{"id":3989,"date":"2018-09-06T10:02:40","date_gmt":"2018-09-06T15:02:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/iphc.org\/discipleship\/?p=3989"},"modified":"2019-03-14T15:58:51","modified_gmt":"2019-03-14T20:58:51","slug":"teaching-scripture-from-ecclesiastes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/iphc.org\/discipleship\/2018\/09\/06\/teaching-scripture-from-ecclesiastes\/","title":{"rendered":"Teaching Scripture from Ecclesiastes"},"content":{"rendered":"

Written by Keith Marriner<\/strong><\/p>\n

Maybe you\u2019ve encountered a teacher that kept you in the dark about where they were headed. I\u2019ve heard of preachers who thought it a virtue to keep their congregations guessing about the point of their sermons. Is that helpful? Wouldn\u2019t it be better to tell the audience (whether students or a congregation) what your main point is and then show them?<\/p>\n

The writer of Ecclesiastes closes his book with a brief outline of how \u201cthe Teacher\u201d systematically went about instructing those placed under his care. I believe these verses may rightly be applied to a teacher\/preacher of the Bible today. This is by no means exhaustive of what the Bible has to say about teaching others, but Ecclesiastes 12:9\u201311 does provide at least three principles that can (and should) guide every teacher\/preacher of Scripture.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

1. Prepare well to teach others.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

In Ecclesiastes 12:9, the author describes the preparation of \u201cthe Teacher\u201d in developing his \u201cproverbs\u201d for his audience. There are four characteristics of how \u201cthe Teacher\u201d prepared to teach the people knowledge. \u201cThe Teacher\u201d pondered<\/strong> and searched<\/strong> out what he would teach others. The first verb is a rarely used term. It occurs one time in the Hebrew Bible. It appears to refer to deep thinking on a matter. The idea is that the Teacher thought over what he would teach again and again. Like a steak is marinated to add flavor and to make it tender, \u201cthe Teacher\u201d ruminated on what he was going to teach so that it would truly be helpful and appealing to others.<\/p>\n

I realize that life is full of interruptions, many of which we have no control over. However, as teachers of God\u2019s Word, we must take the time to consider deeply what it says and how we will communicate it to others. This is something we can do throughout the week as we drive in our cars, take a run, mow the lawn, or stand in the line at the grocery store. Make the most of those minutes and hours when we can do nothing else but think and consider deeply the riches of God\u2019s Word.<\/p>\n

The second verb the author used basically refers to studying. \u201cThe Teacher\u201d studied what he would impart to his listeners. For some of us, this is the best part of preparation. We love to study Scripture. We look forward to pulling out commentaries, doing word studies, and digging into the text to find every little truth. For others of us, study is a necessary evil that must be done before we have something worth communicating to others. Whichever kind of person you are, if we are in a position to instruct others, it is absolutely necessary to set aside ample time to study God\u2019s Word. This doesn\u2019t mean you have to take 20 hours a week to prepare to teach. Most of us don\u2019t have that kind of free time. However, it does mean that we make an effort to carve out dedicated blocks of time (think hours, if possible) to prepare well. It means we do what we can to improve as teachers\/preachers of God\u2019s Word by getting instruction ourselves through classes, conferences, or books.<\/p>\n

The third characteristic of how \u201cthe Teacher\u201d prepared was by carefully setting in order<\/strong> many proverbs. The verb \u201cset in order\u201d refers to the arrangement of the material. \u201cThe Teacher\u201d didn\u2019t just throw his teaching together willy-nilly, but arranged it in a manner that would be instructive to his audience.<\/p>\n

As a teacher of the Bible, one of the things I take great care in, is providing orderly and clear outlines of what I am teaching. Often, I make my notes available to my students, so that there is no confusion about what I am saying and what is expected of them, as far as what they are required to know or do according to the learning objectives of the course. I realize it takes more time to prepare and edit my notes than it normally would if I didn\u2019t make them available to others. However, I believe it is important for any teacher\/preacher of scripture to be as clear as possible about what they are passing on to others. We are handling God\u2019s Word. It is truth that our audience needs to hear and apply to their lives. If we are careless with handling it, we convey that it is unimportant. Handle God\u2019s Word with care, for in it we find the words of eternal life.<\/p>\n

