Good Bible Teaching Gives Light
Psalm 119:130 in the New Living Translation says, “The teaching of your word gives light, so even the simple can understand.”
The Message puts it this way: “Break open your words, let the light shine out, let ordinary people see the meaning.”
Theological seminaries often host highly-regarded scholars. I distinctly recall some wonderful speakers from my student days. They humbled me with the depth and breadth of their knowledge and insight.
Mist and Fog Obscure the Light
One night I was demonstrating my own depth and breadth of knowledge and insight at the small country church where I was a first-time full-time pastor. A dear lady who loved enough to tell me the truth said, “I don’t think you know what you’re talking about.”
Ouch. And amen.
Thirty years later, I am grateful for how she burst my bubble. That was not the only time she let me know I was getting a little too big for my theological britches.
Simple Truth Clearly Communicated Changes Lives
People may be impressed with the proud pontifications of a professor, but what they long for most is simple truth plainly spoken that can be personally applied to the mutual delight of the individual and the Lord.
The best professors do this. The best pastors do this. The best Bible study leaders do this. You and I can do this. Remember KISS: Keep It Simple Sweetie.
Andy Stanley said on the Building a Storybrand podcast that we should simplify our communication. Use small words and use them over and over. Make them memorable and portable.
One of his favorite examples is from a message he did about Naaman who had leprosy and went to the Prophet Elisha for healing. He initially rebelled against Elisha’s instructions. He wanted to know why he had to dip himself in the muddy Jordan River when the rivers of his homeland were better?
Eventually, he did dip himself seven times in the Jordan and came out “restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean,” (2 Kings 5:14 ESV).
Stanley gives us this simple lesson from this episode: To understand why, submit and apply.
Shine the Light of God’s Truth
Communicating words of truth and life is not about impressing people or baffling them. It is about “giving light, so even the simple can understand.” There are at least a couple of steps to this process.
First, make sure you understand the text, the context, the meaning, and its range of applications.
Second, make sure you can make it understandable and applicable to a junior high boy who has never been to church.
Ordinary Joes and Jolenes can break open God’s words of truth and life and let the light shine out to help other ordinary people see the meaning. Simple words of instruction in opportune moments can change lives and shape destinies, no sermon or advanced degree required.
What Bible truths do you savor? What verses have you committed to memory? How can you communicate the truth that has spoken to your life in a manner that will speak to another?
What is your favorite Bible verse? Would you ask God to give you an opportunity to share that with someone today? Simple truths simply spoken simply change things for the better.
Application
I will keep my attempts at biblical instruction simple.
Prayer
Our Father, empower me to simply communicate your words of truth and life. I do not want anyone to be impressed with me. I want them to know and experience you instead. I cannot change their lives. You can change everything for the better for now and forever. Make me a man who breaks open your word to let the light shine out so that ordinary people can see the meaning. Amen.
