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Following the Lord Jesus Christ

Following the Lord Jesus Christ: #23 Let Down Your Nets!

Phew! That wonderful day (Following the Lord Jesus Christ: #22) ended rather late, and I was so thankful to let my head hit the pillow. But wait—what? We have to get up very early now to follow Jesus. Let’s go!

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Fellowship

Happy Teaching!

I love being a teacher. Sherry and I were talking about how much we love working at a local classical academy because of the loving staff, supportive parents, and receptive students there. We thought of this Bible verse that sets some great principles on teaching. It reminded us of what we get to do every day with our students.

I Thessalonians 5:14:
Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.

Having a Classical background helps us so much to understand the English language, as well as life. If this were a modern school memorandum (a good Latin word), it might read:

To: Teacher Brethren
From: Paul
Subject: How to take care of students
Date: 53 A.D.

I am calling you to my side to 1) teach correct behavior to those that are out of step; 2) tenderly encourage those who are losing heart; and 3) let those who are weak lean on your support. Above all, please be patient and treat these students kindly. Thanks for your support.

For those interested in Greek, here’s a little background on the words used in this scripture.

We exhort you

The word for “exhort” is parakaleō. It is from kaleō [to call] and para [alongside]. It literally means to bring someone to your side: like a loving parent, teacher, or coach would do. That’s the first thing to teaching—letting your students know that you care about them.

Warn them that are unruly

The word “warn” is noutheteō. It is from nous [mind] and tithēmi [to set] = to set in mind, to warn with wise words. That is the joy and challenge of teaching. How to get those wise words into a student’s mind.

The teacher is to warn a specific kind of person or student—the unruly. This word is from ataktos. The Greek word comes from a [no, not] and tassō [to arrange in proper order] = not in order, out of the proper arrangement. It is used in Classical Greek of someone in the military being “out of step” with the other soldiers. This may remind you of a challenging student. The best way to help them is to keep setting the truth into their mind. Eventually, it will bear fruit.

Comfort the feebleminded

The word “comfort” is paramutheomai. This Greek word comes from para [alongside] and muō [to speak softly] = calling alongside with gentle, tender words. This doesn’t require a lecture in front of the class. This is to privately tell that student softly and genuinely how much you care for them and want them to succeed. Your words may have “teeth,” but they are delivered in a kind and loving manner.

Why? Because the student is “feebleminded.” This does not mean slow or unable to comprehend. The Greek word used is oligopsuchos. It comes from oligos [few, little], as in our word “oligarchy,” rule by a few. And it comes from psuchē [soul], as in our word “psychology,” which deals with the “soul” or heart of a person. Together they, the “little souled,” are those tired and exhausted by their daily events and requirements.

Just think of a student who has done their best and is tired of the fight. We don’t need to load on more work and reprisals. Just let them “get a breath” and use tender words to help them go on. Then you can support their academic career once they are better able to learn.

Support the weak

The word for “support” is antechomai. It comes from anti [against] and echō [to hold] = to hold against, to press closely in love. This advice is for helping a child different than the “trouble” student who is out of step, or the “little souled” student who wants to give up. This is a student who is “weak” or genuinely lacking in an area: intellect, physical ability, emotional stability.

The word for “weak” is asthenēs. This Greek word comes from a [no, not] and sthenoō [to make strong]. These students are not strong and need our support: personal encouragement, one-on-one teaching when available, getting parents more involved if needed. Whatever it takes to help strengthen them.

The missing piece: be patient toward all

What is the GREATEST thing we can do as teachers? Be patient. Another classic Bible verse [I Corinthians 13:4] says that love is only two things: patient and kind. If you can get those virtues down, you’re in pretty good shape.

The word for “be patient” is makrothumeō. It comes from makros [great] and thumeō [to have thumospassion]. It means to have a great passion in supporting others, showing patience and big-mindedness. That’s what I want to be.

All of us probably have dozens of opportunities each day to be patient with ourselves, family, co-workers, and friends. And those who are teachers have the joy each day of patiently and kindly teaching wonderful young people who want to learn.

Let’s look for others to “teach” in our daily lives. We can give direction to those out of step, speak tender words of comfort to the little-souled, and allow the weak to lean on us until they can support themselves. In all things, we can be big-minded and patient with all those we meet. Happy teaching!

Categories
Following the Lord Jesus Christ

The Sermon on the Mount

The Gospel of Matthew shows Jesus as the Messiah, the great King. It begins with John the Baptist preparing the way for him, his baptism with holy spirit, his temptation in the wilderness, and then shows him declaring his kingdom in 4:12—7:29. Much of this declaration is in what is called the “Sermon on the Mount.”

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God's Love

A Little Gold Is Better Than a Lot of Stubble

boat

Have you ever been in a boat against such strong wind that after hours of rowing with all your might—you are even farther away from your desired destination than when you started? That is how many people live, especially the really religious ones.

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Jesus Christ

Understanding Jesus Christ

SPHS

Recently, each morning before the school day began, I noticed a young student sitting alone outside my classroom door. Talking with her I learned she was a devout Christian, and we prayed together for God’s blessings in our lives. Later that day, I asked her how God had blessed her. She said that a prayer was answered—she wanted one person at the school to understand her. “And that person,” she said, “is you!”

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Body of Christ

Persevering in the Important Things

DA Garden Apple 1

There are things that I do every day. Some I don’t have to think about, like breathing or having my heart beat or digesting my food. Others take planning, like stretching in the morning with Sherry or brushing and flossing my teeth each night or calling my Mom on the phone. God’s Word shows five important things to do regularly: pray, study, fellowship, give to others, and share God’s Word.

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God's Word

Modern Church Myths

myth blog

II Timothy 4:3,4 [Moffatt Translation]:
For the time will come when people decline to be taught sound doctrine, they will accumulate teachers to suit themselves and tickle their own fancies, they will give up listening to the Truth and turn to myths.

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God's Word

Double Prepositions in the Greek New Testament

greek bible

Happy New Year! The attached PDF file is the result of more than 15 years of study and examination. My goal and desire is that it will serve you as a helpful tool in studying the New Testament. It shows one way that God emphasizes certain truths, and includes many familiar scripture verses regarding fundamental Biblical truths. Enjoy!

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Leadership

Believers Who Teach Us God’s Word

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Believers Who Teach Us God’s Word

There are none just quite like them,
When you hear them, you’ll know what’s occurred,
For there’s fire and love and kindness,
In believers who teach us God’s Word.

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Marriage & Family

Mothers in the Lord

Mama GS 2

I love to call my Mom on the phone as often as I can. Now almost ninety years old, she remains well aware of my lifeand also has a deep “heart” understanding of my two brothers and four sisters. I thank God for her physical and emotional care for me over the years, and today I cherish her spiritual support as we talk of God’s Word and see the power of prayer.