, it seemed fitting for me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in consecutive order, most excellent Theophilus; so that you may know the exact truth about the things you have been taught.” (Luke 1:1-4)

Luke demonstrates wisdom in his teaching. Listen to the many qualities of this wise teacher:

• He was a thinker, a ponderer, and a careful investigator, a seeker of wisdom – “having investigated”



• He was careful to be accurate, correct, and qualitative in his writings – “undertaken to compile an account… just as they were handed down” “having investigated everything carefully from the beginning” “so that you may know the exact truth”



• He was a writer and arranger of the truth – “undertaken to compile an account” and “to write it out for you in consecutive order”



• He taught the people knowledge, he informed the people – “so that you may know the exact truth”

Luke was like Solomon, a seeker of wisdom. He was an investigator of it. He did not do this just for his own personal edification, but rather for the edification of others. He wrote it down for them.

He taught about it chronologically, laying it out in consecutive, sequential order (Lk 1:3). He compiled an accurate, qualitative sequential account of the truth. This is an orderly and understandable way to teach about God. It is a wise way to teach.

All four of the gospel accounts use the chronological method of writing, showing forth the sequential history of Jesus’ earthly life from his inception to his death and resurrection.

• Those who grouped together the books of the Old Testament, put five books together into the grouping called the Law of Moses.
• Major prophets are another grouping.
• Minor prophets are still another grouping.
• Proverbs is simply a comparative writing style that mainly gives both sides of the story of wisdom, with many showing the folly of not following wisdom.
• The four gospel accounts are grouped together.
• etc.

In conclusion, the Bible certainly has been written with wisdom, arranged with wisdom, and grouped with wisdom for our benefit. Are you proclaiming, publishing, or sharing the Gospel in an orderly way?

4. Make Truth Acceptable (Are You?)

“The Preacher sought to find delightful words…” (vs. 10)

The Devil is good at one thing, making sin seem acceptable. Remember when he made sin seem acceptable to the woman, teaching her that it was ok to eat of the forbidden fruit, telling her all the wrong reasons why she should eat it?

With his teaching, he untied a knot that God firmly tied. He will try to untie all the “nots” in the Bible if he could go that far with you, and he will do it with persuasive and strange teaching that makes sin seem acceptable. He was persuasive with the woman, he was deceptive, he was opposing the clear command of God. He was making sin seem acceptable. Why? Because he is a sinner, that’s why.

Think about yourself now. If you cannot obey the truth, if you have not obeyed the truth, you will either do one of two things: 1. be silent, 2. you will go one step further and teach the error that is in your practice of religion, and you will make sin seem acceptable.

Now if the Devil likes to make sin seem acceptable, how much more then should you make truth seem acceptable? Will you tell others all the right reasons to do what God has clearly spoken? Do you know how to accurately sing the praises of why it is important to keep a certain command? Do you know all the godly reasons why one should apply with excellence a specific command of God? Are you aware that the Scripture says that there is great reward in keeping God’s commands (Ps 19:11)?

If you are going to teach with wisdom, you must make truth acceptable to practice for those you are teaching. Tell them the benefits. Tell them what’s right about it. Wise teachers make truth seem acceptable.

5. Use Speech That Spurs or Goads (Pricks) the People on to Righteousness and Godliness (Are You?)

“The words of a wise men are like goads…” (vs. 11)

Peter’s words pricked the hearts of many he was preaching to on the day of Pentecost. He spoke with wisdom about the good deeds of Jesus, the prophecy of him, the crucifixion, and the resurrection and Lordship of Jesus Christ. Then he told the people that they sinned in crucifying him.

This wise teaching goaded, or spurred on, or pricked the hearts of the people to the point that they not only believed in Jesus, they repented and were baptized into the name of Jesus Christ. Peter was a motivational speaker, who spurred people on. His words were like a sharp stick, a goad. And no wonder they were sharp, they were inspired by the Holy Spirit. Those words came from God.

Joshua used motivational and challenging words to turn the people to serve the Lord only as God. He used compelling words, saying,

He looked for a response from the people that he was preaching to. He received the response that same day. They agreed to serve the Lord.

Wise teachers use words to spur people on to follow what God desires. Wise teachers get people to a decision point.

6. Make Known the Source of Wisdom (Are You?)

“The words of a wise men are like goads, the masters of these collections are like well driven nails; they are given by one Shepherd.” (vs. 11)

Where does wisdom come from? Is it from a school? Is it from a man or a woman? Is it from earth, or is it from heaven?

Solomon wisely pointed out that words of wise men are given by one Shepherd. That Shepherd is the Lord. James, a prophet, one who was filled with the sharp, goading Holy Spirit, wisely pointed out where you should seek wisdom from, from God not men (Ja 1:5). We are from below. God is from above. Therefore, wisdom is not from us nor our institutions, but rather it is from God.

