Here are the discussion questions! Please feel free to reply or reply-all if you see anything that you would like to respond to:
1. What is the point of teaching and mentoring? See 2 Timothy 3:10-16. The word ‘instruct’ is a translation of the Greek word παιδεία [paideia], which means:
1) the whole training and education of children (which relates to the cultivation of mind and morals, and employs for this purpose now commands and admonitions, now reproof and punishment) It also includes the training and care of the body
2) whatever in adults also cultivates the soul, esp. by correcting mistakes and curbing passions.
2a) instruction which aims at increasing virtue
2b) chastisement, chastening, (of the evils with which God visits men for their amendment)? [Strong’s/Thayer’s Greek Lexicon]
How can this be accomplished? Read 1 Corinthians 4:14-17. Do we need to instruct with our words, our actions, or both? Proverbs 1:8-9. What are some concrete ways to create situations where learning and instruction can happen? In an everyday sense? Can you also think of helpful challenges, ceremonies, rites of passage, etc.?
2. Whose responsibility is it to teach? See again Proverbs 1:8-9 and 1 Corinthians 4:14-17, and also Luke 17:1-4. Are parents responsible for knowing what their children are learning even if they entrust some of their education to others (e.g. a school)? Should we take being a teacher seriously? Read James 3 andEphesians 4:11-16.
3. What about the role of punishment? See Proverbs 13:24, 19:18, 29:15, etc. What do punishment and rebuke look like? See 2 Timothy 4:1-5. See also Titus 2 and 1 Timothy 5:1-2. What does Titus 2:1-8 tell us about a community in which teaching can take place?
