Servant School – Bible Study Prep - Illustrations
Servant
School
May
26, 2022
Introduction
Welcome to our Bible Study Preparation Class.
Whether you are someone who hopes to teach the Bible in front of church,
lead a small group Bible Study, or who just wants to know their Bible better,
it is my prayer that this class will help you to sharpen your skills at
studying your Bible as well as growing in how to communicate what you’ve
learned.
Each week we will start with a few minutes looking at…
Why Study the Bible?
Before I start today’s short study, let me alert you as students to see if
you can identify observations, interpretations, and applications. Beyond this, also see if you can see whether
I supply Biblical support for the applications, and whether
or not I illustrate my point.
Paul wrote to Timothy…
(2 Timothy 3:16–17
NKJV) —16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is
profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in
righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete,
thoroughly equipped for every good work.
:16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is
profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in
righteousness,
Paul gives Timothy four things that the Scriptures are beneficial for.
:16 profitable for doctrine
profitable – ophelimos – profitable, useful, beneficial
doctrine – didaskalia – teaching, instruction
Doctrine isn’t limited to fancy theological words like “supralapsarianism”
(the incorrect teaching that God had decreed both the election and damnation of
all prior to creation), “Arminianism”, or “Universalism”
In our context, it’s about “good teaching”.
Good teaching is Bible Teaching
One of the things Jesus did in the “Sermon on the Mount” was to quote Old
Testament Scripture, and then elaborate upon it.
(Matthew 5:27–28
NKJV) —27 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not
commit adultery.’ 28 But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has
already committed adultery with her in his heart.
Jesus made a point that came from Scripture.
At the end of the Sermon…
(Matthew 7:28–29
NKJV) —28 And so it was, when Jesus had ended these sayings, that the people
were astonished at His teaching, 29 for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.
We could just as easily say they were astonished at His
“doctrine”.
There are lots of things you could hear pastors teaching from at church.
I remember as a child going to a church where the pastor based his messages
on the songs of Simon and Garfunkel.
The Scriptures are profitable for “teaching”. This is why we don’t spend too much time
talking about psychology or self-help methods – we teach the Scriptures.
They are also profitable for…
:16 for reproof
reproof – elegchos – a proof; conviction
from – elegcho – to convict; generally
with a suggestion of shame of the person convicted
; by conviction to bring to the light, to expose
Jesus said that people doing bad things don’t like to be “convicted”
(John 3:20 NKJV) For everyone
practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds
should be exposed.
(the word “exposed” is elegcho)
Jesus used this word in talking about what to do when someone has sinned
against you:
(Matthew 18:15
NKJV) “Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you,
you have gained your brother.
(the word “tell” is elegcho)
Bible Students, did you see what I did there? I took the word for “reproof” (elegcho) and saw how it was used in other passages,
and it gave us insight.
Paul wrote,
(Ephesians 5:11
NKJV) And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but
rather expose them.
When somebody is going down the wrong path in life, they are going to need
to turn around.
Yet they aren’t going to turn around unless they think they need to.
That’s where “reproof” or “conviction” comes in.
The Scripture is profitable for “reproof”, to bring conviction in those who
need to make a change in their life.
The issue of them changing their direction in life is not about your
opinion, or about what offends you.
When they argue with what you’re saying, it’s not your opinion that counts,
it’s what God says.
The issue is about learning to get your life into align with God’s
standards.
The Bible is also profitable for…
:16 for correction
correction – epanorthosis (“upon” + “up” + “straighten”) –
restoration to an upright or right state; correction,
improvement of life or character
The root of this word (orthos) means “straight”, and we see it used in:
(Acts 14:8–10 NKJV)
—8 And in Lystra a certain man without strength in his feet was
sitting, a cripple from his mother’s womb, who had never walked. 9 This man
heard Paul speaking. Paul, observing him intently and seeing that he had faith
to be healed, 10
said
with a loud voice, “Stand up straight on your feet!” And he leaped and
walked.
Just like the word “reproof”, this is about helping people to “stand
straight” in their lives, in their character.
We talked about a person needing to “turn around”. This is the direction they need to turn to.
We don’t want to just bring “conviction” on someone who is on the wrong
path. We want to help them get on the
right path.
The writer to the Hebrews uses the root orthos to show how the Scripture
can be profitable for correction.
(Hebrews 12:12–13
NKJV) —12 Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble
knees, 13 and make straight
paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be
healed.
