In this lesson we focused on the importance of following God’s pattern for the church’s teaching assemblies. The message emphasized that undivided teaching assemblies—where men, women, and children gather together to learn—are not just a tradition, but part of God’s revealed plan in Scripture.
The Authority of God’s Word
At the heart of the message was a simple truth: everything we do as a church must be authorized by God’s Word. Colossians 3:17 reminds us, “Whatsoever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” That means we cannot rely on feelings or innovations; we must follow the authority of Christ as revealed in the Bible.
From 1 Corinthians 14, we see God’s clear arrangement for teaching: the whole church assembled in one place, men speaking one at a time, all listening and learning together, and women keeping silent in the assembly. This design ensures that all things are done “decently and in order.”
Why Not Bible Classes?
The lesson also addressed a common question: why not use Bible classes or Sunday School, as many churches do? The conclusion was that there is no command, example, or implication in the New Testament authorizing a divided arrangement for teaching. To introduce such a practice is to add to what God has already specified.
This lack of authority brings consequences:
- It replaces God’s togetherness arrangement with a manmade divided one.
- It makes it difficult for leaders to oversee all teaching.
- It leads to women speaking and teaching in assemblies, which Scripture forbids.
God’s Sufficient Plan
The church has no need to add to God’s plan. Scripture shows that teaching is authorized in two settings: in the congregational assembly and in private, house-to-house instruction. These settings are sufficient for building up the church and passing on the faith.
The church thrived for centuries without Sunday School systems, and God’s plan continues to be enough today. Our task is not to improve upon it, but to honor it.
Conclusion
The call of the lesson was clear: let us hold fast to the pattern God has given, trusting that His wisdom is greater than man’s. In remaining committed to undivided teaching assemblies, we are not clinging to tradition but to Scripture itself. God’s plan is always sufficient, and when we follow it faithfully, the church will be united, strengthened, and pleasing to Him.