“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Tim. 3:16).

This year’s theme — Take Time to Be Holy — focuses on how we use our time. The Bible often talks about time as something to be spent wisely, even redeemed (Eph. 5:16). Each day we decide how to invest it, whether we’re scrolling on TikTok, mowing the lawn, or reading Scripture. As we launch another year of Bible classes, it’s worth asking: Why invest our time here? Every Sunday and Wednesday, these classes give us the chance to let God’s Word breathe life into us, shaping us through his truth and equipping us to serve.

Why Invest in Bible Classes?

Paul told Timothy that Scripture’s purpose is “that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:17). That’s our goal, too. One of this congregation’s five guiding visions is Discipling, ensuring that each member receives the instruction and training they need to become more like Christ.

How Do Bible Classes Change Us?

Bible classes give us more than information. They’re formative, shaping us under God’s guidance. “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Tim. 3:16). The Word teaches us what’s right, convicts us when we’re wrong, straightens what’s bent, and trains us in habits of righteousness. Every class is meant to strengthen the whole person, mind, heart, and life, so that we can live more fully for God.

“What you have heard from me … entrust to faithful people who will be able to teach others also” (2 Tim. 2:2).

That’s why we try to offer different kinds of classes with different goals. A workshop on prayer aims for training, while a series of lectures on Revelation focuses on instruction, helping us understand the text. Some classes provide a setting for disciples to think together about how the Word applies to different situations and challenges of life. Others equip us for service, developing skills like lesson preparation, Bible study, or evangelism.

Why Invest in Developing Teachers?

Timothy didn’t learn the Word alone. His mother and grandmother (2 Tim. 1:5) and his mentor Paul poured into him, and Paul charged him to do the same for others. “What you have heard from me … entrust to faithful people who will be able to teach others also” (2 Tim. 2:2). That’s four generations of teachers in one verse!

“from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation” (2 Tim. 3:15).

The church is meant to be a self-perpetuating body of teaching and learning. Every strong congregation depends on people willing to teach, mentor, and pass along what they’ve learned. Not everyone is gifted to teach publicly (Eph. 4:11; James 3:1), but every believer should be growing toward the ability to share and explain the faith (Heb. 5:12). Many of our most effective teachers began by co-teaching or studying under a mentor. We will invest in you if you want to invest in others.

Why Invest in Children’s Classes?

Paul reminded Timothy that “from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation” (2 Tim. 3:15). Timothy’s faith had deep roots planted by Lois and Eunice. When Paul came along, that foundation was already strong. Christian education continues to compound interest. Through small, steady deposits, we grow a mature faith within our kids. A good Bible class can set a child’s life on a trajectory toward Christ. Those Sunday-morning classrooms aren’t babysitting; they’re sowing seeds for a future harvest.

Why Local Church Bible Classes?

Paul told Timothy to “continue in what you have learned … knowing from whom you learned it” (2 Tim. 3:14). In an age of podcasts, YouTube devotionals, and AI summaries, that verse stands out. Timothy’s teachers weren’t just content creators. They were people Timothy could know and watch as they lived their faith.

That’s the beauty of learning within a local church. What Timothy knew about Lois, Eunice, and Paul, we can know about those who teach us here.

1. Their Character — “Sound words” (2 Tim. 1:13) shape sound disciples. We know teachers by their fruit (Matt. 7:15-20). The spirit of the teacher matters, as Paul told Timothy, “The Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone” (2 Tim. 2:24–26). Teachers aren’t perfect, but they are disciples who are well on their way to becoming like their teacher (Luke 6:40).

2. Their Care — Timothy’s teachers loved him. Truth flows best through trusted relationships. Don’t teach unless you’re invested in the whole life and well-being of your students, teaching “sound words … in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus” (2 Tim. 2:13).

3. Their Convictions — Our teachers hold firm to the infallible, God-breathed Word (2 Tim. 3:16). In a world of shifting voices, our confidence rests on God’s voice.

“continue in what you have learned … knowing from whom you learned it” (2 Tim. 3:14).

How Can You Support This Good Work?

So as we plan our next year of classes, consider how you can invest:

1. Use Your Gifts to Help Others Learn. Consider how you can contribute to our classes. The church always needs more teachers! And we need planners in our discipling team to help us improve, prepare, and sustain classes. But we also need committed students!

2. Prepare and participate faithfully. Make Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights a weekly priority. Your presence will make a difference for you AND for others, as you fully show up, engaging with people and the Word.

3. Encourage & pray for teachers. Our teachers spend time every week praying, studying, developing materials, and thinking about “how to stir” others up “to love and good works” (Heb. 10:24). More than just printing out a worksheet, it can include decorating a room, inventing activities, and building presentations. Teachers need prayers and support!

When we commit to learning and teaching God’s Word together, we can count on an eternal return!