Studying and Teaching Biblical Characters

Studying and Teaching Biblical Characters

Introduction:

Biblical Character Study is knowing about a particular person and their relationship with God, understanding the pros and cons of their qualities, and applying some valuable insights from the lifestyle. The purpose of the Character study is not just following a particular person as an example in some aspects, but also not following a particular person as an example in some aspects.  

Jesus told His disciples, “For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.” (1 Timothy 13: 15).

James writes, “As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.” (James 5: 10)

John writes, “I have written something to the church, but Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge our authority. So if I come, I will bring up what he is doing, talking wicked nonsense against us. And not content with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers, and also stops those who want to and puts them out of the church. Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God. Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself. We also add our testimony, and you know that our testimony is true” (3 John 1: 9-12).

1.0.Necessity of Character Study:

The Character study helps in building up our character and not to justify our actions by referring to some of the actions of someone, saying that I did it as that of the so and so person in the Bible did it. The Character study is an attempt to analyse the qualities of the person and derive what is really pleasing to the Lord and valuable to the people around us. Also, our Character study could make us to follow Christ and set an example to others.

Paul writes to Thessalonians, “It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate” (2 Thes 3: 9).

Paul writes to Thessalonians, “And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia” (1 Thes 1: 6, 7)

2.0. How to Study

The Inductive Bible Study should be driving our Character study, and it can always be used to study any verses, passages, chapters or books.

Some methods that could be used to study Characters are as follows, though they may not give the complete knowledge of the Character of a person, but comprehend some of the crucial aspects of it.

·         Studying the Character of a person based on the assumptions or presumptions

·         Studying some specific verses or passages primarily, that mention about the Character of a person

·         Studying the Book that emphasizes the Character of a person

·         Studying the words that are proclaimed by a person

In addition to the Inductive Bible Study, we shall use some principles of the Thematic Bible study and Topical Bible Study which comprises the principles of the methods of Character study altogether, while studying about a specific person.

The following process shall be adopted for Character Study.

 

3.0. Considerations while Studying Biblical Characters:

Some of the following practices or attitudes would be helpful to know and understand the Biblical characters correctly without any deviations.

1.      Read the bible regularly to understand the connections.

2.      Study the biblical phrases, verses, passages, or chapters inductively before using them deductively.

3.      Be teachable with the biblical basis, by considering the whole of the Bible.

4.      Don’t get stuck with preconceptions and misconceptions.

5.      Use technology and resources (Ex. Websites, Software, Audio-Visuals, etc.) that help in the effectiveness of your study. But always check whether the resources align with biblical truths.

6.      No Doctrine or Concept can be derived from the character of a person, until it is confirmed by some other teachings of the Bible.

7.      The Intention of the Action of a person needs to be analysed than the action itself. The Actions can be something desirable and can also be something that is undesirable. There will be actions that are practically not possible but could be possible by the Power and Sovereignty of God.

8.      All human beings (including prophets, kings, and leaders etc.) weren’t highly perfect throughout, so it is necessary to follow what is acceptable by the teachings of other Scriptures and deny what is not acceptable by the other teachings of the Scriptures.

9.      The influence of socio-cultural and other backgrounds on people in their actions and attitude shall be noted.

10.  The qualities of a person should not be derived based on their emotional expressions, allegorical interpretations, and the comparison with other persons, without any Biblical basis.

 

4.0. Considerations while teaching Biblical Characters:

Some of the following practices or attitudes would be helpful to teach the Biblical characters effectively to others without any deviations.  

1.      Put your best efforts into studying the character of a person completely, from the whole of the Bible, rather than just taking some specific portions.

2.      Understand the perceptions and misconceptions of others. Be open to learn from others and accept something that you don’t know.

3.      Use technology and resources (Ex. PowerPoint. Software, Audio-Visuals, activities, etc.) that help in the presentation of your study better, interactive and engaging.

4.      Clearly communicate your study in a flow, using simple words, and be connected.

5.      Don’t degrade any individual or group for wrong understandings which teaching.

6.      Present your learnings with love, respect, and concern, by avoiding arguments. Adress everything politely and sometimes firmly. And also address some questions or thoughts individually and not altogether, whenever it does not apply to the entire group.

 

Conclusion:

We have to accept the fact that no one is perfect in the face of the earth. But God is gracious and faithful enough to acknowledge our limitations and also given us a great space to learn from one another by acknowledging one another. We should learn to ignore the limitations of people around us and receive the blessings in the strengths of others. And finally, we have set an example to others by our way of life and by giving our best to glorify God in everything we do.

Paul writes to Timothy, “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” (1 Tim 4: 12).

Paul writes to Colossians, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Col 3: 16, 17).

 

References:

1.      https://biblestudy.tips/topical-study/

2.      https://wisdomfromheaven.net/how-to-do-a-thematic-bible-study/