Every Learner A Teacher

Every Learner A TeacherWe have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn. In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again.” Hebrews 5:11-12 NIV What a criticism by the author of the Epistle to the Hebrews! He began by recounting for these Jewish Christians some of the attributes and accomplishments of Christ: the heir of all things, the one through whom the universe was made, the radiance of God’s glory and exact representation of His being, the sustainer of all things, superior to the angels, the captain of our salvation, the destroyer of the devil, the one who frees us from the fear of death, our merciful and faithful high priest who can sympathize with our weaknesses (Heb. 1:2-4:15). But then he stops. He’d like to say more about Jesus’ priesthood, but his readers were such sluggish learners. They had heard the “elementary truths” which should have made their faith grow stronger, but they didn’t develop them by teaching them to others. Hence they grew dull. The Greek for “the elementary truths of God’s word” in the verses above is logion, a diminutive form of logos, the “Word of God.” The writer was conveying this truth: “Where learning is concerned, if you don’t use it you’ll lose it.” Have you ever heard this saying popular among teachers: “The best way to learn something is to teach it.” Another version is, “If you want to make something yours, teach it to someone else.” The Great Commission is really a commissioning of disciples to become disciplers, or learners to become teachers. It’s the best system there is for spreading God’s Word. It has worked in the Church for 2000 years, and can still work today if we’ll just become diligent learners and then confident teachers of all the truth of Scripture. This month’s features encourage us to do this. By Larry Ondrejack