Teachers -- what makes teachers?

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Depleted

Guest
#1
#1
It seems like quite a few folks on this forum think they're teachers. Teaching isn't just a gift, it's an office in the Lord.

[h=1]Ephesians 4:11-16 English Standard Version (ESV)[/h][FONT=&quot]11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,13 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, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.[/FONT]
So, going to ask -- what makes someone a teacher in Christ? How does one become one? How do you know if someone is, or isn't, a teacher? And, what do you think when you see someone who isn't a teacher teaching? What should happen then?
 
maxwel

maxwel

Senior Member
#2
Apr 18, 2013
9,339
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113
#2
Every Christian, by sheer definition of being a "Christian witness", and an "ambassador of Christ", is a teacher to some "degree."

So everyone who is "in christ" has both a duty and an obligation to teach whatever he knows, to whomever he has opportunity.

But this duty and responsibility to "share the faith" isn't necessarily the same as having the "gift of teaching."
So we all have a responsibility to share, and teach, whatever God teaches us... but this doesn't mean everyone has a special gift for teaching.

I don't see this as any kind of dilemma.
If someone is teaching, who is a terrible teacher... just don't listen to them.
It isn't incumbent upon you to stop them: everyone can recognize that a bad teacher is a bad teacher... it isn't a deep, dark secret that nobody has noticed but you.
If someone out there WANTS to have a really bad teacher, well, then let them have a bad teacher... you can't protect people from themselves.

Some of these things which seem like they might become big philosophical dilemmas, if we think about them practically, and biblically, are just not dilemmas at all.
Many problems just naturally sort themselves out.
 
M

mj007

Banned
#3
Feb 5, 2017
1,118
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#3
There is nothing wrong with being passionate about what you believe in, even if it doesn't agree with everyone. We can take the good from what people say. No one is forcing anyone to believe what they believe by saying it calmly in a respectful manner.

It is good to share. And if we have different stories, or different views, or different perspectives; then by SHARING back, we can inspire each other. That is love, that is loving one another. Are God and Love so very far apart? Does he just go round looking for unbelievers? No, people do that, when they think for some unknown reason, that they are God's defence lawyer and know more about God that anyone else, and most often than not, they make quick assumptions on others and dehumanise them like they are some devil incarnate. A liar, a heretic. Bla bla bla. Christians doing that to Christians, who would have thought? We are supposed to be in fellowship, not love only those who love us, who share our point of view.

We can be against a view, but we can go about it in a kind and respectful way.

Depleted said:
It seems like quite a few folks on this forum think they're teachers. Teaching isn't just a gift, it's an office in the Lord.

Ephesians 4:11-16 English Standard Version (ESV)

11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,13 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, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.
So, going to ask -- what makes someone a teacher in Christ? How does one become one? How do you know if someone is, or isn't, a teacher? And, what do you think when you see someone who isn't a teacher teaching? What should happen then?
Click to expand...
 
A

Ariel82

Guest
#4
#4
Depleted said:
It seems like quite a few folks on this forum think they're teachers. Teaching isn't just a gift, it's an office in the Lord.

[h=1]Ephesians 4:11-16 English Standard Version (ESV)[/h][FONT=&quot]11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,13 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, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.[/FONT]
So, going to ask -- what makes someone a teacher in Christ? How does one become one? How do you know if someone is, or isn't, a teacher? And, what do you think when you see someone who isn't a teacher teaching? What should happen then?
Click to expand...
I believe like giving someone a "word of knowledge" even donkeys can be given speech by God to "teach" someone something.

However the office of teacher should only be held by those mature in Christ. Paul writes about the requirements of bishop and elder. Teachers should be held to the same righteous standards.

They should have heavenly wisdom and humility and agape love.

All power and glory belongs to God.,,if people try and claim it for themselves and build their own kingdom?

We pray and gather God's children under His protective. Wings....

Going to see what other folks said now.
 
A

Ariel82

Guest
#5
#5
4553334_f520.jpg

My favorite teachers are those who facilitate discussions and makes the group think and pray and read the Bible themselves. I don't like being lectured to or preached at during Bible study classes.

A teacher will exhort when needed and encourage when needed.
 
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Ariel82

Guest
#6
#6
Like any office of leadership they should reflect Christ,but we must not fail into the real of placing them on a pedestal because they are human and will make mistakes.
.we must remember to pray and have grace and forgiveness for all our brothers and sisters.


