~ The Spiritual Gift of Teaching ~
Opening Comment ~ “Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures” (James 1:16-18).
Category ~ In my thinking the gift of teaching is in the Medical Community of gifts and specifically the Spiritual Pediatrician – one who grows an infant (intellectually) into a mature person. Sub-categories of this gift are the gift of the Word of Wisdom and the gift of the Word of Knowledge. We will look at these two gifts in our next two posts.
Definition ~ The teacher’s task is to set forth the fundamental truths of the Bible for the building up and edification of the saints.
Loren Fischer has defined the gift of teaching as, “The God-given ability to lay down in a systematic order the complete ladder of a doctrine and to apply it incisively and diligently to life.”
John Phillips puts it this way: “The teacher is the man who studies the Bible diligently, comparing Scripture with Scripture, using sound methods of exegesis, hermeneutics, homiletics, analysis, and synthesis, and who edifies others with the fruits of his efforts.” He then provides simple explanations:
Exegesis = interpretation (or the practice of hermeneutics)
Hermeneutics = principles of interpretation
Homiletics = the art of writing and preaching sermons
Analysis = the separation of the whole into its parts or elements
Synthesis = the assembling of separate or subordinate parts into a whole
Scripture ~ “And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers” (1 Corinthians 12:28a).
“Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching” (Romans 12:6-8a).
“And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:11-12).
Comments ~ J. Vernon McGee described teachers in his typical simple straightforward way: “The men who were to instruct the flock.” The teachers address the conscience and the heart through exhortation based on Scripture.
John Phillips provides this helpful breakdown: Teaching involves the interpretation of truth. Prophecy comes from inspiration of truth. Ministry is the incarnation of truth. Exhortation is given with the intention of truth.
Biblical Examples ~ There are many. In the New Testament the premier example would be the Apostle Paul.
Traits ~ The Biblical teacher: 1) Studies a Biblical passage (or topic) systematically considering it in light of its broader context. 2} Picks out the main points in a presentation, summarize and evaluate easily and quickly. 3) Finds it as easy to talk to a group as to counsel with one person. 4) Sets a high standard in each endeavor, (and becomes irritated when people teach without adequate preparation). 5)Sets a pattern of behavior which is respected and followed by others. 6) Decides carefully what to do in order to set an example for others to follow. 7) Enjoys engaging in organized discussions when participants have thoroughly studied the subject. 8) Engages in careful study so as not to overlook details.
Closing Comments ~ “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you” (1 Timothy 4:12-16).
“Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:6-7).
“As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God” (1 Peter 4:10).
~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.
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