When we think of teachers, certainly many think of the greatest teacher of all, Christ: “No man ever spoke like this Man!” (John 7:46).
In Scripture, there were many great teachers. The Bible records their great statements and instructions. Moses, David, Solomon, Peter, and Paul head up the list.
Have we considered the Bible itself as a teacher? We would do well to know not just what the Bible teaches but also how it teaches.
- The Bible teaches by stating facts.
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God” (John 1:1–2). “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). - The Bible teaches by commands.
There are commands for the sinner: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 16:31); “Repent, and… be baptized” (Acts 2:38). There are commands for the erring child of God: “Confess your trespasses” (James 5:16); “Repent… and pray God” (Acts 8:22). There are commands for God’s faithful children: “Love” (John 13:34–35); “Be an example” (1 Timothy 4:12); “Worship Him… in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24); “Denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, … live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present age” (Titus 2:12). - The Bible teaches by example.
“As they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, ‘Take, eat; this is My body.’ Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom” (Matthew 26:26–29).
Let us use much of the time that God has granted us in reading and studying the Bible. It is our teacher.
