Most Bible class teachers believe that without memorization, there is no “storehouse” for the second and third levels of learning. They believe every student must memorize basic facts in any subject in order to have a firm foundation.

The next step for diligent and dedicated Bible class teachers is to present examples to the students based upon the memorized material in the first level.  They understand that students must practice, practice, practice—each time applying what they have memorized to various examples until their responses become automatic.

The end goal for dedicated Bible class teachers who understand 2 Peter 1:3 is to inspire their students to desire to be a complete man.

We should understand that the lowest form of learning is memorization, and leaving a student at that level leaves him with useless information. He must learn to implement the memorized material by practicing at the second level and then to originate (show understanding) at the third level before it can be said he/she has attained true academic or spiritual achievement.

The student of God’s word goes on to spiritual maturity and is able to exercise himself in the area of discerning both good and evil. He becomes skilled in the word of righteousness and goes on to perfection in the sense of having Christ formed in him (Heb. 5:13-14; 6:1; Gal. 4:19). We apply the principles of truth we have learned to the various facets of life and show understanding as we produce godly fruit in the face of testing and persecution.

The disciple grows spiritually to recognize that he can never be better than his master and perfect example (John 13:16; 1 Pet. 2:21). One of the things he learns as he grows in the grace and knowledge of God’s word is his own standing in the presence of the Almighty. The knowledge he has gained from his study causes him to revere the word and eliminates any false pride that might make him think that he can go beyond or improve upon the written words of the Bible that he has learned. (Isa. 66:1-2).

Another truth that could be pointed out, is the fact that as we grow and mature by learning the facts and applying them.  God, by this knowledge, equips us to stand on our own two feet and have our own faith. Just like Timothy, the genuine faith might dwell first in parents or elders or Bible teaches etc., but eventually must become our own so that we are established and can stand on our own like Joseph, Daniel and his friends (2 Tim. 1:5; 2 Pet. 1:5-12; Gen. 39:7-12: Dan. 1:8; 3:16-18).

For the third level:

“…all things that pertain to life and Godliness”

…through the knowledge of Him (2 Pet. 1:3)

1. First we will have some basic Bible facts to memorize. These will be our “tools” for giving the right response when the teacher asks questions in level two.
2. Second, either the parents at home or the Bible class teachers will ask students to apply those memorized facts to problem solving. They may be asked to give answers with or without scripture references, but the memorized facts should always come to mind.  At this stage you will repeat, repeat and repeat some more until the responses become automatic.
3. Third, you should be able to take the things you have learned by heart and apply them to everyday life. This is where understanding and wisdom manifest themselves.
4. This method of study should work well with any “Think on these things…” lesson. Students would memorize the basic scripture reference or application scriptures and then list ideas from day-to-day life which would apply. The application of learned facts is what brings about spiritual growth and eventually the complete man.

BUT IF THE CHILDREN YOU ARE TEACHING CAN’T READ ON THEIR OWN, WHAT OTHER VALUABLE SKILL CAN BE TAUGHT?

In a book called LEAST OF ALL, Raven Hannah, the youngest of six children and the only girl, is too little to do most things on the family farm. Finally, she learns to churn. To relieve her boredom while she churns, she holds the Bible on her lap looking carefully at Genesis 1:1, the verse her Bible class teacher has taught her to say from memory. Gradually, Raven Hannah is able to see that the words she has memorized are there before her eyes, and she spends the rest of that year teaching herself to read.  One cold winter day she shares that new skill with her family.

Beth Johnson

Chennai Teacher Training School

Women’s Studies

Muliebral Viewpoint

Articles and Books by Beth Johnson