THE TEACHER AND THE TAUGHT

I. INTRODUCTION-- After God had caused Israel to suffer 70 years in captivitiy in Babylon, a yearning to return to Jerusalem and Judea developed among the remnant. There was a need for moral strengthening among the people of God. Ezra the priest decided to serve as their teacher.

A. Ezra had "prepared in heart" to "teach in Israel statutes and ordinances." Ezra 7:10
1. He was not self appointed. It was his duty as a priest. Deuteronomy 31:9-13
2. As New Testament priests, we are expected to do the same. Hebrews 5:12
B. Artaxerxes condoned the project of Ezra. Ezra 7:25
C. The people needed some instruction. Ezra 9:1-2
1. They were ignorant of God's Law. Deuteronomy 7:1-5
2. Or, they did not "tremble" at the words of God. Ezra 9:4
3. Ezra prayed a long penitent prayer. Ezra 9:5-15
3. When they witnessed the moral despair of Ezra, they were impressed enough to put away wives! Ezra 10:1-3
D. Ezra fulfilled his plan in an open-air Bible class. Nehemiah 8:1-18 (consider these points...)
1. ALL the people gathered. vs. 1
2. All that could HEAR WITH UNDERSTANDING. vs. 2
3. They read the law from EARLY MORNING TO MIDDAY. vs. 3
4. All ears were ATTENTIVE to the Law. vs. 3
5. People STOOD UP, when the book was opened! vs. 5
6. Levites CAUSED THEM TO UNDERSTAND. vs. 7
a. "They read...distinctly." vs. 8
b. "They gave the sense." vs. 8
7. People WEPT when they heard. vs. 9
8. The people were told rather to rejoice at this renewed knowledge, and they did, "because they had understood the words that were declared unto them." vs. 12
9. Seven days of this kind of activity. vs. 18

II. LESSON--

A. What lesson to the Teacher is seen in this?
1. Like Ezra--set your heart to teach!
2. Like Christ--see that all truth is taught. John 16:12-16
3. Like Paul-- Imitate Christ in teaching all truth. Acts 20:18b-21, 26-27
a. Encourage this practice in other teachers. 2 Timothy 4:1-4
b. See that the teachers of teachers do the same. 2 Timothy 2:1-2
4. Like Peter-- help people to remember. 2 Peter 1:12-15, 3:1-2

B. What lesson to the Taught is seen in this?
1. Positive--
a. Receive, hear, and do. James 1:19-25
b. Receive the word as the Word of God. 1 Thessalonians 2:13
c. Receive it with a ready mind and search the Scriptures daily to prove the truth of what is taught. Acts 17:10-12
2. Negative--
a. Don't become "dull of hearing." Hebrews 5:5-14
b. Don't have "itching ears." 2 Timothy 4:1-4

III. CONCLUSION-- Paul often used the phrase "I would not have you (to be) ignorant" (Romans 1:13, 11:25; 1 Corinthians 10:1, 12:1; 2 Corinthians 1:8, 1 Thessa-lonians 4:13). Ignorance is the enemy of the Church of Christ. It generates "strife about words," and trials of fellowship. Our teaching plan is our best effort, so far, to remedy the problems that may be caused among us by ignorance. The bold and devoted efforts of the teachers, and the humble reception of the learners will bring success in this effort.