Gospel of Mark Part 26: Benefits of Private Teaching [Small Group Discussion]

Title: Listening Intently: The Value of Private Teaching

Scripture Focus: Mark 4:33-34 – “And with many such parables He was speaking the word to them, as they were able to hear it; and He was not speaking to them without a parable; but He was explaining everything privately to His own disciples.”

OPENING QUESTION

When have you learned something much better in a small, personal setting than in a large group? What made the difference?

BACKGROUND

Jesus spoke to large crowds in parables but gave private explanations to His disciples. The crowds heard His words, but His closest followers listened intently, asked questions, and received deeper instruction. This pattern is still vital for believers today—public teaching is important, but private teaching allows for deeper personal growth, honest questions, and greater application of God’s Word.

KEY POINTS

1. Hearing vs. Listening

• Many people hear the Word of God, but few truly listen with the intent to obey (James 1:22).

• Listening intently means acting on what you learn, not just acknowledging it.

• Jesus warns that the way to life is narrow, and few find it (Matthew 7:13-14).

  
  

2. What Is Private Teaching?

• One-on-one or small group instruction in an informal setting (home, workplace, outdoors).

• Encourages dialogue rather than just a lecture.

• Seen in Scripture:

  • Jesus with Nicodemus (John 3:1-3)

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

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

  • Priscilla and Aquila teaching Apollos (Acts 18:24-26)

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

    
    

3. Benefits of Private Teaching

• Individual Attention: Addresses personal needs, spiritual maturity level, and specific questions.

• Freedom to Ask Questions: Removes the fear of embarrassment, allowing for honest discussion.

• Deeper Learning: Similar to personal coaching, private discipleship accelerates spiritual growth (2 Timothy 2:2).

  
  

  

4. The Example of the Disciples

• Time with Jesus changed His disciples so much that others recognized they had been with Him (Acts 4:13).

• Deep, personal learning produced boldness and spiritual maturity.

  
  

APPLICATION

A. Move from Passive Hearing to Active Listening

• Don’t just attend sermons—seek opportunities to apply and discuss what you’ve heard.

  
  

B. Find or Create a Private Learning Environment

• Join a small group Bible study, meet regularly with a mentor, or mentor someone else.

  
  

C. See Private Teaching as Spiritual Training

• Just as athletes need personal trainers, Christians need spiritual trainers to help them grow stronger in the faith.

  
  

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. What’s the difference between hearing the Word and listening to it? How can we tell if we are doing the latter?

2. Why do you think Jesus chose to explain things privately to His disciples?

3. What benefits have you personally experienced in a small group or one-on-one Bible study?

4. What’s one step you could take to either receive or provide private teaching?

5. How can our group help each other move from passive hearing to active obedience?

   
   

MEMORY VERSE

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

PRAYER FOCUS

Thank God for the opportunities to hear His Word, both publicly and privately. Ask Him to give you a heart that listens intently, obeys faithfully, and seeks deeper understanding through personal teaching and discipleship.

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