In Christ we are all equal though some may be farther along in their walk towards our Heavenly destination.
 
posthuman

posthuman

Senior Member
#7
Jul 31, 2013
36,653
13,125
113
#7
here's a clue:


And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness.
(2 Timothy 2:24-25)​

that's ESV, other translations have 'forbearing' or 'not resentful' or 'longsuffering' where this version says 'patiently enduring evil'

is this showing us qualities a teacher must/should have?
 
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H

Hungry

Banned
#8
Nov 26, 2012
3,095
1,050
113
#8
God raises teachers where there are students. Christ has stated that His sheep hear His voice and run from strangers. “Teaching” only takes place if someone is willing to learn. Other than that they are just orators or professors spewing opinions falling on deaf ears. Before you even say it, we both know which catagory you think I fall into (wink).
 
seed_time_harvest

seed_time_harvest

Senior Member
#9
Dec 9, 2011
13,727
1,725
113
#9
People can sense when you are saying something for their benefit and not seeking glory for themselves.love covers a multitude of sins Is talking about what JESUS did for us but we love because GOD loved us and JESUS Is the vine and we are the branches that receive sustenance from vine and display spiritual fruit.
 
Johnny_B

Johnny_B

Senior Member
#10
Mar 18, 2017
1,954
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#10
I believe that the Lord makes a teacher, there are people that are great teachers and they never were taught how to teach. I meet two of the best teachers I ever meet in a prison Bible study, these guys taught themselves how to read New Testament Greek by using Machen's "New Testament Greek for Beginners" they were sending there papers to C. Norman Sellers, Th.D at Miami Christian College to correct their work, it was awesome to be a witness too.

The Church that I am a member of now, the vision and teaching elder, can teach very well. He teaches better then one of the elders that is seminary trained. To me if a man can make the Scriptures easier to understand he is a teacher that has been called by the Lord to teach. If the Lord gives you this gift you should equip the saints with our gift, it will help the body to grow to the mature man in the faith. So that we are not tossed to and fro by every way of wind and doctrine.

 
TruthTalk

TruthTalk

Senior Member
#11
Jul 17, 2017
2,904
2,262
113
#11
Depleted said:
It seems like quite a few folks on this forum think they're teachers. Teaching isn't just a gift, it's an office in the Lord.
Ephesians 4:11-16 English Standard Version (ESV)

11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,13 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, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.
So, going to ask -- what makes someone a teacher in Christ? How does one become one? How do you know if someone is, or isn't, a teacher? And, what do you think when you see someone who isn't a teacher teaching? What should happen then?
Click to expand...
1. A teacher must carry a lot of mints along with them, to help wake up any sleepy head pupils who have fallen asleep.
2. A teacher can leave the mints at home if they are passionate about their subject, the Holy Spirit will show you what to do.
3. A Teacher needs to have lots of teaching per subject going on.
4. Here's the critical point; there can be a lot of teaching going on, and at the same time very little learning happening.
5. What should happen if the pupil is not learning, really I do not know about this phenomenon, carry more mints maybe?

OP's question: "Teachers -- what makes teachers?", you have to have a lot of learning
going on or else your teaching has become non-effective.....:)

Answer: "teaching isn't just a gift, it's an office in the Lord."
 
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Joseppi

Senior Member
#12
Jan 4, 2018
887
7
18
#12
I mean't to say teachers are third in authority, after apostle and prophet.
 
J

Joseppi

Senior Member
#13
Jan 4, 2018
887
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#13
There is in truth only one teacher.
A teacher is sound in doctrine, approved of God, and authoritative.
These are times when many refuse to endure sound doctrine and so, patience is required of teachers in the hope that some may be corrected, reproved, rebuked and edified unto salvation.
 
TruthTalk

TruthTalk

Senior Member
#14
Jul 17, 2017
2,904
2,262
113
#14
TruthTalk said:
OP's question: "Teachers -- what makes teachers?", you have to have a lot of learning
going on or else your teaching has become non-effective.....:)

Answer: "teaching isn't just a gift, it's an office in the Lord."
Click to expand...
When in doubt about your teaching abilities, ask God He can help you along the way.

[video=youtube;tCcvQrvRlSM]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCcvQrvRlSM[/video]
God Can
 
A

Ariel82

Guest
#15
#15
Joseppi said:
I mean't to say teachers are third in authority, after apostle and prophet.
Click to expand...
Nope like apostles and prophets,they are SECOND in authority after God alone.
 
A

Ariel82

Guest
#16
#16
Johnny_B said:
I believe that the Lord makes a teacher, there are people that are great teachers and they never were taught how to teach. I meet two of the best teachers I ever meet in a prison Bible study, these guys taught themselves how to read New Testament Greek by using Machen's "New Testament Greek for Beginners" they were sending there papers to C. Norman Sellers, Th.D at Miami Christian College to correct their work, it was awesome to be a witness too.

