The spiritual gift of teaching is the God-given ability to clearly explain and apply the truths of God’s Word to others. Those with this gift can understand biblical truths easily and communicate them in a way that brings clarity and understanding to those listening. The goal of teaching is to help others grow in their faith and apply God’s Word to their lives.
The Bible emphasizes the importance of teaching in the life of the church. Passages such as Ephesians 4:11-12 tell us that God gave the church teachers to equip believers for works of ministry. 1 Corinthians 12:28 lists teaching as one of the gifts God has appointed in the church. The gift is not just for pastors and church leaders; any believer can have the spiritual gift of teaching and use it to serve others.
There are several characteristics that often mark someone with the gift of teaching:
- A passion for studying and understanding Scripture. Teachers treasure God’s Word and devote much time to reading and meditating on it.
- The ability to explain biblical truths clearly and apply them effectively. Teachers know how to take complex theological ideas and make them understandable.
- Patience when working with people. Teachers realize people learn at different paces and are willing to invest time repeating or rephrasing concepts.
- An orderliness of thinking and presentation. Teachers carefully organize information so their teaching flows logically.
- Insight into how people learn best. Teachers adapt their instruction to fit different learning styles and needs.
Those with the gift of teaching use it in a variety of ways within the church. Here are some examples:
- Teaching during church services – Preaching, teaching classes, facilitating Bible studies, or giving devotionals.
- Discipling others – Meeting one-on-one or in small groups to teach believers the foundations of the Christian faith.
- Training leaders – Helping Sunday school teachers, small group leaders, or other teachers understand biblical truths and how to effectively teach them to others.
- Writing curriculum – Developing Bible studies, catechisms, or doctrinal training materials for various age groups and maturity levels.
- Teaching online – Creating blogs, videos, podcasts, or online courses to help people learn God’s Word.
There are cautions those with the gift of teaching must keep in mind. Teachers have spiritual influence, so they must teach accurately and exercise humility (James 3:1). They must rely on God’s Spirit rather than human wisdom (1 Corinthians 2:1-5). Their character and conduct should model the truth they teach (1 Timothy 4:16). And they should teach in love, not pride (Ephesians 4:15).
The spiritual gift of teaching brings rich blessing to the church. Teachers take biblical truths and deliver them in a way people can understand, apply, and pass on to others. Their instruction strengthens believers and better equips them to fulfill God’s calling in their lives.
1. The Source of the Gift of Teaching
The spiritual gift of teaching ultimately comes from God. 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 makes it clear that all spiritual gifts are empowered by the Holy Spirit: “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.” Because the Holy Spirit enables the gift, teaching done in the power of the Spirit has divine authority and effectiveness.
Ephesians 4:11-12 tells us the ascended Christ gave teaching abilities to the church: “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” Jesus gifts teachers for building up his church, not bringing glory to themselves. He supernaturally apportions abilities according to his sovereign will and the needs of the body (1 Corinthians 12:11).
2. The Role of the Gift of Teaching
Those with the gift of teaching play a vital role in Christ’s mission of making disciples and teaching them to obey all he commanded (Matthew 28:19-20). God gifts teachers to the church to fulfill several important functions:
- Explaining biblical truth clearly – Teachers interpret and impart the meaning of the Bible accurately using language and methods tailored to their learners (Nehemiah 8:8).
- Applying truth practically – Teachers instruct believers how to understand Scripture in context and live it out within their daily realities (Ezra 7:10).
- Training other teachers – Teachers reproduce themselves by mentoring and equipping others called to teach (2 Timothy 2:2).
- Protecting against false teaching – Teachers refute erroneous doctrine through sound teaching and rebuke those who contradict truth (Titus 1:9).
- Modeling godly living – Teachers embody the truths they teach through lives of spiritual maturity and obedience to Scripture (1 Timothy 4:12).
Teachers serve wherever God calls them – from pulpits to classrooms to living rooms to the internet. Their ministry of teaching is less about format and more about faithful stewardship of God’s Word.
3. Biblical Examples of Those with the Gift of Teaching
Scripture gives us many positive examples of those who exercised their gift of teaching to build up God’s people:
- Jesus – The Master Teacher preached truth to the multitudes and also spent focused time teaching and training the twelve disciples (Matthew 5-7, Mark 6:34).
- The Apostles – Men like Peter and Paul taught the early church through their inspired writings and extensive missionary travels (Acts 5:42).
- Barnabas – This “son of encouragement” taught new believers at Antioch and mentored Paul early in his ministry (Acts 11:26).
- Priscilla and Aquila – This couple hosted a church in their home and took aside Apollos for deeper teaching about Jesus (Acts 18:24-28).
- Timothy – A faithful protege to Paul, this young man used his gift to teach local churches and pass on truth to reliable believers (2 Timothy 2:2).
These examples remind us that God empowers all kinds of people with the gift of teaching. When yielded to Him, teachers become His voice to instruct and encourage the church toward maturity in Christ.
4. Signs of an Effective Teacher
Those who are good stewards of the spiritual gift of teaching will demonstrate these characteristics:
- Humility – They teach sound doctrine without pretense or arrogance (1 Peter 5:5-6).
- Dependence on God’s Spirit – They seek the Spirit’s wisdom rather than relying on their natural ability (1 Corinthians 2:1-5).
- Bible knowledge – They spend much time reading, studying, and meditating on Scripture (Ezra 7:10).
- Life application – They provide practical examples of how to live out biblical truth (Deuteronomy 4:1).
- Orderly thinking – They explain concepts logically, clearly, and cohesively (1 Corinthians 14:40).
- Adaptability – They teach truth at different levels based on their audience’s needs (Matthew 13:11-17).
- Encouragement – Their teaching uplifts, exhorts, and inspires greater faith (1 Corinthians 14:3).
