The Equipping Ministry, Student Workbook, SW15

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T H E E Q U I P P I N G M I N I S T R Y

Teachers Must Hold to the Tradition

2. Acts 5.42

There are several references in the NT Epistles to the “tradition” (Gk. paradosis ) received by the apostles from their Lord and delivered by them in turn to their converts. apostles’ witness to “all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day when he was taken up” (Acts 1.1f., cf. 1.21f.). This witness was borne and perpetuated in various ways— principally in missionary preaching, in the teaching of converts and in Christian worship. An outline of the basic facts of the missionary preaching is given by Paul in 1 Cor. 15.3ff. . . . Paul adds that whether the gospel was preached by himself or by the original apostles, the basic facts of the message were the same (1 Cor. 15.11). ~ F. F. Bruce. “Gospels.” The New Bible Dictionary. D. R. W. Wood. ed. 3rd ed. This tradition, in the fullest sense, comprises the

3. Acts 28.23, 31

C. The benefit of solid, effective biblical teaching is plain.

1. As a key means of experiencing God’s grace in the Church of God, 1 Pet. 4.10-11

2. As a critical piece of credentialing and empowering leaders, 2 Tim. 2.2

3. As a means of defending the apostolic faith, Jude 1.3

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4. As a way to offer apology to those inquiring about our hope, 1 Pet. 3.15

IV. The Difficulty of the Teaching Ministry

A. Teaching in the Church today tends to follow trends which may overshadow basic biblical vision and truth.

1. We rely heavily in the Church on management and business models of organization and purpose.

2. Many believe that most congregations simply cannot endure solid biblical and theological teaching.

Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1996. p. 427.