Finally, in Ecclesiastes 12:10 the author notes a fourth characteristic of \u201cthe Teacher\u2019s\u201d preparation to teach: he searched<\/strong> to find just the right words. I believe \u201cthe Teacher\u201d was a wordsmith<\/em>, someone who was skilled in using words and language. He thoughtfully considered how best to express himself to his audience. What combination of words would not only communicate his message but would also have the maximum impact? I can say something matter-of-factly and get my point across. Sometimes this is the best way to communicate with others, like if the building you\u2019re standing in is on fire. You only need to use one word to let your audience know that you need to get out of the building as soon as possible. However, when we are taking the time to unpack the wonders of God\u2019s Word, we shouldn\u2019t be in a hurry. We should consider, \u201chow can I say this in a way that will truly make an impact on those listening to me?\u201d For one who regularly teaches\/preaches to the same group of people, this includes getting to know your audience well. What trials and difficulties are they facing right now? What are they currently celebrating? What are the kinds of things they are praying for? Where are they in their spiritual journey? The better we know those we are teaching\/preaching to, the better we are equipped to find the right words to communicate scripture to them effectively.<\/p>\n

I do realize that \u201cthe Teacher\u201d was also inspired by the Holy Spirit, since much of his teaching would find its way into the pages of scripture. But this still doesn\u2019t exclude the fact that he was diligent in searching for just the right words to say to his audience.<\/p>\n

Another principle to keep in mind is that we do not let our overzealousness, to connect with our audience, lead us to be untruthful. Notice \u201cthe Teacher\u201d wrote what was \u201cupright and true.\u201d Some folks know how to tell a good story, and by that, I mean they tend to exaggerate the truth. However, that isn\u2019t what teachers\/preachers are called to do. We give to people the Bible as it is; even the parts we, or our audience, may find difficult to hear. We seek to teach all of it, cover to cover, accurately and faithfully dividing the Word of truth.<\/p>\n

\u201cTeaching the Scriptures according to \u2018the Teacher\u2019: Part 2\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

2. Teach with a specific goal in mind.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Following the characteristics of how \u201cthe Teacher\u201d prepared to instruct others, the author of Ecclesiastes comments on the goal for which \u201cthe Teacher\u201d taught others. Ecclesiastes 12:11states, \u201cThe words of the wise are like goads, their collected sayings like firmly embedded nails.\u201d[1] A \u201cgoad\u201d was an implement that prodded an animal in a desired direction. A \u201cgoad\u201d was used to direct an ox while plowing. \u201cThe Teacher\u2019s\u201d instruction is likened to a goad. It is intended to lead his audience to a certain place. According to 12:13 that place is genuine worship of the one true God and following his commands wholeheartedly.<\/p>\n

This understanding does not negate that fact that a \u201cgoad\u201d was a painful instrument.[2] It had sharp, prickly nails fastened to the end of it to get the attention of a large animal, like an ox. \u201cThe Teacher\u2019s\u201d instruction was likewise difficult and painful for some of his listeners to hear. Being confronted with God\u2019s Word may have a similar effect on people. The writer of Hebrews speaks of its ability to cut to the heart and expose us before God (Heb 4:12).<\/p>\n

As teachers\/preachers of scripture, we should have a goal for which we are teaching others. A rather general goal would be to see our listeners conformed into the image of Christ. But we should also consider a more narrowly focused goal for each time we engage an audience with scripture. The text should drive our goal. It may be helpful, after having surveyed the text you will be presenting, to consider developing a thesis statement for the message. You may or may not want to convey this to your audience, but at least you, the teacher\/preacher, will have focused the emphasis of what you are teaching and what you desire the Lord to do through your message in each listener\u2019s life. Again, it isn\u2019t enough to transmit information. What we should desire is a change in the hearts and minds of those to whom we teach God\u2019s Word; a transformation that will result in people being genuinely changed for the good, to live according to the precepts of scripture.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

3. Place your confidence in scripture\u2019s effectiveness to transform people.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

There is a reason why we should have confidence in teaching\/preaching the content of scripture. Christian scripture is the Word of God. Its source is divinely inspired. It\u2019s not solely the work of human beings, but human beings who were carried along by the Spirit, so that what they recorded was truly God\u2019s words to us (see 2 Pet 1:21). This is what the author of Ecclesiastes was alluding to when he stated, \u201cThe words of the wise \u2026 are given by one Shepherd\u201d (Eccl 12:11b).[3]<\/p>\n

The words of \u201cthe Teacher\u201d are ultimately effective for one reason. It wasn\u2019t because of his preparation in study, his effectiveness as a communicator, nor the thoughtfulness with which he\u00a0considered his teaching. It had lasting effect and impact on his audience because what he taught was God\u2019s Word.<\/p>\n

