How Can I Begin to Teach the Bible? (Book Review)

Have you ever heard the saying, “Don’t judge a book by its cover”? The book How Can I Begin to Teach the Bible invites the question, don’t judge a book OR the power of its content by its size. This little book, by David Helm, is mighty. Let me tell you why I say so.

This 60 page booklet is part of the Church Questions series by Crossway. Each small booklet addresses a question with the aim being to offer sound and accessible biblical teaching on the topic. Though not exhaustive, the book I received was packed full of truly practical, applicable information.

David Helm starts off by saying the book is for those who want to teach but don’t know how to begin and also for those who are teaching but unsure if they are doing it well. I think he hits these targets well. I think there is a lot in this tiny edition that is immediately applicable but also there are steps and suggestions that one could progressively introduce into their preparation.

Part one: Principles- covers convictions to hold in order to begin. He speaks about the authority of scripture, the importance of sitting under solid biblical teaching, and godly elders, in the community of a local church.

Part two: Preparation- this section focuses on study, understanding the text you are teaching, He gives us the image of a four-prong diamond ring with each representing various contexts: historical, literary, biblical, cultural. He continues to pack in more study helps with the strong reminder of highlighting the person and work of Christ and the Gospel. Keeping Christ’s redeeming work on the cross central may seem obvious, but he offers examples of how we can get off track.

Part three: Presentation- This section gets into the details of clearly communicating the lesson/text you are teaching. Helm reminds us – in more than one way the importance of considering the people to whom we are speaking.

“But remember, good Bible teachers linger over the truth of the text, and they also linger over the best way to express that truth. They don’t just explain, they establish a goal for their hearers.” – David Helm

As I read this over this and marked, highlited and noted the many good points, I found myself challenged. I considered anew the amazing power of God’s word, but also the intense work and dedication that goes into being one who “rightly divides the word of truth.” It was for me a call to action. For that I am grateful. As one currently leading a small group Bible Study in my home I found Helm’s writing especially empowering- and not overwhelming – a tad humbling, truth be told.

If this information interests you, I recommend giving a listen to the podcast by the same name HERE. I found this interview intriguing and took notes while listening. It was excellent. He answered one of the questions about the top three mistakes Bible teachers make by sharing something he learned from a friend with regard to preparation, prayer and pledging yourself to the people you are leading/teaching. These were powerful points expressed and clearly elaborated on in this book.

Check out the Church Questions series for yourself as they have quite an extensive line of questions covering those things you think about but don’t know who to ask.

I received this book for an honest review through Crossway as part of the Crossway Review Program. I just wish they’d send me a box of books a month. Though I am too slow a reader for that!

Check out their Podcasts – they are a regular listen for me, You can also listen in all the usual places for podcasts.