Harnessing the Power of the Tongue
For the Glory of God
Key Verses: Proverbs 18:21, Psalm 141:3, Psalm 19:14
Lesson #9 ~ Teaching
My attempt to include parents teaching their children was to show that teaching happens each day in the lives of people all over the world, not just in the pulpits or in classrooms. For someone who is a parent or grandparent to take these principles and apply them to the way they teach those that look up to them could make the lesson relevant. Otherwise, I have a classroom full of people who are not teachers listening to me teach about how to teach. Ugh!
I. Teaching your children
A. Deuteronomy 6:4-9 ~ In your heart first, then teach them to your children.
B. Deuteronomy 11:18-21 ~ How often?
C. Psalm 78:1-8 ~ Do not hide things from your children.
II. Styles of teaching
A. Jesus taught lecture and proverb style, Matthew 5-7. The parallels between the teaching of Jesus and the poetry books is plainly seen in passages like Psalm 37 and Proverbs 3:1-10. The reason Jesus affirmed these principles of the law and prophets is because He did not come to destroy the law and prophets, but to fulfill them, Matthew 5:17-20. It makes perfect sense that Jesus would teach in a style similar to the law, the psalms, and the prophets.
B. Jesus taught parable style, Matthew 13:1-52, Mark 4:1-34. The reason Jesus taught parable style is because many did not truly believe in Him, so the fundamental nature of His mission would have been misunderstood. He taught parable style to conceal hidden meanings within common stories. Those who did not believe would not understand the hidden meaning. Those who believed would understand and be able to share the story without fear of being misunderstood, Matthew 13:10-17. Parable style was also used in the OT by several, most notably by Nathan in rebuking David, see II Samuel 12:1-15.
C. With singing ~ Colossians 3:16
D. Large groups ~ Acts 2:42-47
E. Small groups ~ Acts 5:42
III. Teaching in the Church
A. The purpose is spiritual maturity ~ Ephesians 4:11-16. The teaching in the body of Christ is to equip the body of Christ to be mature enough to do ministry. Note: This cannot be stressed enough. If it is not being done to bring believers to spiritual maturity, why is it being said?
B. Teaching is a spiritual gift ~ Romans 12:3-8. Note also the difference (but also with a parallel) between office/function and the one possessing the gift. Romans 12:4 states that not all members have the same praxis translated office/function. Our English word practice comes from the Greek word praxis. It basically means doing, so meaning the one who does the ministry, exhortation, teaching, etc. However, in Romans 12:6 it states “having different gifts”, which is the Greek word charisma. It has the idea of unique grace bestowed upon us for a reason. So the teacher can be the one who (functionally) does it or the one gifted to do it.
Note: I hope everyone understands the above distinction. I explained more verbally, but basically it’s not too difficult. Are you someone who functionally teaches? If so, you have the office of teaching. But, and this is a different question, do you have the spiritual gift of teaching? There are people who teach, as in, they do it, and it works out fine. There is a spiritual gift but not every passage in the scriptures that talks about teachers is talking about the spiritual gift, but the office. Clear? Good.
C. Not everyone will hold this office ~ I Corinthians 12:27-30
D. The teacher is held to a higher standard ~ James 3:1
Note: The following section I included because the pastor (or elder) is called to be a teacher, whether or not they have the spiritual gift of teaching. They hold that office. This passage functionally shows what the pastor/teacher should be doing. This was in the midst of a search for a senior pastor. I was the chairman of the search committee. I brought these things to the committee about the type of person that God wants to lead His people. In analyzing candidates, we compared the person to scripture passages like this. Do they match up? It was quite insightful for me as a lay elder, also, so be reading how I should be functioning in the church.
IV. The New Testament (aka New Covenant) Pastor/Teacher ~
I Timothy 4:6-16 & Titus 2:1-15.
A. Verse 6 ~ Constantly remind the church family (brethren = adelphos).
B. Verse 7 ~ Stay away from fables.
C. Verse 8 ~ Get some exercise in godliness.
D. Verse 10 ~ Work hard.
E. Verse 11 ~ The teacher commands and teaches, denoting authority.
F. Verse 12 ~ Leading by example.
G. Verse 13 ~ Give attention to reading, encouragement, and instruction.
H. Verse 14 ~ Utilize your spiritual gifts.
(Note also in verse 14 the wording of the council of elders.)
I. Verse 15 ~ Meditation, giving yourself entirely to these things.
J. Verse 16 ~ Pay attention to yourself and the teaching/instruction.
K. Titus 2:1-6 ~ Speak sound (healthy) teaching.
L. Verse 4 ~ Titus was to teach women to teach women.
M. Verse 7 ~ Leading by good example.
N. Verse 8 ~ Having excellent speech that cannot be condemned
(cannot find fault with).
O. Verse 9 ~ Teach them not to talk back.
P. Verse 10 ~ Not motivated by money but displaying good faith.
Q. Verse 15 ~ Speaking, exhorting, and rebuking with all authority.
So there you have it, teachers. A lesson for you to teach.
Have fun and stay busy – Luke 19:13
-The Orange Mailman
The Orange Mailman 