How can teaching God's commands to others reinforce our own obedience to Him? Setting the Scene “that they should put their confidence in God, not forgetting His works, but keeping His commandments.” (Psalm 78:7) Israel’s elders were urged to recount God’s mighty acts so the next generation would trust Him and obey. In the process, those elders renewed their own faithfulness. The same principle holds for us. The Call to Remember and Teach • Psalm 78:7 links three actions—trust, remembrance, obedience. • Teaching God’s commands is the bridge: as we verbalize what He has done and what He requires, we relive His faithfulness and refresh our resolve to follow Him. • Deuteronomy 6:6-7 reinforces the pattern: “These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. And you shall teach them diligently to your children…”. Heart before mouth, yet mouth secures the heart. Why Teaching Strengthens Our Own Obedience • Reinforces memory: Explaining Scripture forces us to recall specifics, anchoring them more deeply in mind and heart. • Clarifies understanding: Questions we anticipate from listeners drive us to study, sharpening our grasp of truth (2 Timothy 2:15). • Models integrity: We instinctively strive to practice what we preach; hypocrisy stings our conscience (James 1:22). • Invites accountability: Those we teach observe our lives. Their watchful eyes motivate consistent living (1 Timothy 4:16). • Multiplies motivation: Seeing others grow energizes our own walk—joy fuels perseverance (3 John 4). Practical Ways to Teach and Grow 1. Tell God-stories: Regularly recount answered prayers and providential moments at meals or small groups. 2. Open the Word together: Read a short passage aloud, summarize it in your own words, and invite others to do the same. 3. Memorize in community: Choose a verse a week; recite it to one another. Shared recall cements personal obedience. 4. Serve side-by-side: Teach commands about generosity or compassion while acting on them (Matthew 25:40). 5. Pass it forward: Train someone else to teach what you just learned (2 Timothy 2:2). Each hand-off strengthens your own grip. Linked Scriptures for Deeper Reflection • Matthew 28:19-20—Teaching all nations to obey Christ’s commands. • James 1:22—Doing the Word guards against self-deception. • Luke 6:40—A trained disciple resembles his teacher; thus teaching shapes the teacher. • 1 Timothy 4:16—“Pay close attention to your life and your teaching.” The two remain inseparable. As we faithfully pass on God’s commands, we plant them ever more firmly in ourselves—keeping Psalm 78:7 alive in every generation. |
    |