1. Teachers Bible Classes
and
Here at West Side, from the beginning of our congregation in February of 1959, we have had Bible classes for all ages on both Wednesday nights and Sunday mornings
There are many benefits to such classes
If I understand correctly, Brad, who now serves as an elder, was once a student in Velma Stanley’s class of first graders!
The classes continue today, under the oversight of the elders, and are a very important part of the work here at West Side
It is the work of edification!
(Ephesians 4:14-16), “that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.”
The first thing I would like to talk about in the lesson this morning, most would not even think to discuss…
Are Bible classes authorized by God?
For some the fact that we proclaim it as a “good work” is sufficient
However, for those who seek to do “all things” in the “name of the Lord”, it is a question we must ask
There are actually some who contend that dividing into classes at the church building is unscriptural (no class brethren)
What does God’s word say? (Not an exhaustive study)

2. Our Authority for Bible Classes
We have authority to teach (Eph. 4:11-12)
We have authority to teach to specific groups (Titus 2:1-10)
We have authority to use the building for that purpose (General authority/expediency)
Note: Classes are not a worship assembly (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 5:4-5)
Our Authority for Bible Classes
We have authority to teach
(Ephesians 4:11-12), “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.”
The work is a beneficial one, that is a part of the work of the local congregation
We have authority to teach specific groups
(Titus 2:1-10), READ (Older men, older women, young women, young men, bondservants)
We have authority to use the building for the purpose of teaching
Principle: If God gives us the authority for a practice, granted in that command are the means to accomplish the task
We are commanded to assemble for worship (in that command is the authority to have a building for that purpose. We refer to this as general authority (Singing – songbook; preaching – Powerpoint; etc.)
This is referred to as an expediency. The Command is given, the means to expedite the command is allowed.
Note: Classes are not a worship assembly
Some object to divided classes as a division of an assembly, stating there is no authority for that practice.
However, a worship assembly is a called assembly for that purpose!
(Acts 20:7), “Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight.”
(1 Corinthians 5:4-5), “In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when you are gathered together, along with my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, 5 deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.”
The potluck we had last Sunday night at my house was not a worship assembly, though many of us were together
The Bible classes are not a worship assembly. They are the exact same thing as classes in our homes. They are merely held at the building as an expedient place to teach.
It is this distinction, which I maintain is legitimate, that allows women who can conscientiously do so to make comments and ask questions. Which would not be done in the worship assembly.

3. Other Considerations
Women are not to have authority over men (1 Timothy 2:12-13)
Teachers will have a stricter judgment (James 3:1)
Training to teach is necessary (Heb. 5:12-14)
It is important to become a teacher! (1 Timothy 4:16; 2 Timothy 2:2)
Other Considerations
Women are not to have authority over men
(1 Timothy 2:12-13), “And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve.”
It is for this reason we do not have women in a teaching position over adult males. Note, this is not merely a cultural thing. Paul affirms it was ordained by creation.
Teachers will receive a stricter judgment
(James 3:1), “My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.”
This in the context of the dangers of the tongue
God will not hold guiltless those who lead others astray! (“overthrow the faith of some…, cf. 2 Timothy 2:18).
Training to teach is necessary
(Hebrews 5:12-14), “For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. 13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. 14 But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”
Primary aspect of this training is STUDY! You have to know your material
But, is a man or woman “apt to teach”. Aptitude can be developed through observation and training. Things like avoiding speculation, organizing material, managing personalities, etc.
It is important to become a teacher!
(1 Timothy 4:16), “Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.”
(2 Timothy 2:2), “And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”
There is no more important or more gratifying work in the kingdom of God than to edify the saints through teaching

4. Conclusion Take Bible study seriously!
We need teachers! There is much work to do!
Are you interested in becoming a teacher?
Conclusion?
Our congregation needs to take Bible study seriously
Never forget the danger of apostasy, which comes from neglect
(Hebrews 6:1-6), “Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 2 of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 3 And this we will do if God permits. 4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, 5 and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6 if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame.”
It is a work designed by the elders for full participation. They are seeking to equip us. This should be considered carefully before any decision to not attend is made!
Every congregation needs teachers. We need teachers. There is much work to do.
Are you interested in becoming a teacher?
Might I suggest you talk with the elders if you have the desire, and do what you can to prepare yourself for the work of teaching