The Church that I am a member of now, the vision and teaching elder, can teach very well. He teaches better then one of the elders that is seminary trained. To me if a man can make the Scriptures easier to understand he is a teacher that has been called by the Lord to teach. If the Lord gives you this gift you should equip the saints with our gift, it will help the body to grow to the mature man in the faith. So that we are not tossed to and fro by every way of wind and doctrine.
Click to expand...
Thats a good characteristic to highlight:

God taught teachers make scriptures easier to understand and encourage people to live by the lessons and principles that God shows us in His Word.
 
A

Ariel82

Guest
#17
#17
TruthTalk said:
1. A teacher must carry a lot of mints along with them, to help wake up any sleepy head pupils who have fallen asleep.
2. A teacher can leave the mints at home if they are passionate about their subject, the Holy Spirit will show you what to do.
3. A Teacher needs to have lots of teaching per subject going on.
4. Here's the critical point; there can be a lot of teaching going on, and at the same time very little learning happening.
5. What should happen if the pupil is not learning, really I do not know about this phenomenon, carry more mints maybe?

OP's question: "Teachers -- what makes teachers?", you have to have a lot of learning
going on or else your teaching has become non-effective.....:)

Answer: "teaching isn't just a gift, it's an office in the Lord."
Click to expand...
Soooooo.......the take away from this post for me is:

carry more mints if you want to be an effective teacher?

Lol. Seriously,Jesus said for a reason as some quoted earlier "My sheep hear my voice and follow me"

When someone speaks with the blessings of the Holy spirit to God's people,the spirit within us rejoices and we listen up. Which is a blessing and a breath of fresh air, even if they left their mints at home.
 
MatthewG

MatthewG

Banned
#18
Nov 19, 2016
258
7
0
#18
Teachers, are great.

I love teachers, who are able to go verse by verse, and explain to you what is going on in context, and in the scenario of the who, what, why, when, and how format. Who can really teach you something about the bible in it is context, by the help of the holy spirit teaching the best we can as we can see from scriptures. Even looking up some history can help us understand more.

There are many teachers out there though, and many different studies. This link shows all the different studies that are made in Christianity to this day,

But there are many Denominations and Sections of Christianity. https://theologetics315.wordpress.com/ologies-isms/
There are many different studies performed, also there are

Calvinism believers who take their own things they believe and apply it how they teach.
Armililiaism believers who take their own things they believe and apply it how they teach.
Don't know really believers who take their own things they believe and apply it how they teach.
Preterism believers who take their own things they believe and apply it how they teach.
Pretribulationism believers who take their own things they believe and apply it how they teach.
Mormonism believers who believe and take their own things they believe and apply it how they teach.
Jehovah witness believers who believe and take their own things they believe and apply it how they teach.

Just making a generalization.

Teachers are great. You may not agree with their own views (and that is okay), but if they dont understand something or have questions about something and youre a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, you can help them with those questions to help them have clarity. (Kinda like with the Mormons, and Jehovah) Correction out of Love if they needed help seeing.

We all know that salvation is faith alone in the Lord Jesus Christ, and thank God, He made it so simple as to believe on to believe on Him, who came, died, and rose again, that if we believe this on heart, and call out to the Lord Jesus Christ in having a relationship we shall be saved, and it goes for anyone who turns to the God in a change of mind or repentance.

Turning to God, and the Lord Jesus Christ changes us from the old person we once were into a new creation, and we was loved before even while we were still sinners Christ, died for the ungodly. That because of everything the Lord Jesus Christ has done we can have direct connection to to Him, and His Father in supplication, and praying, and thankgiving.

1 John 3: 23 and this is His command, that we may believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and may love one another, even as He did give command to us,


God bless friends!
 
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L

louis

Senior Member
#19
Nov 1, 2017
1,102
86
48
#19
Depleted said:
It seems like quite a few folks on this forum think they're teachers. Teaching isn't just a gift, it's an office in the Lord.

Ephesians 4:11-16 English Standard Version (ESV)

11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,13 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, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.
So, going to ask -- what makes someone a teacher in Christ? How does one become one? How do you know if someone is, or isn't, a teacher? And, what do you think when you see someone who isn't a teacher teaching? What should happen then?
Click to expand...
According to the scriptures you posted, someone speaking the truth in love, would be a true teacher. Everyone who does not speak the truth in love would constitute the false teachers, they who preach their own doctrines by human cunning and craftiness through deceitful schemes.
 
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