The gift of teaching is the motivation to acquire and communicate Biblical Truth in order that God’s people grow and learn.
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly divides the Word of Truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).
The general responsibility of every believer to teach others what he has been taught. “Make disciples of all nations; teach them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20).
Characteristics
1. Teachers find delight in studying the Word of God to discover and confirm divine Truth.
2. Because they respect the inspiration and authority of the Bible, teachers are very concerned about the accuracy of words. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16).
3. They tend to avoid non-biblical terminology and illustration.
4. Do not like the Word of God taken out of context.
5. They seek direct, fresh illumination from the Holy Spirit and do not rely on secondary sources like commentaries and Bible dictionaries.
6. They test and prove the teaching received from others to make sure it accords with Scripture. They are like the Bereans, Acts 17:11.
7. They rely on the Holy Spirit, ‘The Wonderful Counselor’ to give revelation in the heart as they teach so that both head and heart are touched.
8. They have the ability to relate truth with other truth, the Old Testament with the New Testament, and all of Scripture with Messiah Yeshua. They allow Scripture to interpret Scripture.
9. They present the Word of God in an orderly, systematic manner – line upon line, precept upon precept” (Isaiah 28:10).
10. They are more content-oriented than audience-oriented.
Fruit of the Spirit
1. Romans 12:11, James 3:1
Temptations to Avoid
1. Regarding your particular are of teaching as the whole of Truth rather than just a part.
2. Being proud and boastful of your knowledge of the Word.
3. Concentrating on the details of information rather than on communication life and revelation which produces growth.
Problems and Misunderstandings
1. The need to be factual and objective may appear as a lack of warmth and feeling when speaking.
2. The need to communicate Truth accurately may appear as unconcern for the importance of obeying Truth on the part of the student.
Scriptural Examples
1. Yeshua, the Master Teacher, made use of parables, communicated the life of the Father profoundly
2. Paul, Sha’ul, the Apostle, taught systematically in the letters: theory, application; student of the TeNak (Old Testament only and tied Yeshua’s teachings to it; received direct revelation from the Spirit in Arabia, divine compulsion to declare the whole counsel of God, “he might present every man perfect (mature) in Messiah Yeshua” (Colossians 1:28).
General Counsel and Application
Different orders or levels of application of teaching are found in Scripture. Parents are to teach their children (Ephesians 6:4). Older women are to teach younger women (Titus 2:1-4). Callings as apostles, prophets, evangelists, teachers, shepherds all have people they are to instruct (Ephesians 4:11)
Anointed, Bible-believing teachers are greatly needed in today’s Body of Messiah. Many people have deep spiritual experiences (eg. charismatic denominations), but lack good Biblical foundations. The result is a shallow walk of faith in the community of believers. In the institutional church, many suffer from ‘itching ears’ and are no longer content with sound doctrine. The result is growing error and deception. In many parts of the church today, Biblical inspiration and authority is questioned and the anointing of the Holy Spirit is either denied or quenched. The result is spiritual death and apostasy within the Body of Messiah.
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©2013 Tentstake MInistries Publishing with The Keys to Church Harmony, 1983