Solomon said that words of wise men come from one Pastor [one Shepherd]. Jesus claimed to be the One Shepherd, saying, "I am the good shepherd..." (Jn 10:14) "...they will become one flock with one shepherd." (Jn 10:16) It was prophesied that Jesus would be the One Shepherd for Israel (Mt 2:6).

• David, a prophet of God, a chosen king, the Lord’s anointed, claimed that the Lord was his pastor [shepherd] (Ps. 23). Wisely, he acknowledged one pastor.



• The writer of Hebrews pointed out that Jesus is the Great Shepherd of the sheep (He 13:20).



• Peter also wisely referred to this Great Pastor. He called the Lord the Chief Shepherd [Pastor] (1 Pe 5:4). In another place Peter explained that some have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of their souls (1 Pe 2:25).

When you teach, are you making known the source of wisdom? Are you pointing to the One Shepherd, the One Pastor? Or, are you pointing to some other source? Wisdom is not from man, nor it’s institutions, but it is from God. Wisdom should be sought from God.

If you want to be a wise teacher, follow the example of Solomon, David, James, Peter, and Jesus. Point out that the Lord is the Pastor, and that wisdom comes from Him. Who is your pastor?

7. Warn the People (Are You?)

But beyond this, my son, be warned: the writing of many books is endless, and excessive devotion to books is wearying to the body. (vs. 12)

A little girl was standing in the yard. She was the only one out of the house at that time. She enjoyed being outside in the yard. She especially liked to play with her two dogs that lived outside. Suddenly, she saw her father came out of the house. He began to walk towards her. Actually she noticed that he was walking past her to go to the shed.

As father walked past daughter, they greeted each other, saying, “Hi.”

The little girl stayed right where she was as she watched her father finish up at the shed. Then she saw him start to walk back past her again. Then all of a sudden…

“Ahhhhh!”, said father. "Why didn’t you tell me or warn me that this was here?” “You saw it, you are standing right by it. Why didn’t you warn me about it?”

The little girl said, “I, I, I I I I I….”. “Out with it,” said the father, “Why did you fail to tell me about this? Did you know that it was here?” “Yes,” said the little girl.

Father said, “I walked by you two times, and both times you did not warn me about this. You had two opportunities to tell me and you did not. Why?”

The father started to clean the dog dirt off of his shoe. He was still amazed that his offspring did not alert him to the danger that was laying on the ground next to his daughter's own feet.

Solomon said, “Be warned.” May those be the clear and timely words of the one who knows where trouble lies.

Wise teachers must give clear warnings to the people so that they can have a chance to avoid the landmines of sin that are all around us.

Can you remember the last time you warned the church?

The Bible is filled with warnings. These warnings have a source, God through His prophets (Moses, Jesus, James, Peter, Ezekiel, John, etc.) How do you measure up to the prophets? Are you as warnful as they were during their own ministries? Jeremiah was warnful (Jer 11:78). Jesus was warnful, for he said, “Unless you likewise repent, you will all perish.” (Lk 13:3, 5) Be informed, He was talking to religious people.

He also warned the people to be ready for his return, giving them a story to remember this warning. It was the story of the wise and foolish virgins and whether or not they could keep a very small thing ready, their lamps. How much more important than a lamp must our faith, our trust, or focus be on Him and His message?

The conclusion of the matter is: Teach with wisdom, warn the people.

8. Give People the Conclusion of a Matter (Are You?)

“The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil. (vs. 13, 14)

Solomon did not leave you guessing as to the purpose of life. Nor did he leave you guessing at what to do, but taught the specific conclusion of what applied to every man under the sun. And with that conclusion, he gave a warning and a reason why it applies to every man. Every man will be judged on everything that they act out in life.

Jill was so happy. She finally received word from the post office that her newly subdivided land now has a mailing address. Now she could start receiving mail at home instead of having to go to the post office to pick up her mail. This would make life easier, she thought.

Many weeks ago, Bob asked his wife Jill to look into this to make certain that the post office would give them a mailing address as soon as possible. Jill willingly accepted the challenge and responsibility to make this happen. Anyway, she liked the idea of having mail sent to the homestead.

Weeks went by, and Bob was minding other tasks and forgot about the task of getting a mailing address. After a while, he thought to himself, “When are we going to get a mailing address? How long does this take? Is the post office dragging their feet on this or what?” He kept these things to himself, and was waiting for Jill to let him know the conclusion of the matter.

“What’s your address,” said the woman on the phone. Bob replied, “We do not have an address yet since this is a newly subdivided piece of land.” Jill overheard Bob’s phone conversation and realized that she failed to tell Bob the conclusion of the matter. So, she said, “Yes we do.” Bob said, “Yes we do?” “Jill, you never told me about it!” . “I’m sorry maam, my wife is now telling me that yes we do have an address.” “What is the address,” Bob asked Jill. And so the story goes.

