Welcome back to my blog. We are in a series exploring the biblical process to mature our Christian life. We have considered a simple scripture-based 5-step approach, what I call the ‘5 tools to maturity,’ taken from Acts 2:42 and 47.Today we will consider our last tool reaching out with the Bible to others.
Problem
Unfortunately, teaching others or sharing the gospel appears to rank right below ‘going to the dentist’ among desired activities. Teleios’ research has shown that people who generally fear sharing the gospel specifically report being afraid of social rejection, offending the other person, not knowing what to say, or how to answer others’ questions (1).
What teaching is not
Teleios examined people’s habits in mentioning the gospel (a part of our outreach) (2). In a well-taught Evangelical Church, attendees indicated they conveyed the gospel to others most commonly by:
- Sharing their lives – 78%
- Praying for others – 71%
- Encouraging others – 70%
- Loving others – 68%
- Explicitly mentioning how to accept Jesus Christ as Savior – 30%
Although sharing our lives can be important, it does not replace actually telling someone the gospel or directly teaching the Bible. People cannot guess what we are thinking! Scripture recognizes that we do not have visual support to our faith until Christ comes again (Hebrews 2:8) so others need to hear what to believe and someone must explicitly tell them (Romans 10:14-17).
Why do we reach out to others regarding our faith?
There are at least several reasons:
- Helps others - We know by teaching scripture God can bring people to faith and mature them in their Christian walk. This provides not only salvation but the fruits of the Spirit to empower and enhance people’s lives. Teleios research has shown that people who are Christian, especially when they are adherent, enjoy greater wellbeing (3). Teleios also has shown that Christian societies in general demonstrate improved wellbeing compared to non-Christian countries (4).
- It is a command – We are told to teach others (2 Timothy 2:2,15,24-26; 1 Timothy 4:6,16; Hebrews 5:12) which involves instructing others in the Word of God. However, teaching also may include admonishing others to correct action or thinking (Colossians 3:17; Ephesians 5:19).
- Better wellbeing – Teleios has found that people who teach and share the plan of salvation enjoy better wellbeing than those who do not. What initially seems fearful is actually enriching after a person has shared the gospel or taught God’s Word (1).
- Good judgment – The ability to teach appears to indicate maturity which is associated with accurate and efficient judgment and avoiding nasty pitfalls in life (Hebrews 5:14).
- Maturity – Being able to teach is associated with maturity, especially the attributes of an elder (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Hebrews 5:12).
- Uplifting the church – The benefit of teaching others scripture or the gospel is not just for the individual but for the church itself. Teaching the Bible and the gospel is the primary way that God can grow the church and we can influence our culture (Colossians 1:5-10). Without Christians passing down the precious words of our Father to the next generation, the church certainly can suffer from lack of support and the opportunity to benefit our society.
The thought of teaching others can be intimidating for the reasons expressed in our research. Next time I will give you some easy practical hints about how to begin teaching other people what you already know in the Bible. Please join us then.
Let us get to work! The truth we possess in the Bible is good for our family, friends, and acquaintances as well as for our society!
1. https://teleiosresearch.com/young-christians-need-help-sharing-the-gospel/
2. https://teleiosresearch.com/gospel-survey-summary/
3. https://teleiosresearch.com/christians-have-better-personal-wellbeing-than-non-christians/
4. https://teleiosresearch.com/effect-perecution-country-freedom/
William C. Stewart, MD
For questions or to view more of our research…
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Disclaimer - This blog is provided for your use and enjoyment on an ‘as is’ and ‘as available’ basis. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and or do your own research into the scriptures.
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