The word for “straight” is the root word orthos.
Sometimes people are walking down paths that AREN’T “straight”, and
instead of seeing healing in their lives, they end up more
lame than before.
What does that right “path” that brings healing look like?
It looks like the Scriptures.
Lastly, the Bible is also profitable for …
:16 for instruction in righteousness
in righteousness – dikaiosune – in a
broad sense: state of him who is as he ought to be, righteousness, the
condition acceptable to God
instruction – paideia –
the whole training and education of children, discipline
The root of this word is pais, the word
for “child”
(which relates to the cultivation of
mind and morals, and employs for this purpose now commands and admonitions, now
reproof and punishment) It also includes the training and care of the body;
whatever in adults also cultivates the soul, esp. by correcting mistakes and
curbing passions.; instruction which aims at increasing virtue; chastisement,
chastening, (of the evils with which God visits men for their amendment)
This is the word that the writer to the Hebrews calls “chastening”, the
difficult times God allows us to go through to help us mature.
(Hebrews 12:11
NKJV) Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful;
nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those
who have been trained by it.
The point of this word is about maturity.
It’s about growing up. It’s about
the journey from being a “child” to being an “adult” when it comes to areas of
“righteousness” or doing the right things for God.
Let me stop and share a lesson here –
Lesson
Good Teaching’s Glue
It’s important that we learn to teach others correctly. Look at our points so far…
We want our instruction to be Biblical.
We want our instruction to bring conviction where necessary.
We want our instruction to clarify the direction that the correct path
looks like.
We want our instruction to guide others into maturity.
For me, one of the important elements of good teaching that helps bring all
these things together to work effectively in those we teach is the attitude of
the teacher.
Your attitude as a teacher is the “glue” that holds these good principles
together.
In the same letter as our main verse, Paul told Timothy about the
importance of the right attitude.
(2 Timothy 2:24–26
NKJV) —24 And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all,
able to teach, patient, 25 in humility correcting those who are
in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know
the truth, 26 and that they may come to
their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken
captive by him to do his will.
Did you notice those attitudes?
Gentleness, patience, and humility.
Another way to sum up these qualities is: Love.
Do you love the people you are teaching?
In his first letter to Timothy, Paul wrote,
(1 Timothy
1:5 NASB95) But the goal of our instruction is love from a
pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.
The “goal” might refer to what Paul seeks to develop in
those he teaches. It may also refer to
Paul’s own personal goal when he teaches:
He wants to teach from a pure heart of love.
Those of us who are a little “older” in the Lord have a responsibility to
help those who are “younger” to grow up.
Kind of like a dad.
What’s important for those of us who might be a little
older in the Lord is how we go about encouraging and helping others.
Our best tool is God’s Word from a heart of love.
:17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good
work.
:17 equipped for every good work
The words translated “complete” and “thoroughly equipped” are both based on
the same root word…
complete – artios – fitted; complete, perfect; “special
aptitude for given uses”; specially adapted; able to meet all demands
The word for “thoroughly equipped” is a related word, just a more intense
form.
thoroughly equipped – exartizo – to
complete, finish; to furnish perfectly; to finish, accomplish, (as it were, to
render the days complete)
There is a blessing in Hebrews that uses a related word for “complete”:
(Hebrews 13:20–21
NKJV) —20 Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the
dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting
covenant, 21 make you
complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well
pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever
and ever. Amen.
Here’s the point.
God has good works for us to be doing.
(Ephesians 2:10
NKJV) For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works,
which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
How can we be ready to do all the good things God has planned for us?
It’s through His word.
It’s kind of like Iron Man “suiting up”.
Every time we master another verse and learn another principle in the word,
it’s like another piece of our “iron man” suit is put on.
The more we grow in God’s word, the more useful we are to God.
It’s how He “equips” us for good works.
Today’s Bible Study Prep topic is about
Illustrations
I once had a seminary professor to told us that illustrations were like the
“windows” in a message.
When you open them up, they help bring extra light onto the points you are
trying to make.
Another person has said that the goal of the teacher is to “get the cookies
off the top shelf so others can reach them”.
That’s what a good illustration will do.
A good illustration will take a theological truth and help make it into
a practical application that sinks into the heart of the listener.
An illustration takes a flat, two dimensional
truth, and makes it three dimensional.
