As mothers, we are all called to teach the Word of God faithfully and handle Scripture rightly. Sometimes that teaching will be informal, and other times it will be more structured. It may look like applying biblical truth in everyday moments, leading family devotions, teaching a Sunday school lesson, or facilitating a Bible study.

In any context, teachers are held to a high standard. The Word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword. It is powerful and effective. Just as we would handle a weapon with caution, we should handle Scripture with care. Many—both children and adults—have been led astray when teachers mishandled or twisted a passage to suit their own purposes.

Today, we are going to talk about how to equip ourselves to teach the Bible faithfully by understanding context, staying tethered to the text, and preparing appropriately.

We likely will not have time to study Scripture this way every day, though we should be reading it devotionally each day. Still, we probably have more time than we think to devote to serious study.

I do not think it is an accident that God describes Himself as the Word and has revealed Himself through a collection of divinely inspired books. He has made us in His image. We are thinking people, and it is good and right to stretch our minds as we learn to handle the Word of God faithfully.

*****

Shelly Pelletier has been married for 32 years, has three grown children and five grandchildren. She's a graduate of the Georgetown University Law Center and has been teaching kids in church in various roles since she was 16 years old and has been leading formal women's groups for over 25 years.

She's an expert in helping people of all ages understand and apply the Word of God and today she will walk us through the basics of preparing to teach the Bible faithfully.

Several weeks ago I to watch my almost 9-year-old and almost 7-year-old ascended a 50 foot rock wall and it was equip. I was so proud of them for working so hard and having the courage to keep on going even when it was scary!!

But what I’m most especially thankful for is that harness! Because my kids were wearing the right equipment, they were protected during the activity. Even though it was objectively a very scary, they were quite safe. If they slipped or fell their very capable Uncle Kyle or Aunite Yuvika would catch them.

Similarly, as Christians, God calls us to put on the armor of God so that we will be protected.

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.“ -Ephesians 6:10-13

Each day as we read the Word of God we are putting on our armor so we will be protected as we scale our mountains. Today I am joined by Katie Faris who will be walking us through the importance of devotional Bible study and quick strategies for doing it well.

***

Katie Faris is a pastor’s wife and mother to five children. She is the author of multiple books, including Every Hour I Need You: 30 Meditations for Moms on the Character of God and God Is Still Good: Gospel Hope and Comfort for the Unexpected Sorrows of Motherhood. She worships at Sovereign Grace Church in Marlton, New Jersey. Learn more at her website or follow her on Facebook or Instagram.

Going to church with my five little kids can sometimes feel like wrangling monkeys –very dear little monkeys –but little monkeys that have been known to spill the coffee all over the pew in front of us and then shriek in terror at the act. (Nothing to see here, people. Normal Sunday.)

Matt Merker in his book Corporate Worship argues, “A church service is one of the primary settings in which believers speak the truth to one another. When we recite a creed or read a scripture aloud together, or sing a song or vocalize amen after a prayer, we’re not just following the service leaders directions we are disciplining one another in building up the body to maturity.”

My biggest and strongest piece of advice is simply to go to church. Just go! In every season of motherhood (and every season of life) there will be conflicts with attending church. If you have little babies there is a very good chance your service will happen during naptime. If you have kids in sports it is extremely likely there will be games that conflict with your ability to attend the service. If you have family from out of town staying with you there is a reasonable chance they may pressure you to stay home from church so you have more time with them.

But, Jesus didn’t think attending church was just causally important. He considered it vital and organized the christian life around it. When we place our church attendnece first we are saying that our spiritual condition is more important than naps, sports, or family relationships. If others don’t understand that, it is a chance for us to teach them.