King's Pattern For Teaching Preachers Series

INTRODUCTION

Outline.

1. The King’s Method: Hands-on Training

2. The King’s Mentors: Mature Trainers

3. The King’s Mission: Faithful Trainees

Remarks.

1. In our lesson today we are going to be discussing the theme: “King’s Pattern for Teaching Preachers.” The book of Colossians, as already discussed, is one of Paul’s prison epistles (along with the Letters to Ephesus, Philippi, and to Philemon). The Lord used Paul and other men, to equip young preachers: using a hands-on approach in teaching them, in the “Art of Preaching.” The church over the years has divested (given up) its responsibilities, in training sound and faithful gospel preachers. However, the Lord has left this work; in the hands of faithful men: “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the Excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us,” 2 Corinthians 4:7.

2. First, we will consider the King’s method (pattern) in teaching young men; was through: a hands-on approach. This method has proven the most effective; in preparing young men, to be faithful servants of Christ. Our Lord employed this method (pattern) of hands-on training, with his apostles. Luke wrote: “Former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,” Acts 1:1. They sat first at the feet of Jesus; after which, they were sent out to preach the word. Most aged and mature ministers; were brought into the work, this way!

3. Second, we will discuss the King’s mentors in teaching young men. These are “aged” or mature (i.e., preachers; teachers, elders and learned men), in the faith. Paul took several young men under his wing; and taught them how to preach, and to care for the church of Christ. The elder’s function is to watch over the church; and the older ministers and teachers; were responsible for the teaching of: “Faithful men in the faith,” 2 Timothy 2:2. This should be done, through mentoring and coaching them, in the design, development and delivery of the word of God.

4. Lastly, we will investigate the King’s mission; and that was to teach faithful men (trainees), to teach others also. They must learn how to: “Rightly divide the word of truth;” and, how to present it, in a manner that compels others, to obey: “The word of truth...the gospel of salvation,” Ephesians 1:11-13. The younger ministers will need to develop their skills in teaching; coaching and mentoring others. By this they will remain faithful; and lead others to Christ, through their: sound presentations, of the word of God. With this introduction, let’s consider our first point in this lesson.

BODY OF LESSON

I THE KING’S METHOD: HANDS-ON TRAINING

A. King’s method or (pattern). The King’s method or pattern in training preachers is by: a hands-on approach, or, to (do, and then teach). Observe....

1. The word “pattern” in Gr., is typos or, tü'-pos, which means, a type, manner, a sketch for imitation:—form, fashion or a pattern.

a. The word implies a sketch, a pattern or a form.

b. There is a form, or a hands-on method, for teaching young men to preach the gospel of Christ. This permits them to learn by doing!

2. Old and New Testament patterns. The God of creation has done all things in this manner. He used a “sketch” to fashion the ark; a “pattern” to build the tabernacle; and a “form,” to convert the sinner. Consider with me....

a. Pattern for the ark: “And this is the fashion which thou shalt make it of: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits. A window shalt thou make above... and the door of the ark shalt thou set in the side thereof; with a lower, a second, and a third (story) shalt thou make (in) it,” Genesis 6:13-16; Hebrews 11:7; 1 Peter 3:20-21.

b. Pattern for the tabernacle: “Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith He, that thou make all things according to the pattern showed to thee in the mount,” Exodus 25:40; Hebrews 8:5.

c. Pattern for conversion: “But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness,” Romans 6:17-18; Romans 6:22; John 8:30-32; John 8:36.

Illustrate: That Form of Doctrine, i.e., typos, or, tü'-pos, which means, a model:—ens-(ex-) ample; a type, or form.

1) The Lord used a hands-on approach, in the creation of man, Genesis 2:6-7.

2) He also uses a hands-on approach, in the re-creation of man, Titus 3:5.

3. The King’s pattern of teaching; also involves a “hands-on approach.” I liken it unto, one who is, “sitting at the teacher’s feet.”