Christian teachers and preachers may also confidently trust that what they teach is not in vain. This is because \u201cAll Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work\u201d (2 Tim 3:16\u201317). Scripture is effective in shaping and changing those who hear it because the God who inspired scripture is the same God who created us for him. He knows us better than we know ourselves (Ps 139). He can direct his Word to penetrate our hearts and minds and do a reforming work in us. Scripture is also the chief God-ordained means for transforming people who are lost and in rebellion against God (see Rom 10:17). Therefore, the Lord commands not just teachers\/preachers, but all Christians to \u201cLet the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts\u201d (Col 3:16).<\/p>\n

This does not mean we grow slack in our preparation to teach. \u201cThe Teacher\u201d was diligent in his preparation, even though what he taught was God\u2019s Spirit-inspired Word. So, Christian teachers and preachers must also give great care and time to being well prepared before they instruct others in the truth of God\u2019s holy Word.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

[1] The \u201cfirmly embedded nails\u201d are likely a reference to the end of the \u201cgoad,\u201d and thus the whole phrase should be taken together to refer to one image [Julie Ann Duncan, Ecclesiastes<\/em>, Abingdon Old Testament Commentaries (Nashville, TN: Abingdon, 2017), 181]. Sidney Greidanus believes the phrase ought to be taken as a reference to two different items, namely \u201cgoads\u201d and \u201cnails\u201d [Preaching Christ from Ecclesiastes: Foundations for Expository Sermons<\/em> (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2010), 307]. He basis this on the two different referents to which each is paired (\u201cwords of the wise\u201d = \u201cgoads\u201d and \u201ccollected sayings\u201d = \u201cfirmly embedded nails\u201d). Words are like goads in that they are intended to move one in a certain direction, while teaching is like nails in that they give one stability and focus for one\u2019s life. It is difficult to determine which understanding is in view though. The question before the interpreter is how the two statements parallel one another. Is the second comparison a restatement of the first using different imagery, or are the two comparisons truly distinct from one another with each word picture conveying a different meaning?<\/h6>\n
[2] Peter Enns places emphasis on the goad\u2019s ability to inflict pain. Thus, wisdom teaching is something that is painful to the listener. It is not intended to necessarily be pleasant [Ecclesiastes<\/em>, The Two Horizons Old Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2011), 112\u2013113]. In other words, the truth hurts. See also Tremper Longman III, The Book of Ecclesiastes<\/em>, NICOT (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1998), 279\u2013280.<\/h6>\n
[3] It is possible that the author intended the reference to the \u201cShepherd\u201d to refer to Solomon (or Moses), although I think this is unlikely given the addition of the modifier \u201cone.\u201d Solomon and all kings were shepherds of Israel, but only one would have been considered the \u201cone Shepherd,\u201d namely God. God is often referred to as the shepherd of Israel in the OT. Ps 23:1 is perhaps the most famous instance. God is also identified as one who give wisdom (Prov 2:6). See Walter Kaiser, Jr., Ecclesiastes<\/em> (Chicago, IL: Moody, 1979), 122\u2013125. Longman does not believe \u201cone Shepherd\u201d is a reference to God (The Book of Ecclesiastes<\/em>, 279). Even if Solomon is in view, as a Christian reading the OT, one must consider how Christ shapes one\u2019s understanding of the OT. Jesus declares himself to be the \u201cgood shepherd\u201d (John 10:11, 14). In this case, Solomon, like all the righteous Davidic kings, served as a type of Christ to come. Jesus is the fulfillment of the promise to David in 2 Samuel 7:16. In addition, like Solomon before him, what Jesus taught is worthy of listening to and obeying, since what he proclaimed is the Word of God.<\/h6>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"excerpt","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":3990,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","episode_type":"","audio_file":"","cover_image":"","cover_image_id":"","duration":"","filesize":"","date_recorded":"","explicit":"","block":"","filesize_raw":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4,1],"tags":[749,16,895,182,85,82],"class_list":{"0":"post-3989","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-discipleship-ministries","8":"category-general","9":"tag-749","10":"tag-discipleship","11":"tag-ecclesiastes","12":"tag-keith-marriner","13":"tag-scripture","14":"tag-teaching","15":"entry"},"title_es":"Ense\u00f1ando las Escrituras de Eclesiast\u00e9s","content_es":"","author_name":"","jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/iphc.org\/discipleship\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2018\/09\/Teaching-Scripture-from-Ecclesiastes.jpg","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p4T9u2-12l","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/iphc.org\/discipleship\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3989","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/iphc.org\/discipleship\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/iphc.org\/discipleship\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iphc.org\/discipleship\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iphc.org\/discipleship\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3989"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/iphc.org\/discipleship\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3989\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iphc.org\/discipleship\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3990"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/iphc.org\/discipleship\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3989"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iphc.org\/discipleship\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3989"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iphc.org\/discipleship\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3989"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}