Definition
Incumbent upon all to be willing to teach the truth in love; but most especially those who are called and gifted are to teach with the goal of building mature Christians by the leading of the Holy Spirit with all energy, whenever and wherever.
Who: Specifically, those such gifted, and those called to be overseers. In general, all mature believers should be able to teach, especially all parents. All must qualify as to their consistent behavior and moral integrity, and those called to teach will be judged stricter.
And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers…(1Cor. 12:29). Therefore, an overseer must be above reproach…able to teach…(1Tim. 3:2). For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again…(Heb. 5:12). Fathers do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord (Eph. 6:4). Not many of you should become teachers…you…will be judged with greater strictness (Jas. 3:1).
Why: To present everyone mature in Christ, and “to equip the saints for the work of the ministry, for building up the body of Christ until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God.”
And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ…(Eph. 4:11-13).
How: To teach truth with love, motivation, understanding of content, and with full belief that all scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching. Teaching with full realization that the Holy Spirit works throughout the entire process. Elders may rebuke those who contradict sound doctrine.
Rather, speaking the truth in love…(Eph 4:15). Having gifts…let us use them: …the one who teaches, in his teaching…(Rom 12:6-8). …desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make confident assertions (1Tim: 1:7). All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness (2Tim. 3:16). And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual (1Cor. 2:13)….give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it. (Ti. 1:9)
What: Teach sound doctrine; teach God’s entire word, clearly the commands and life of Christ are to comprise the totality.
But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. (Ti. 2:1). All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness…(2Tim. 3:16). Teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age (Matt. 28:20)
When: Be ready at all times to teach, making it a priority.
And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus (Act 5:42). Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching (1Tim. 4:13). And he stayed a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them (Acts. 18:11).
Where: Everywhere, and especially in the church body.
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you (Matt. 28:19-20) And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus (Act. 5:42) That is why I sent you Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, to remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach them everywhere in every church (1Cor. 4:17). Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching (1Tim. 4:13).
Scripture List: Rom 2:21; 1Ti 3:2f; 1Ti 4:16; 2Ti 2:2; 2Ti 2:24; 1Ti 4:7,8 ; 2Ti 2:24; 2Ti 3:16,17; Jas 3:1; Heb 5:12; Col 1:28; 1Ti 2:7; Rom 12:7; 1Co 12:28; 1Ti 6:3; Act 15:1; Matt 28:20; Act 2:42; Act 5:42; 1Ti 4:13; 1Ti 4:6; 1Ti 6:1; 2Ti 3:16; Act 5:25; 1Co 2:13; 1Jo 2:27; Eph 6:4; Gal 6:6; 1Ti 5:17 – 19; 1Ti 5:17; 1Co 11:14; Col 3:16; 2Ti 4:2; 1Ti 2:12.