Jill failed to tell Bob the conclusion of the matter. She left Bob in the dark, and guessing about the postal address. Instead she should have told him about it when she knew about it days ago. She left Bob guessing, asking, and seeking, when instead she should have brought the matter to a conclusion for Bob.

Certainly not! The role of a teacher is to give the student the conclusion of the matter.

Do you give people the conclusion of a matter? And with that conclusion, do you list the reasons why it applies to them?

Giving people conclusions is an orderly way to end a lesson. Be wise, give people the conclusion of a matter. Teach wisely, conclude.

Seven Deadly Temptations of a Bible Teacher

If you teach the Bible, you will be tempted to have the wrong motivation for teaching. Therefore, you will have to be personally careful to proclaim the truth from all the right motives.

If God wanted you, the one who is teaching, to complete a pure motives test, how well would you do? Would you get any questions wrong?

In his letter to the Thessalonians, in particular book 1, chapter 2, Paul exposed at least seven of the deadly temptations that teachers will have. These temptations can also be called sinful motives or sinful reasons why some teach.

1. You will be tempted to be deceitful.

Paul said, “For our exhortation does not come from error or impurity or by way of deceit…” (vs. 3)

Therefore, the conclusion of the matter is: NEVER SAY OR DO THINGS BY DECEPTION. Instead always be motivated by truth in all your behavior.

2. You will be tempted to be a men-pleaser.

“…but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not pleasing men, but God who examines our hearts. (vs. 4)

Conclusion: NEVER SEEK TO PLEASE MEN -Instead be motivated to please God.

3. You will be tempted to use flattery.

“For we never came with flattering speech, as you know…” (vs. 5)

Conclusion: NEVER USE FLATTERY. Instead use words that honor God.

4. You will be tempted to be greedy.

“For we never came with flattering speech, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed-God is witness…” (vs. 5)

Conclusion: NEVER BE GREEDY FOR GAIN. Instead, be greedy to see righteousness coming out of the lives of those you teach.

5. You will be tempted to seek and receive honor from men.

“…nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others…” (vs. 6)

Conclusion: NEVER SEEK HONOR FROM MEN. Instead only seek honor from God.

6. You will be tempted to be forceful.

“But we proved to be gentle among you, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children.” (vs. 7)

Conclusion: RESTRAIN YOURSELF FROM EXERTING FORCE. Instead, imitate tender parental care towards the babes you are teaching.

7. You will be tempted to seek a comfortable life for yourself at the burdensome expense of others.

“Having so fond an affection for you, we were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us. For you recall, brethren, our labor and hardship, how working night and day so as not to be a burden to any of you, we proclaimed to you the gospel of our God. You are witnesses, and so is God, how devoutly and uprightly and blamelessly we behaved toward you believers;” (vs. 8-10)

Conclusion: RESTRAIN YOURSELF FROM BEING A BURDEN TO OTHERS. Instead, endure hardship as a good soldier of Christ would do.

Be strict with yourself in these areas of temptation so that you can be teaching from all the right motives. Don’t let any of these temptations get you even once.

The Christian Teacher’s Tradition of Honor

As pointed out in other Building Bible School studies, God and the angels have ordained the way a teaching and praying man or woman must show honor towards their authority (1 Cor 11).

• For man, he must remove any covering that is on his head when he prays or teaches the word of God.



• For woman, she must put a covering on her head when she prays or teaches the word of God.

Being Winsome Does Not Mean to Sin-Some

Paul, a wise teacher, and one who knew how to proclaim the truth, expressed his desire to become all things to all men for the purpose of winning them to Christ (1 Co 9:19-23).

Yet he qualified that desire by saying, "...though not being without the law of God but under the law of Christ." (vs. 21)

Christ is a law, and that law can be broken by becoming something that Christ never intended. For example, God does not believe that intoxication is wise or righteous (Pr 20:1: Re 21:8). So one must not become drunk like the drunkards to win the drunkards.

Should you become a thief so that you can become a prisoner? Certainly not! But you, the one who is not in jail, could say to the one in jail, a prisoner, “You know, according to the Bible, we all deserve to be in jail because of our sins. We all fall short. Yet it was God’s Son who did time, so to speak, for us. He was the one who was punished for our sin. He became the prisoner that some of us never became.”

That is how you can become like a prisoner without committing a crime to become a criminal.

Stay out of the dark! Stand clear! Keep your feet out of the shadows. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, rather expose them (Eph 5:11). Being winsome does not mean to sin-some. Do you understand more fully how to proclaim the truth?

Lesson - How Should You Proclaim the Truth?

Test Information