Lesson 2 | Teaching With Authority
What is teaching?
Biblical teaching is the application of God's word
In the series of quotations below, theologian and professor Dr. John Frame provides great insights to help us properly approach the formation of a teaching. He speaks specifically about theology (i.e. the study of God), but in doing so also gives us a framework for understanding the nature of teaching the Bible in general. Let's examine his concept one piece at a time.
The job of theology is to teach people the truth of God.
Clearly we are on the same page with Dr. Frame, as this is exactly what we are after in teaching the Bible.
If theology is a purely ‘objective’ discipline where the scientist determines ‘the truth as it really is’ apart from any human need, then he cannot help but be in competition with Scripture. He will be seeking a better formulation than Scripture itself contains or at least a better ‘order.’
And there is the bombshell. If we think of teaching the Bible as simply telling people what it says, then we are in serious error. Why? Because one of two things is happening. Either (1) we are simply reading the text of Scripture, or (2) we are presuming to improve upon it. If we are simply reading it, that is great—but then it is called reading not teaching. And while we should certainly read the Bible, and do so in groups and worship services, God's people are also called to teach it. On the other hand, if we are in fact teaching—that is, talking about the text—and our purpose is to simply tell people what it says, then are we not suggesting that we can say it in a better way than God can?
But we know that is not true. We cannot improve upon the scriptures. The Bible always says it better than we do. But if that is not what biblical teaching is, what is it?
Our theologies are merely attempts to help people, generally in specific times and places, to use Scripture better.
And so too our teachings. We do not aim at a timeless improvement upon the word of God, but seek to help God's people understand and feel the weight of that timeless word within a particular time and space.
I would suggest that we define theology as ‘the application of the Word of God by persons to all areas of life.’
And I would suggest we define teaching the Bible in the very same way. Our goal is to put the living word of God into action in the lives of our hearers.
The Doctrine of the Knowledge of God (A Theology of Lordship)by Dr. John M. Frame
All quotations from this step are from this book