Lesson #1: Notes For The Teacher
Assessing of Lesson:
- o Guidelines to tell the class: On an easel, whiteboard, etc. have each group share insights as you list then.
Lesson Techniques:
- o Ice Breaker: [You are making them spontaneously think already as well as personalizing the instruction and sharing their observations. Your are modeling technique to be used later in lesson, just through the introduction.]
- o Reading: Your reading with out them doing anything forces them to listen. This is NOT to be an exercise of scriptural exegesis, thus DO NOT let them use their Bibles at this stage.
- o Reflection: : THIS IS THE KEY TO THE LESSON! This is where you allow the HOLY SPIRIT to be the teacher, not you. Your opinion and expertise DOES NOT MATTER. KEEP QUIET! NO COMMENTS. If your class learns to “listen to the still small voice” to teach them, you have succeeded in the lesson. By forcing them to do the second part, it takes them away from the familiar section and forces them to think beyond what they know.
- o Retelling: This allows the group to see the height and width of scope of the knowledge of the Holy Spirit, who is omnipresent, and can see a lesson from all points of view. It also shows the diversity within the body to react to, interpret, and make meaningful a lesson that individualizes it just for them, and also the group corporately. {This will show the power of individual Bible study and/or worship as well as corporate Bible study and/or worship.)
- o Reactions: Versus 33 – 35 is all about reaction. REACTION to what has been SEEN and HEARD through the teaching of the Holy Spirit is crucial. The book of Acts is about how everyone Re-Acted to the Holy Spirit’s teachings and leadings. Begin to have “Re-Acts” time to bridge the 2000 year gap from when the New Testament was written up to today. The Holy Spirit keeps the standard of truth, but makes it relevant. Allow him to do so!
- o Assignment: Lessons are to be life long, life changing, foundational principles, so making the class continue throughout the week to seek the scriptures and allow the Holy Spirit to teach them is crucial for the growth of the believer.
- o Time Essential: Watching your time, but keeping it moving is crucial. But if the Holy Spirit is teaching, always allow Him to change the agenda!
Bottom Line: Ask the class what was “your opinion” or “your analysis” of the lesson. Of course they will not be able to tell you that, because although you guided them through the lesson, YOU DID NOT TEACH IT, THE HOLY SPIRIT DID! That was precisely what this lesson was all about as a teacher. You can be a facilitator, listening yourself to the Holy Spirit as to what to do when, but He is the Teacher. He is the Conductor of the symphony of this lesson.