What other scriptures emphasize the importance of teaching God's laws to others? A Snapshot from 2 Kings 17:28 “So one of the priests who had been carried away from Samaria came and lived in Bethel, and he taught them how they should fear the LORD.” The priest’s task is clear: teach God’s ways so the people learn genuine reverence. Scripture returns to this theme again and again. Foundational Old-Testament Calls to Teach • Deuteronomy 6:6-7 – “These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. And you shall teach them diligently to your children…” • Deuteronomy 11:18-21 – Bind God’s words on hand and forehead, write them on doorposts, “so that your days…may be multiplied.” • Exodus 12:26-27 – When children ask about Passover, parents must explain the LORD’s redemption. • Psalm 78:5-7 – God “commanded our fathers to teach their children, so that the next generation would know.” • Proverbs 22:6 – “Train up a child in the way he should go…” • Isaiah 38:19 – “Fathers make known Your faithfulness to their children.” Prophets and Leaders Modeling the Task • Ezra 7:10 – Ezra “set his heart to study the Law of the LORD and to practice it, and to teach His statutes.” • Nehemiah 8:8 – Levites “read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people could understand.” Jesus and the Apostles Continue the Pattern • Matthew 28:19-20 – “Go therefore and make disciples…teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” • Acts 20:20, 27 – Paul kept back nothing that was helpful, “teaching you publicly and from house to house,” declaring “the whole counsel of God.” • Colossians 1:28 – “We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.” • 2 Timothy 2:2 – “What you have heard from me…entrust to faithful men who will be qualified to teach others also.” • Titus 2:1-8 – Sound doctrine passed down through older men and women, shaping every age group. • Hebrews 5:12 – By this time “you ought to be teachers,” yet need basics again—a reminder not to stagnate. Why This Matters—Key Outcomes Listed in Scripture • Passing on faith to the next generation (Psalm 78:6-7) • Multiplied blessing and longevity in the land (Deuteronomy 11:21) • Spiritual maturity and unity (Ephesians 4:11-13) • Readiness to resist error (2 Timothy 3:14-17) • Joyful obedience flowing from understanding (Nehemiah 8:12) Putting It into Practice Today • Let God’s Word fill personal conversation (Deuteronomy 6:7) • Integrate Scripture in home routines—meals, travel, bedtime. • Invest in younger believers; invite them to observe your walk (Titus 2). • Seek opportunities to teach formally and informally—classes, small groups, one-on-one. • Model obedience; teaching is hollow without living what we impart (Ezra 7:10). |
    |