An illustration will take a truth and will help the listener examine that
truth from different angles.
If you’re paying attention, I’ve just given you several “illustrations” to
describe illustrations. The pictures I
use in my powerpoints are types of “illustrations”
that help enhance the words I’m using.
I hate to say it, but as hard as you will work on your profound,
theological Bible Studies, the thing that most people will remember will be the
stories you tell.
Illustrations do not come easy for me.
It’s often one of the most difficult parts of preparing a message for
me. It’s something you have to work hard at to be effective. For a typical Sunday morning message, I may
take an hour or two just working on illustrations.
Some would say that “illustrations” are fluff and not Biblical. They will say that they will just stick to
making their theological points.
I’d like to say that there’s no good making theological points if your
people are asleep from your boring lecture.
The Bible is filled with illustrations.
Biblical examples of Illustrating
David and Nathan (2Sam. 12)
David was in sin. Nathan the prophet
showed up and told David a story about a rich man who stole and then barbecued
the only lamb of his neighbor. David
heard the story and was so drawn into it that he blurted out his judgment on
the wicked rich man. Then Nathan said to
David, “Thou art the man”. David was
convicted and confessed his sin. Perfect
use of illustration.
Jesus and the parables
One of Jesus’ favorite ways of teaching the people was through stories.
The Good Samaritan (Luke 10). The Prodigal Son (Luke 15).
Let’s look at the process of illustrating your lesson. Let’s talk about …
Making your point
1.
State the lesson.
You need to know what you’re trying to communicate first.
Before you ever get to the place of illustration, you need to understand
the passage and have your “lesson”, your “application” defined.
That’s what we’ve looked at so far, understanding the history, culture, and
meaning of the language. We’ve been
making “observations” and “interpretations”
The lesson is your “application”
As you do this work first, you will see the “lessons”
pop out at you.
I usually try to put the “lesson” into a short phrase.
I do this so that people who are taking notes will lock onto the phrase and
have something short and concise to write down.
I may repeat the lesson several times as I’m talking about the point to
help it sink in.
2.
Support the lesson.
I will usually draw from other
Scriptures to support the point.
Is there a verse or two outside of your passage that makes the same point
as your lesson?
Don’t beat it to death. A common
problem among young teachers is to find twenty-five verses that will all say
the same thing and then make everybody turn to each and every
Scripture. Share one or two of the most
important ones. If it makes you feel better, footnote the other references.
Sometimes I make folks turn to the supporting passage, other times I just
read it myself. If I feel this is a
passage that people need to see with their own eyes, and give them a chance to
underline it or book mark it, I will make them turn to
it.
3.
Illustrate the lesson.
Don’t tell stories for the sake of telling stories. It’s tempting, but
try to stay away from it!
It’s tempting when you find a good story to try and figure out how to
squeeze it into your message, but that’s working backward. Find your lesson first.
I admit there have been a few times when I told a story or a joke just to
break up a lot of dull but important truth.
It’s about keeping people alert and engaged.
But the main rule is if you are going to tell a story, make sure it is
appropriate to the passage or point you’re trying to make.
At the end of telling the story, if the connection isn’t ABSOLUTELY
clear with your point, then make it clear.
Sources of Illustrations
The Bible
The best source of illustrations is the Bible. Use the stories of the Bible to bring out the
truths in your text.
If you are teaching on fleeing temptation, you could use the story of
Joseph and Potiphar’s wife.
If you are trying to warn against using fleshly means to try to accomplish
God’s plans, you might talk about Abraham, Hagar, and Ishmael.
If you are talking about going through difficult times you might tell the
story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego.
Real life
Jesus often taught using illustrations from real life that everyone could
relate to. They lived in an agricultural
society, and so Jesus talked a lot about farming and shepherding.
You can use current events from the news, or things from science.
Greg Laurie likes to find quotes from famous movie stars or people that the
world admires.
Personal experiences
Share examples from your own life.
My pastor, Mark Bove, used to tell us stories of when he worked in the
“auto parts store”. We all loved his
stories.
A word of warning:
Be sure you aren’t always the hero of the story.
Some people love to tell stories about how they have always done everything
correct.
You create a persona of yourself that you are perfect and just a notch
better than everyone else. And you and I
both know that’s not true.
Stories
If you are going to tell a “true story”, be sure it is a “true story”. The world is ABOUNDING in hoaxes and “urban
myths” these days. The Internet has only
made it worse. Don’t say a story is “true” unless you know it’s true.
