OceanSide church of Christ

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A WORD TO CHRISTIAN TEACHERS

Victor M. Eskew

 

INTRODUCTION

 

A.   In the New Testament, we read of the occupations of various godly individuals.

1.    Joseph, Jesus’ earthly father, was a carpenter (Matt. 13:55).

2.    Tabitha, Dorcas, was a seamstress (Acts 9:39).

3.    Lydia was a business woman (Acts 16:14).

4.    Aquilla and Priscilla were tentmakers (Acts 18:3).

 

B.   We mention this because those individuals had to continue in their jobs after becoming Christians just as all of us do.

 

C.   At this time of year, we often focus upon the students who are returning to school.  We often teach lessons focusing on certain things the youth need to focus on during the year.

 

D.   What I thought I would do is take a different approach. 

1.    I want to focus on the teachers who will soon have rooms filled with children.

2.    The title of the lesson is:  “A Word to Christian Teachers.”

 

I.             LET OTHERS SEE CHRIST IN YOU

 

A.   As Christians, this should be our focus every day.

1.    At our conversion, we put off the old man of sin.

2.    We put on Christ in the waters of baptism (Gal. 3:27).

 

B.   Now, He is to live through us every day (Phil. 1:21).

 

For to me to live is Christ…

 

C.   What does this mean?

1.    It means looking to Jesus’ example in the gospels.

2.    It means applying the words of Christ found in the entire New Testament.

 

D.   This sounds simple, but is not always easy.

1.    How does a teacher respond to a child who is out of control for the fifth time?

2.    How does a teacher deal with another teacher who is having problems with the administration?

3.    How does a teacher handle a principal who has a problem with prejudice?

 

E.   To let Christ shine in the tough situations, we must do at least two things:

1.    Know the Bible.

a.    The answers are found in the Bible (II Pet. 1:3).

b.    We must study to find the answers (II Tim. 2:15).

2.    Pray for wisdom (James 1:5)

 

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

 

II.           ALWAYS GIVE YOUR BEST

 

A.   Two verses:

1.    Ephesians 6:5-6

 

Servants, be obedient to them that are you masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of heart, as unto Christ; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.

 

2.    Colossians 3:22-24

 

Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:  and whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; know that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance:  for ye serve the Lord Christ.

 

B.   A few thoughts:

1.    I sincerely believe that most teachers give their best.  Teaching is not a job to them; it is a ministry.

2.    It can be hard to give your best when the pay is low.

3.    It can be difficult to give your best when you have to do more than teaching:  counseling, babysitting, disciplinarian, secretary, social worker, etc.

4.    It is not easy to give your best when you feel you are under attack:  students, parents, administration, and legislators.

 

III.         RESIST ALL TEMPTATIONS

 

A.   Every workplace is filled with temptations from Satan.  Schools are not off limits to the evil one (Job 1:7).

 

B.   A list of some temptations:

1.    Anger

2.    A foul mouth

3.    Tale-bearing and gossip

4.    Sexual affairs with co-workers

5.    Sexual affairs with students

6.    Denial of Christian concepts and values

7.    Partiality

8.    Injustice

 

C.   Three things that you can do.

1.    Hide God’s Word in your heart (Ps. 119:11).

 

Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

 

2.    Put on the whole armor of God (Eph. 6:11).

 

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

 

3.    Flee temptations when they come your way.

a.    I Corinthians 6:18

 

Flee fornication.  Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.

 

b.    II Timothy 2:22

 

Flee also youthful lusts…

IV.         VIEW CHALLENGES AS OPPORTUNITIES

 

A.   Teaching is fraught with all kinds of challenges.  There definitely some challenging students who come your way.

1.    The angry student

2.    The disrespectful student

3.    The immoral student

4.    The outcast student

5.    The slow student

6.    The non-motivated student

7.    The abused student

 

B.   Sometimes challenges turn into frustrations.  Frustrations become anger and depression.  Anger and depression result in cynicism, doubt, and hopelessness.  All of these things can cause a teacher to want to quit.

 

C.   Turn your challenges into opportunities (Ex., the apostle Paul)

1.    Paul had many enemies who constantly caused him difficulty and grief.

2.    Many times they disrupted his plans, his work, and his life.

3.    Paul could have decided to quit, but he did not.  Challenges became opportunities (Phil. 1:12-14).

 

But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; so that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; and many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confi-dent by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

 

D.   There are some people who just decide to make one or two difficult students their “project.”

 

V.           SEEK STRENGTH AND REFUGE

 

A.   All jobs have a tendency to drain us emotionally and physically at times.

 

B.   There are times when we have to retreat in order to get rest and to recharge our batteries.  Jesus did (Luke 5:15-16).

 

But so much the more went there a fame abroad of him:  and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by him of their infirmities.  And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.

 

C.   There are several things you can do to find rest and strength:

1.    Use your days off for rest and for self.

2.    Take advantage of workshops.

3.    Do not be afraid to ask for help.

 

D.   If you burn out, or, eventually quit, you cease being effective in your quest to educate and help children.

 

CONCLUSION

 

A.   Teaching is usually a passion for those who teach.  They have to teach.

 

B.   At the start of the year, there is excitement and eagerness to get back to school.

 

C.   It does not take long for the grind to set in.  It is then that you need to remember some of the things that we have mentioned in this lesson.

 

D.   We thank you!!!  And, we hope you have a terrific school year.