This morning, I want to complete our series on disciplines for disciples. We’ve covered the disciplines of prayer, meditation, fasting, singing, fellowship, and giving. Today, we will focus on teaching.
As we discussed, prayer involves secret, simple, and steadfast prayer. Meditation involves contemplating God’s words and works, focusing on things worthy of virtue. Though not commanded in the New Testament, Fasting was practiced by the early church and combined with sincere prayer. Singing edifies each other and praises God. Fellowship involves communing with other Christians in various activities. Giving involves sharing our money, time, and abilities.
Exercising these spiritual disciplines leads to growth in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ, allowing us to share the benefits of such growth with others. This naturally leads to the discipline of teaching, an exercise that helps us become more like Christ. Jesus was the Master Teacher, teaching both publicly and privately.
Let’s talk about the duty of teaching. In Romans 12:3-8, we see that not everyone is a teacher, as teaching is a gift from God. Each member of the body of Christ has different functions. Imagine if everyone had the same job. Who would preach, teach, or maintain the building? Each one of us has different roles to fulfill.
Turn to 1 Corinthians 12, where Paul talks about spiritual gifts. In verses 28-31, he mentions various roles in the church, including apostles, prophets, teachers, and more. Not everyone has the same gifts, but all are important. James 3:1-2 warns that teachers will face stricter judgment. This is why not many should become teachers. Misleading teachings can lead people astray, so teaching what Scripture says is crucial.
While formal teaching is a specific role, all believers can teach informally. In 2 Timothy 2:2, Paul tells Timothy to teach others who can also teach others. Teaching is part of disciplining others. In 1 Timothy 3:2, we see that church overseers must be able to teach. This ensures they can guard the congregation against error.
Parents also have a teaching role. Ephesians 6:4 instructs fathers to bring up their children in the training and admonition of the Lord. Mothers and grandmothers, like Eunice and Lois, are examples of teaching children (2 Timothy 1:5). Older women should teach younger women (Titus 2:3-5). In 1 Peter 3:15, Peter tells all believers to be ready to give a defense for their hope, meaning we all should be able to teach others about our faith.
Teaching brings great delight. It produces fruit in our lives and the lives of others. William Glasser noted that we learn best when we teach others. Teaching deepens our understanding and reinforces what we know. It also brings joy when we see others walking in the truth, as John experienced in 3 John 3-4 and Paul with Philemon.
To become effective teachers, we must first be students of God’s Word, like Ezra, who prepared his heart to seek and do God’s will. A good teacher never stops learning. We must practice what we teach, as our example reinforces our teaching (Matthew 23:2-3). Finally, we should take opportunities to teach, find mentors, and assist experienced teachers.
Spiritual growth begins with learning and continues with teaching. Hebrews 5:13-14 contrasts spiritual babes needing milk with mature ones who can handle solid food. As we grow in maturity, we should share our knowledge with others.
So, where do you stand today? Are you a child of God? To become one, you must hear the gospel, believe it, repent of your sins, confess Jesus as the Son of God, and be baptized for the remission of your sins. Baptism is a total immersion, essential for salvation. Once baptized, you are a new creature, but we all can still make mistakes. Thankfully, we can seek forgiveness through prayer.
Where will you spend your eternity if Jesus comes back today? The opportunity to respond is now.
