The biblical Greek word for "to teach" is διδάσκω, didaskō [did-as'-ko]. It is a a prolonged (causative) form of a primary verb δάω daō (to learn). This means that teaching is for learning purposes. The objective of teaching a Home Bible Study is for the listener to learn about Jesus Christ and the sufficiency of His sacrifice. How will we know that the listener has learned?
What is Learning?
Learning comes from the Greek word, manthanō, which means to understand. It is a relative permanent change in behavior (acceptance, faith, obedience) as a result of an experience. It starts when the listener accepts the message of the gospel and believes it. Furthermore, he will be baptized in water and in Spirit.
What is Communication?
The vehicle between teaching and learning is communication. When we conduct a Home Bible Study, we are just transmitting the message to the ears of the listeners. Communication is accomplished when we allow the message to reach the mind of the listener so that understanding is achieved. Note that in the process, God puts the conviction in his heart. We are able to communicate the message across when the listener is at the point of deciding whether to accept or not to accept it. Not to decide is to decide.
What is Hearing the Word of God?
"Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17). The biblical Greek word for "to hear" is "akouō" [ak-oo'-o], which means to understand. Therefore, faith comes only when there is understanding of the Word of God.