“For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel” (Ezra 7:10).
Ezra devoted himself to three things: studying the law, observing the law, and teaching the law. We can study to acquire information. We can teach to impart information. But the strongest of the three is doing. Doing validates the studying and the teaching.
Biblical teaching is not just imparting information. The most-neglected phrase in the Great Commission is the one on teaching: “…teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:20).
We are to teach obedience to God’s commands. We are not to teach information only. If we follow Ezra’s example, we will study, obey, and teach obedience.
I know several churches that seek to teach obedience to the saints. Amazingly, they have picked up a reputation for being legalistic, works-righteousness churches. But they are only fulfilling Christ’s command to teach obedience.
This post coordinates with tomorrow’s reading in the To the Word! Bible Reading Challenge. If you are not in a daily reading plan, please join us. We would love to have you reading with us.
