1 Thessalonians 4:9-12 Handling Work
Paul deals with a second issues related to how live as a Christian: work. His advice is strive to follow God, rather than impact the world.
What is sanctification?
As a new believer, I was confused about sanctification. My rather simple understanding was sanctification means your “sin-meter” is going down.
When to tell a story in teaching
Teaching through stories is increasingly popular. But there is a downside. Here’s how to avoid the pitfalls.
Easter: Why the resurrection is important
On Easter we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. It matters whether something is real or not. It also matters whether an idea is true or not. The historical fact is Jesus rose from the dead, and it makes a difference that he did.
Has God said? The role of personal revelation in Bible study
You’ve probably heard a teacher, pastor or preacher say something to the effect “and then God told me.” What’s up with that? What role does personal experience and/or personal revelation play in Bible study? For me, the bottom line is: Scripture takes precedence over emotions and experience; and teachers ought to strive for accuracy and precision in their language. Here are the guidelines I use when teaching.
March 2023 Reflections
I avoided teaching 1&2Thessalonians for a long time, because of the passages on the end times (e.g 1Thessalonians 4 and 2Thessalonians 2). But I wanted to teach them because of Paul’s advice for living your life now in 1Thessalonians 4-5. Those passages seem particularly applicable in today’s upside world. I hope you learn as much as I did.
1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 Handling sexuality
In 1Thessalonians 4, Paul addresses specific questions and issues in the Thessalonian church. First, Paul addresses how Christians should handle their sexuality. Then he tackles work.
4 people you need to improve your teaching
At a writing conference, one speaker claimed everyone needs 3 people to become a better writer. His list applies to Bible teachers — with one addition.
1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:13 Investing in people
While Paul laments his inability to visit the Thessalonians, he rejoices over their faithful response to the gospel. Paul claims his crowning joy is seeing people like them respond to the gospel.
Plagiarism and Bible teaching
You’ve probably heard the joke that the greatest insult you can give a Bible teacher is that your work is both original and good. Why is that funny? The part that’s original is not good, and the part that’s good is not original. The goal of Bible study is to be right, not original.
1 Thessalonians 2:1-16 Paul’s example
Paul explains how he conducted himself at Thessalonica and why his message his trustworthy. Today we face the same choice: whether or not to believe Paul.
How to become a Bible teacher
So you’d like to teach the Bible? How do you get started? How do you decide if Bible teaching is your calling? Here’s my advice for aspiring teachers.
About the Author
Krisan Marotta is a Bible teacher and host of Wednesday in the Word, the podcast about what the Bible means and how we know.