LESSON THREE

NEW TESTAMENT MANDATE FOR CHRISTIAN

 EDUCATION

Gordon Clark, the Professor and Reformed theologian wrote:  "The first and basic point in a Christian philosophy of education, or a Christian philosophy of anything, is Biblical authority."  Therefore, the importance of Christian education is to teach the student that all knowledge is integrated within the nature of God (and His inspired Word) and therefore, have order and purpose for our lives.  The goal is to enable spiritual growth into a mature adult, equipped to shoulder responsibilities as God's image-bearer devoted to glorifying the Creator.  This is based upon 2 Timothy 3:14-17.

Although it is clear that 2 Timothy 3:14-17 reflects Paul's instructions to Timothy, it can also serve as marching orders for today's Holy-Spirit filled and led teachers in the following ways:

1.  Paul instructs Timothy to continue in the things he has learned.  Thus, a teacher must first be a student of the Word of God him/herself.

2.  Paul also expounds upon the fact that Timothy was taught the Holy Scriptures from childhood.  (c.f. Deuteronomy 6:4-6)  Thus, A teacher should not be  a novice or a new convert. 

Jewish history reveals that a young Jewish boy formally began to study the Old Testament when he was five years old.  We see this exemplified by Jesus' demonstrated knowledge of the Law in Luke 2:41-51 and his ability to read Hebrew even though he was the lowly son of a carpenter (Luke 4:16-17).  Throughout the period from 350 BC to 70 AD, traditional Jewish education in Hebrew and Aramaic continued to be conducted in the home, the temple and local synagogues.  We will discover this as we look to the "Old Testament Mandate for Christian Education" later in this study (See also Deuteronomy 6:1-12).

3.  Continuing to look at 2 Timothy 3:14-17, we see the Biblically stated aptitude of the Scriptures:

     a.  To make one wise unto salvation

     b.  Increase in the knowledge and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ

4.  "All" Scripture is to be taught (OT and NT) and are:

       a.  Given by God through inspiration

      b.  Profitable for doctrine (instruction)

      c.  Profitable for reproof, correction and instruction in righteousness.

5.  the Biblically stated, goal of Scripture Instruction:

       a.  Spiritual maturity

       b.  Equipping Saints to do all good works.