The Value of Simplicity

6. How did Paul and Jesus set an example in teaching with simplicity?

⁶ Keeping things simple is another valuable teaching skill. True, we want Bible students to become “thoroughly able to grasp mentally with all the holy ones what is the breadth and length and height and depth” of the truth. (Ephesians 3:18) There are aspects of Bible doctrines that are fascinating and often challenging. (Romans 11:33) Nevertheless, when Paul preached to Greeks, he focused on the simple message of ‘Christ impaled.’ (1 Corinthians 2:1, 2) Similarly, Jesus preached in a clear, appealing way. He used a simple vocabulary in his Sermon on the Mount. Yet, it contains some of the most profound truths ever uttered.​—Matthew, chapters 5-7.

7. How can we keep things simple when conducting Bible studies?

⁷ We can likewise keep things simple when teaching on Bible studies. How? By focusing on “the more important things.” (Philippians 1:10) When covering deep subjects, we should try to express ourselves in plain language. We should focus on key scriptures instead of trying to read and discuss every Bible text cited in a publication. This requires good preparation on our part. We need to avoid overwhelming the student with details, not allowing ourselves to get sidetracked by issues of minor importance. If a student has a question that is not directly related to the lesson, we can tactfully suggest that it be discussed when the lesson is finished.

Effective Use of Questions

8. How did Jesus use questions effectively?

⁸ Another useful teaching skill involves asking effective questions. Jesus Christ used questions extensively in his teaching. For example, Jesus asked Peter: “‘What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth receive duties or head tax? From their sons or from the strangers?’ When he said: ‘From the strangers,’ Jesus said to him: ‘Really, then, the sons are tax-free.’” (Matthew 17:24-26) As the only-begotten Son of the One worshiped at the temple, Jesus was really not obliged to pay a temple tax. But Jesus conveyed this truth through an effective use of questions. Jesus thus helped Peter to come to a proper conclusion based on information he already had.

9. How might we use questions during Bible studies?

⁹ We can put questions to good use during Bible studies. If a student gives a wrong answer, it may be tempting to supply the correct one, but will he really retain the information? Often it is best to try to lead the student to the right conclusion by asking questions. For instance, if he is having difficulty grasping why he should use the divine name, we might ask, ‘Is your name important to you? . . . Why? . . . How would you feel if someone refused to use your name? . . . Is it not reasonable for God to require that we use his personal name?’

12. What is the value of asking viewpoint questions?

¹² Viewpoint questions are useful in determining whether a Bible student really believes what he is learning. (Matthew 16:13-16) A student may correctly answer that fornication is wrong. But why not follow that up with such questions as, How do you personally feel about God’s standard of morality? Do you feel that it is too restrictive? Would you say that it really matters whether you follow God’s standards or not?