Teaching the Gospel by Living It

Whether it’s a leadership position in the church or one to one teaching about the Bible, it is not enough to just study the Word of God. In the book of Ezra, we see a man who faithfully followed God by living out his faith. Ezra 7:10 tells us: “For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the Lord and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel (NASB).”

I like this verse because it shows how Ezra approaches teaching God’s Word. First he “set his heart to study the law of the Lord.” This tells me he approached it with a desire to know God; to deepen his relationship with the Lord. Then he sought “to practice it.” This gave him real life experience in the challenges of living a life for God in a fallen world, experience he could share with others.

Finally, he used his heart for God’s Word, his experience living it out, to teach Israel. Not only was he teaching them in word, but he also showed them how to live a life for God. He was showing them what it meant to be obedient to God, to have a heart for God. May we have the same approach when we share the Word of God with others.

© 2020 CGThelen