Marks of a Bible Teacher

TEXT: Rom. 12:7

SUBJECT: The Spiritual Gift of Teaching

                                                           

THEME: Today We Want to Explore the Spiritual Gift of Teaching and the Characteristics of the Teaching Ministry.

INTRODUCTION: 

This article is the continuation of the previous post The Gifted Teacher. This portion of the lesson focuses on the traits of a godly gifted teacher.  Previously we stated a spiritual gift is a God-given ability for ministry to others.  This is consistent with Romans 12:7, where the Apostle Paul says,  "Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching".

People with this Romans 12:7 gift are those who, regardless of their office or particular ministry in the local body of Christ, are motivated by a desire to clarify and expound truth. They enjoy mental challenges and learning. They are generally able to communicate well and will always have a driving need for biblical truth to be accurately expounded with well-documented proof of any conclusions drawn. They do not merely transfer information; they teach to transform lives among the people of God, and to win the lost to faith in Christ. Let us now turn our focus to the qualities every Bible teacher should cultivate. 

 LESSON:

What are the Characteristics of the Gift of Teaching?

Typical Features of the Gift of Teaching

    1.  The Example of Luke.

One of the foremost teachers in the Bible is Luke. Just look at how he begins his Gospel account!

Luke 1:1-4, Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, [2] Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word; [3] It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order,most excellent Theophilus, [4] That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.

Does not Luke sound like a teacher?

           — He says of himself that he is an expert, that his understanding is “perfect,” and that his account will be orderly.

           — His desire is that Theophilus “know the certainty”—in other words, to know with exactness of detail.

           — Luke’s Gospel as well as the book of Acts are highly detailed accounts. They are intended to teach the truth with certainty that Jesus is the Christ.

    2.  The Instructions to Timothy.

1 Tim. 4:13, Till I come, give attendance to reading [reading of the Word of God and explaining the passage] to exhortation [a call for people to apply the Scriptures], to doctrine. [Systematically teaching the Word]

1 Tim. 5:17, Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word [Scripture Exposition] and doctrine [Systematic Teaching].

           — The harder a believer works in teaching God’s Word, the more honorable he/she is. 

           — It’s sad to realize that many teachers have been diverted away from the most important pursuit—teaching. 

           — They make a priority of the details of service and leave the main priority behind and unattended to.

    3.  The Skills of a Teacher.

Teaching was considered a highly valued profession in both Jewish and Greek circles. To be a teacher within the early church was also an exalted position—few were called teachers. A great responsibility was placed upon teachers to be accurate, wise, diligent in their research, and skilled in their ability to present information. Then as now, the gift of teaching was expected to display the following characteristics:

           A.  Concerned with Systematic Sequence. 

The gift of teaching includes great concern with a systematic sequence. Teachers seek to present material in a way that is easy for others to follow.

ILLUSTRATION:  Luke notes that he was writing an orderly account. Luke 1:1-3, Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration … It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order….

Obviously Luke was concerned with consecutive order. The teacher lays out his material so it all points toward specific themes, which taken together convey the main point.

APPLICATION:  A teacher must seek to be a good communicator. Too often teachers are content to present the facts as they have studied them, without making their subject matter of interest or application to their students. For true “learning” to occur, one must not only be a good researcher and organizer of information, but an effective communicator—a person who knows how to convey information in a way that will captivate the will and desire of those who hear him speak.

           B.  Concerned with Precise Meaning.  Luke 1:3,“. . . having had perfect understanding of all things . . . ”  The gift of teaching includes a concern with the accuracy of words and the use of language.

                  — A teacher is concerned with precise definitions and shades of meaning. A teacher can be irritating at times because he or she is always asking, “What do you mean by that? What does that mean to you?”

                  — He wants to hear and speak with accuracy.  2 Tim. 2:15, Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

           C.  Concerned with Reporting Research. Luke 1: 2, a declaration . . . they delivered them . . . ministers of the word;   The gift of teaching includes a delight in researching and reporting as many details as possible.

ILLUSTRATION:  The Gospel of Luke contains more details about key events than any other Gospel. Luke sees meaning in details. The person gifted in teaching delights in his own study of a passage of Scripture or in his own research. He takes great joy in seeing meaning in factual details that may have been overlooked by others. Once this information has been acquired, the teacher longs to share everything he knows. At times that can be more information than others want or need to hear, but the teacher feels compelled to “teach all.”

No other Gospel writer tells us about the birth of Jesus as Luke tells us. Nearly three chapters of His Gospel are devoted to the birth of Jesus—he not only tells the story of Mary and Joseph, but also the stories of Zacharias and Elizabeth, and Simeon and Anna. He does not deal only with the facts of the story, but with dialog, monologue, and references to the Old Testament.

           D.  Concerned with Thorough Study.  (Ezra 7:10, 25; 1Tim. 4:6)

The gift of teaching includes a great interest in knowing as much as possible about a subject being studied.

                  1.  A Teacher Never Tires of Delving into a Chosen Area of Study, or Engaging in Multiple Studies with Increasing Depth over Time.

                                                    

                  2.  The Teacher Desires That All of the Information He Presents Is Accurate, Valid, and Verifiable.

ILLUSTRATION:  Traditional historical accounts tell us that Luke took several years to research his Gospel, talking to numerous people who had known Jesus personally.  Then his reporting continued into the Book of Acts as he declares the ministry of Christ continuing through the Apostles under the Holy Spirit’s administration. Acts 1:1-3, The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, [2] Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: [3] To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:

         E. Concerned with Promoting Change!

Remember, the Bible is not to be studied as an end in itself, but as a revelation of God and His truth to us so that our thinking, our values, our habits, our actions, our words, and most of all, our very lives are changed. Change! That is the grand purpose of the Bible. Changing us so that we become more than the person we were yesterday, less like a fallen person and more like God.

