Morganton Baptist Church
The Classroom of God’s Instruction
By Pastor Dan Quollo
Burke County
Recently, people of all ages began another school year. Some students began their education career, while others began their final year of classes. Students battled a wide array of emotions as some were anxious, others were excited, and some were nonchalant. They are embarking on a new school year in which they will be challenged and taught new concepts. Some assignments will be more difficult than others, but they are all designed to further educate those in the classroom.
As believers, we are enrolled in God’s classroom of instruction, a classroom unlike any other. It is a classroom that is designed to further our spiritual growth and the advancement of His kingdom. Its lessons are difficult at times, but we must remember the overall purpose of God: the well-being of His children. Romans 8:28 assures believers, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” The individual willing to submit to His divine instruction will learn many lessons along the road.
All throughout the Word of God, we find individuals who learned such lessons, often through difficult and trying times. The heartbreaking trials that Job endured led to a vision in which he saw God as never before (Job 42:1-6). In spite of passing the years of childbearing, Abraham “staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; 21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform” (Romans 4:20-21). Years of mistreatment allowed Joseph to see God’s guiding hand every step of the way (Genesis 50:20). Moses was faced with the challenge of leading a vast number of Israelites out of the bondage of Egypt to the Promised Land. How did he do so? Hebrews 11:27 teaches, “he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.” The disciples were personally instructed by Jesus Himself throughout His earthly ministry. They learned the importance of faith, the necessity of obedience, and the trap of self-confidence. Of all the things they observed Jesus do, I have always been intrigued they asked, “Lord, teach us to pray” (Luke 11:1). At times, they seemed to repeat lessons, a truth that is quite encouraging to us today. But even when they were being retaught things, Jesus still lovingly corrected and instructed them, patiently realizing their human weaknesses.
The Word of God provides us with instruction today. Paul told Timothy, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). When its content is studied, and its truths applied, the Word of God will produce a godly individual. It is here that we find God’s primary method of instruction.
Every student eagerly anticipates graduation day. For the believer, this graduation will not occur this side of eternity. But graduation for the believer will be unlike anything he has ever experienced, for he will then receive his glorified body following the rapture. John wrote, “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure” (1 John 3:2-3). John teaches that, while we look forward to being like Him and seeing Him as He is, we have the daily responsibility now to purify ourselves into the very image of Christ. Ask God to create a sensitive heart that is eager to receive His instruction and learn all the lessons you can. The reward is truly out of this world.
