Teaching is an important theme throughout the Bible. God calls certain people to be teachers to share His truth and disciple others. The Bible offers much wisdom about the qualities of a good teacher, the responsibilities of teaching, and why teaching God’s word is so vital. Here is an overview of some of the key biblical principles related to teaching:
The Role of Teachers
In the Old Testament, God set apart the tribe of Levi to be teachers of His law and truth (Deuteronomy 33:10). In the New Testament, the gift of teaching is one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit (Romans 12:7; 1 Corinthians 12:28). Not everyone has this gift, but those who do are responsible for instructing and discipling other believers through explaining and applying God’s word. Ephesians 4:11-12 describes teachers as part of Christ’s gifting to the church “to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” Their role is vital for maturing and unifying the church through sound doctrine.
Qualities of a Good Teacher
The Bible emphasizes that teachers of God’s word have a great responsibility and must exemplify Christlike character. Some qualities the Bible mentions include:
- Knowledgeable and able to teach sound doctrine (1 Timothy 3:2; 2 Timothy 2:24; Titus 1:9)
- Living an exemplary life as a model (Matthew 5:19; Romans 2:21)
- Humble and gentle rather than prideful (2 Timothy 2:24-25)
- Lovers of truth rather than deceit (2 Timothy 3:8; Titus 1:11)
- Patience in instruction (2 Timothy 4:2)
- Joyfulness and sincerity (Colossians 1:24-29; 2 Corinthians 1:12)
Responsibilities of Teaching
The Bible gives clear guidance about a teacher’s responsibilities when sharing God’s word:
- Rightly interpreting and applying Scripture (2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16-17)
- Instructing with wisdom, not just information (Ecclesiastes 12:9-11)
- Speaking the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15)
- Making doctrine clear and interesting (Titus 2:7-8)
- Encouraging others in sound doctrine (Titus 1:9)
- Correcting and rebuking with patience when needed (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
- Living out the teachings, not just teaching them (Matthew 23:3; Romans 2:21)
- Teaching out of devotion to Christ (Colossians 1:28-29)
- Relying on Scripture as the final authority (2 Peter 1:20-21)
Jesus as the Master Teacher
Jesus is the ultimate example of an effective teacher who spoke with authority and wisdom. Scripture emphasizes several aspects of Jesus’ teaching style and methods:
- Taught people at their level with grace (Matthew 13:10-17)
- Used engaging stories and illustrations (Matthew 13:34-35)
- Explained lessons in everyday life and nature (Matthew 6:26-29)
- Exposed pride and hypocrisy when needed (Matthew 23:13-36)
- Stressed obedience and application (Matthew 7:24-27)
- Equipped disciples through patient mentoring (Mark 6:30-32)
The Bible as Our Guide
The Bible itself is the believer’s most important teacher and training manual (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Studying, memorizing, and meditating on Scripture equips us to teach and disciples others. The Psalms in particular emphasize Scripture’s vital role in instruction:
- “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105)
- “I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word.” (Psalm 119:15-16)
- “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.” (Psalm 119:18)
- “Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes; and I will keep it to the end.” (Psalm 119:33)
Instructing Children
A key teaching responsibility given in the Bible is for parents to instruct their children in God’s ways. Passages such as Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and Psalm 78:5-7 emphasize the need to teach children to know, love and obey God from an early age. Wise teaching guides the next generation to be faithful followers of the Lord.
Teaching With Wisdom and Discernment
The book of Proverbs offers much wisdom when it comes to balancing grace and truth in teaching. On one hand, Proverbs instructs us to reprove and correct those headed down wrong paths (1:23, 9:7-9, 15:10). But it also warns against correcting mockers who will only hate you (9:7-8), and stresses teaching patiently, not harshly (15:1, 15:18). Teaching well requires discernment to know when to comfort and when to confront (25:11-15).
Teaching Unbelievers
Instructing others in God’s word is not just limited to believers. Jesus taught crowds and engaged nonbelievers in spiritual conversations that pointed them to salvation. Paul likewise reasoned and taught in synagogues and public squares, persuading both Jews and Greeks about Jesus (Acts 17:17, 18:4). We follow their example when we seek opportunities to teach acquaintances, neighbors, and friends the gospel message that can save them.
Cautions About False Teaching
Since teaching plays such a pivotal role in the church, the New Testament contains many warnings about the dangers of inaccurate doctrine and false teaching. Scripture tells us to:
- Avoid myths, speculation, and false doctrines (1 Timothy 1:3-4; 4:7; 2 Peter 1:16)
- Watch out for doctrines of demons (1 Timothy 4:1-3)
- Beware false teachers and their smooth deception (2 Peter 2:1-3; Romans 16:17-18)
- Defend sound doctrine and correct false teaching (Titus 1:9-11)
- Keep teaching sound and above reproach (1 Timothy 4:16; 2 Timothy 3:10)
Teaching Is a Gift and Calling
The gift of teaching is not something we achieve in our own strength, but only through God’s enabling. 1 Corinthians 3:5-7 reminds us that teachers are only servants through whom God works. All our teaching abilities come from Him alone. So whether you have the spiritual gift of teaching or simply teach your children God’s ways, rely on the Holy Spirit to use you and speak through you. Teaching biblical truth is a great privilege and profound responsibility.
In summary, the Bible offers rich insight into the crucial role of teaching in the church and family. Teaching must be grounded in Scripture, empowered by the Spirit, marked by wisdom and integrity, and focused on equipping others to know Christ and follow Him faithfully. God calls every believer to learn His truth and grow in discernment so we can avoid deception and tenaciously guard sound doctrine. By teaching God’s word accurately, compassionately and compellingly, we can play a vital role in bolstering the faith of fellow believers and drawing unbelievers to saving faith.