God is not merely a safety net or a lifeboat. He isn’t just walking with us to rescue us from problems so that our lives will go smoother. He requires active participation from us. He demands our commitment, our allegiance, our worship, and our obedience. To do that, we need the power of the Word (Hebrews 4:12).

When we learn the true word and follow it,

•          hurting people are helped;

•          abused people are healed;

•          angry people are soothed;

•          depressed people are encouraged;

•          fearful people are given courage;

•          weak people are given strength;

•          confused people are given insight;

•          foolish people are given wisdom;

•          ignorant people are given knowledge;

•          selfish people are given generosity;

•          hateful people are given love;

•          doubting people are given faith;

•          aggressive people are given gentleness;

•          proud people are given humility.

It is not quick and it is not easy, but it is sure.

God’s Power to Execute the Teaching Ministry (Grace for Our Inadequacies)

    1.  Weigh Your Responsibilities Carefully.

It is important for every believer to weigh these matters about teaching responsibilities and characteristics very carefully. 

• James reminded the teachers of this extremely important fact.   James 3:1, says, “My brethren, be not many masters [teachers], knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.”  The truth is that Teachers will be held in a more severe and stricter judgment than their students.      

• This may seem unfair, but yet it forces us to be careful and accurate in what the Lord calls us to do.  It gives us good reason to reflect upon our responsibilities as servants of God. 

• Once again we want to notice that next sentence in that same chapter gives another reason: “For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.” (Js. 3:2a).  

APPLICATION:  As Bible teachers we know that we make many mistakes; we stumble in so many ways and are largely misunderstood in too many things.  This kind of reflection can have a negative impact if we are not careful. 

    2.  Take The Teaching Challenge in Grace.

           A.  We Are Naturally Hesitant to Presume to Teach Others the Word. 

We see ourselves as being grossly inadequate for the task and therefore reluctant to respond to God’s calling upon our lives.

           B.  Teach in Faith and by God’s Grace.

However, it is evident in analyzing the lives of God’s leaders that this feeling of inadequacy is not a good reason for declining the job. After all, we are all sinners saved by grace before God.

                  — Who among us could claim that we have not blown it in many ways and in many different situations? If that is an adequate reason for not stepping up and taking the lead, no one would ever do so. 

                  — Remember God gives the motivational gift of teaching to His Bible instructors, therefore be one who labors in the Word of God with confidence in God’s grace to enable you to be fruitful in this ministry.

   3. Rely upon the Spirit’s Anointing Power.

When one is yielded to God and relies on the anointing of the Spirit wonderful things take place! There is progressive, personal sanctification that is manifested in the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22, 23). There is the teaching of spiritual truths that can come only by the guidance and illumination of the Spirit (John 16:12–14).

• The deep things of God can only be known by those who rely upon the teaching ministry of the Spirit (1 Cor. 2:9, 10). The Spirit enables the teacher and believer to apply the truths of the Word of God to their particular situations. The Spirit also enables the teacher to properly worship and love God (John 4:24).
• In addition to all of the personal blessings derived from reliance upon the power of the Spirit, there are the blessings of the Spirit’s anointing in ministry to the local body of Christ. The natural and spiritual gifts one possesses for ministry are dependent upon the power of the Spirit if they are to be exercised effectively.
• Jesus likened the anointing of the Spirit to rivers of living water flowing from within the believer (Jn. 7:38). Rivers of living water speaks of divine energy, energy that enables the believer to serve God effectively. One may possess great spiritual gifts and yet not be used of God if there is not a reliance upon His power. On the other hand, one may have few gifts and yet be greatly used of God because of a reliance upon the anointing.
• Jesus taught us to rely upon the Spirit of God. With humility He said, “I can of mine own self do nothing” (John 5:30). He set an example for those who teach when He expressed His need for the power of the Spirit to sustain Him. We, too, are to rely upon the Spirit’s power and guidance so that we might accomplish the work He has for us.

CONCLUSION:

In conclusion, 1Cor 15:10, says, “But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.”

All of the apostles had been called to that position “by the grace of God,” but Paul was without peer in his devotion (1Cor. 9:19-27). Only by God’s undeserved favor poured out upon repentant sinners was Paul saved and enabled to serve. And he certainly ministered with great energy and effectiveness! He had worked harder than any of the other apostles, as he traveled more, suffered more opposition, wrote more New Testament epistles, and founded more churches. This was not an arrogant boast because he knew that his hard work was a result of “the grace of God” that was “with” him. The history of Christianity confirms that his devotion was entirely effectual. Yet Paul knew and ministered with the recognition that it was not his power, but God’s (1Cor 2:4-5) which produced these outstanding results (1Cor 3:6).  Likewise, let us recognize that the same grace is available to us to teach God’s Word effectively and see other lives transformed by His mighty grace.

The Grace of God

1. There are those who regard themselves as simply the effects of natural causes.

2. Others are wont to attribute their character to social and civil influences, the times and institutions in which they live.

3. There are men of great individuality and power of character who are apt to attribute to their own selves the whole skill and efficiency of their life.

4. The truly Christian man is wont to combine all these as composing a Divine providence; and led by the Spirit of God to see his life and character in its relations to God’s superintending power and grace…. –The Biblical Illustrator