It’s okay to tell a fictional story as long as you
make it clear that it is a fictional story.
I think that some of Jesus’ parables were fictional stories.
There are lots of books of illustrations.
Internet/e-mail stories. Excerpts
from good books.
Years ago Chuck Swindoll shared how he created a
file folder where he would throw clips of all sorts of stories or articles that
he might want to use some day.
Over the years I’ve built a file folder on my computer with over 5,000
stories and articles that I’ve collected over the years.
If you plan on being a teacher, start collecting stories.
Videos
Videos will only work if you are teaching in a setting where you can show
them.
As you all know, I like to show a video clip or two during a message.
Why? It’s a visual illustration, and
if you use it right, it will make your point clearer. And it helps keep people from falling asleep.
If I’m talking about the need for us to trust God, to have faith, to
“believe”, I like the clip from Star Wars where Yoda has asked Luke to raise
his x-wing out of the swamp using only the force. After Luke fails, Yoda does it for him. Then Luke says, “I don’t believe it”. And Yoda’s reply? “And that is why you fail”.
Just like my folder with stories, over the years I’ve built a folder with
over 2,000 video clips.
Illustrations are so important when it comes to teaching and passing on
truth. The more you work at this, the
more your students will thank you.
I hope that helps
In Class
We’re not going to tap into the worship feed tonight because I want to
spend a few more minutes with us sharing and discussing, and the video is a
little longer than usual (26 minutes)
Let’s review some terms first. It’s really important to me that you understand these terms and
can define them.
In your own words, how would you define …
1.
Pericope
(It’s the short summary I create to describe a paragraph or a chapter. It helps me understand the context of the
passage I’m teaching from)
2.
Observation
(Teaching is all about “explaining” things.
The “observations” you make on a passage are the things that will want
to explore and you may or may not spend time
explaining them to your students. It’s
important that you grow to sense what kinds of questions your students might
have about a passage, as well as questions you might have)
3.
Interpretation
(This is the “explanation” of the “observation”)
4.
Application
(This is the “lesson” you want to make, the point you want to make, the
thing you are asking your students to do as a result of
understanding God’s Word. It may or may
not be based on an “observation” or “interpretation”. Sometimes the “application” is simply based
on the entire passage. Sometimes the
“application” is derived from the specific interpretation/explanation you make
of a word or phrase (observation))
Let’s share our homework.
You were all assigned a paragraph from John 5.
Share one observation-interpretation-application from your paragraph.
Before playing the video … turn to 2Timothy 3:16…
Play Video by 7:45pm
Any comments from tonight’s teaching video?
Questions?
What were the steps we should follow in order to
“make our point”?
1.
State the lesson
2.
Support the lesson
3.
Illustrate the lesson.
Did you notice any observations, interpretations, or applications in the
video? Illustrations?
What are some of the various sources where we can find illustrations?
The Bible
Real life
Personal experiences
Stories
Videos
Let’s say that you were teaching through Romans 6, and you come across this
verse:
(Romans 6:23 NKJV) For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is
eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Your first observation is:
:23 the wages of sin is death
Your interpretation is:
Sin results in death.
Your application is:
My sin is destructive
How would you illustrate this?
From a Bible story? (Adam, Samson)
Real Life (story about a killer/death penalty)
Personal experiences (perhaps how sin has hurt you)
Stories?
Videos?
Share your pericopes from John 5
Perhaps have three or four share.
Share your “O-I-A” from John 5 (have everyone share)
Make one observation and explain it (without an application)
Make a second observation, explain it, and apply it.
From Sunday morning – identify an example of O-I-A
Here’s mine:
Observation:
(Genesis
4:26 NKJV) …Then men began to call on the name of
the Lord.
Interpretation:
Calling on the name of the LORD is worship
Application:
When we worship, God is the audience, not the church.
We are calling on Him.
Homework
Again, I want this week’s assignment to be similar to last week’s, but we will be looking at John 6. In a way, this week’s assignment is kind of
like your “final”.
I want to give you a chance to put all the things we’ve learned together.
We will split up the chapter into assigned paragraphs.
1.
Read the paragraph at least three
times. Write your pericope.
2.
Make an
observation, interpretation, and application.
3.
Find a verse that supports your
“application”.
4.
Find an illustration that gives us
a better idea of how to do your application.