Gospel of Mark Bible Part 26: Benefits of Private Teaching [Bible Study]

Bible Study Title: The Benefits of Private Teaching – Growing Deeper in Christ

Scripture Focus: Mark 4:33-34

Opening Prayer

Lord, thank You for the privilege of hearing Your Word. Help us not only to hear but to listen intently, obey faithfully, and seek deeper understanding through personal study and discipleship.

Introduction

Jesus taught publicly in parables, but to His disciples, He explained everything privately. This personal instruction was a special blessing, allowing for deeper understanding and application. Today, we can still benefit from private teaching through one-on-one mentorship, small group studies, and personal discipleship.

Bible Reading

Read Mark 4:33-34.Cross-reference: James 1:22, Acts 20:20, 2 Timothy 2:2.

Section 1 – What Is Private Teaching?

• Definition: Instruction given in a non-public setting, often informal and personal.

• Biblical Examples:

  • Jesus & Nicodemus (John 3:1-3)

  • Jesus & the Samaritan woman (John 4:5-26)

  • Philip & the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:26-40)

  • Priscilla & Aquila with Apollos (Acts 18:24-26)

  • Paul teaching from house to house (Acts 20:20; Acts 28:30-31)

Discussion Questions:

1. Why do you think Jesus often chose private settings to explain His teaching?

2. Have you experienced a time when you learned more deeply in a small group or one-on-one setting?

Section 2 – The Benefits of Private Teaching

1. Individual Attention – Tailored instruction to personal needs and spiritual maturity.

2. Freedom to Ask Questions – Safe, non-judgmental space to explore personal or difficult topics.

3. Deeper Learning – Focused mentorship leads to faster and more thorough spiritual growth.

Reflection: Which of these benefits has been most impactful in your own learning?

Section 3 – Private Teaching in God’s Plan

• Spiritual Mentorship: 2 Timothy 2:2 – Pass on what you have learned to faithful people.

• Spiritual Fitness: Hebrews 5:12 – We should grow to the point of teaching others.

• Intimate Fellowship: Luke 24:32 – The disciples’ hearts burned as Jesus explained the Scriptures personally to them.

Discussion Questions:

1. How does personal discipleship help prepare someone to teach others?

2. How could you begin mentoring or being mentored in your faith?

Section 4 – How to Pursue Private Teaching

• Join or start a home Bible study.

• Seek out a mature believer for discipleship.

• Be willing to invest time in others one-on-one.

• Approach learning with humility and readiness to obey.

Reflection: What is one step you can take this week to grow through private teaching?

Memory Verse

James 1:22 – “But become doers of the word, and not merely hearers who fool themselves.”

Closing Challenge

Public preaching feeds the church, but private teaching grows the disciple. Make time for intentional, personal study and mentorship so that your understanding deepens, your obedience strengthens, and your walk with Christ matures.

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