DISCUSSING THE WORD OF GOD

Allow for discussion in your classes: encourage it! The things of God become clearer to us as we talk about them. Recommend that questions be asked and encourage the discussion of them. Do not be afraid of entering the arena of dialogue. Avoid the practice of simply having a "class." If the objective is to understand the things of God, no effort should be spared to make that happen.

Avoid the discussion of trivia -- things that really do not bear upon eternity. Your teaching should show the superiority of the things of God, and the inferiority of the things of "this present evil world" (Gal. 1:4). The objective is to understand the Word of God, not the difficulties of life. If, in fact, you do understand the Word of God, it will shine a light on the circumstances common to humanity. On the other hand, if the Word of God is not comprehended, discussions of domestic and social issues have only thrown dust in the eyes of your members. Manage your discussions for the glory of God and the edification of the people.