- Pure motives – They teach to glorify Christ, not to draw attention to themselves (Colossians 3:17).
Effective teachers stay rooted in God’s Word, rely on His Spirit, and care about the spiritual growth of those they instruct. God uses their humble service to impart His truth and equip the church.
5. Cautions for Those Who Teach
Although teaching is a vital gift, it carries serious responsibility. Teachers who mishandle God’s Word face harsh judgment (James 3:1). Scripture contains stern warnings that teachers must heed:
- They must live according to the truths they teach (Romans 2:21).
- They must not promote controversies or meaningless speculation (1 Timothy 1:3-7).
- They must teach sound doctrine, not myths or falsehoods (Titus 1:9-11).
- They must not teach for shameful profit but serve eagerly (Titus 1:11, 1 Peter 5:2).
- They must gently instruct those who contradict them (2 Timothy 2:24-26).
- They must use Scripture properly without distorting it (2 Peter 3:16).
Additionally, teachers must combat pride that can arise from their influential position. They must remember only the Holy Spirit truly transforms hearts. While gifting teachers, God still does the work.
6. Developing the Gift of Teaching
Believers desiring to serve God through teaching should take the following steps to develop their gift:
- Pray – Ask God to help you discern if you truly have the gift. Submit to His will for how He wants you to use it.
- Study Scripture – Diligently read God’s Word to increase your understanding and ability to interpret it accurately.
- Learn – Take advantage of resources like Bible college, discipleship classes, teaching workshops, and books on teaching methods.
- Serve – Start teaching in your local church under the guidance of leaders. Teach children, lead a small group, share devotionals.
- Get feedback – Ask fellow believers and ministry leaders to evaluate your teaching strengths and areas for improvement.
- Find mentors – Seek out mature teachers who can advise you and provide opportunities to teach.
- Be patient – Recognize growing as a skilled teacher takes significant time and effort.
As you step out in faith, God will use your desire and obedience to hone your gift of teaching for His glory.
7. Benefits of Teachers Using Their Gift
When teachers steward their gift well, they bring immense blessing to the church. Here are some benefits that come when teachers excel in their calling:
- The church grows in understanding of biblical truth.
- Believers are equipped for deeper relationship with Christ.
- Unity increases as false doctrines are answered.
- Discipleship and spiritual maturity are fostered.
- The Body of Christ is strengthened and built up.
- Other teachers are trained and mentored for ministry.
- Understanding correct theology protects against deception.
- Practical application instructs people how to follow Christ.
God multiplies these benefits as teachers faithfully pass on the deposit of faith to trustworthy disciples who will teach others (2 Timothy 2:2). Excellent teaching ushers in blessing for generations to come.
8. Cautions for Those Receiving Teaching
While teachers should follow biblical instruction for their role, students also have responsibilities when receiving teaching:
- Test all teaching against Scripture to confirm it aligns with God’s Word (Acts 17:11).
- Watch out for teachers who promote controversies or drone on meaninglessly (1 Timothy 1:3-7).
- Beware false teachers who teach myths and promote improper doctrines (1 Timothy 4:1-3).
- Avoid teachers who flatter or exploit for personal gain (Romans 16:17-18).
- Beware prideful teachers interested in impressing others (2 Timothy 3:1-9).
- Flee from teachers who deny Christ’s sovereignty or distort His gospel (2 Peter 2:1-3).
- Submit to faith-building teaching even when it’s hard to accept (Hebrews 13:7).
The gift of teaching is vital for Christ’s mission. Excellent teachers bless the church immensely. But without discernment, poor teachers can mislead. Receive teaching wisely by staying anchored in God’s Word.
9. Encouraging Those with the Gift of Teaching
Scripture instructs us to honor those who serve God with their gift of teaching (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13). We can encourage teachers in the following ways:
- Express thanks for their spiritual investment in your life.
- Uplift them in prayer, asking God to fill them with wisdom.
- Adopt a humble, teachable spirit when you learn from them.
- Put their instruction into practice to validate their efforts.
- Provide feedback on how their teaching is benefiting you.
- Defend them against unwarranted criticism or attacks.
- Refrain from gossip that would undermine them.
- Let them know when their teaching especially blesses you.
- Support them practically by helping with needs.
Teachers pour out spiritual energy when they instruct and equip believers. Our encouragement refreshes them to continue serving God’s flock faithfully.
10. Pitfalls Teachers Should Avoid
Even excellent teachers can fall into these negative patterns that hinder their effectiveness:
- Pride – Forgetting their gift comes from God and thinking themselves superior.
- Self-reliance – Attempting to teach in their own power rather than God’s.
- Laziness – Failing to put in the extensive study and preparation teaching requires.
- Insensitivity – Ignoring the learning needs or concerns of their listeners.
- Inflexibility – Rigidly adhering to teaching plans when changes would optimize learning.
- People-pleasing – Adjusting their teaching to avoid controversy or keep people happy.
- Domination – Abusing their authority by silencing student questions or insights.
- Distraction – Neglecting time devoted to teaching preparation due to other priorities.
When teachers encounter these pitfalls, the solution is repenting and humbly asking God to help guard against them in the future. He faithfully empowers teachers who acknowledge their dependence on Him.
Conclusion
The spiritual gift of teaching is an expression of God’s grace to His church. Teachers uniquely gifted by the Holy Spirit explain God’s truth so others understand it and live it out. With humility and diligence, they help fulfill Christ’s mission of making disciples through teaching obedience to Him. Wise teachers bring spiritual health, unity, maturity and protection against deception. Schools, pulpits, websites and living rooms become their classrooms. Believers must encourage these teacher-servants and, most importantly, adhere to the truth they impart for the glory of God.