Teachers -- what makes teachers?

[Nehemiah6]

I say lots of things for the benefit of the one I'm talking to, or even for the benefit of others, knowing the one I'm talking to isn't listening. BUT that doesn't make me a teacher.

I ain't a teacher!

What makes teachers?

God makes teachers. After the apostles and prophets, God makes evangelists, pastors, and teachers for the perfecting or maturing of the saints through these spiritual gifts, so that all Christians can fulfil their roles within their churches (Eph 4:11-12). Every believer has a job to do and at least one spiritual gift to exercise.

There is a logical spiritual progression in these spiritual gifts as seen in the order presented by Paul.

Apostles & prophets -- foundational -- found in the 66 books of the Bible.

Evangelists -- to preach the true Gospel -- the Word of God (for today)

Pastors -- to feed those who are saved with the Word of God (for today)

Teachers -- to teach Christians so that they mature in Christ (for today)

So a teacher is one who is gifted and called to teach God's truths to the saints. At the same time, teachers must be diligent students of the Word of God, and know how to rightly divide (interpret) the Word of Truth. They are not necessarily products of any seminary or Bible school, since the Holy Spirit is their Divine Teacher. So for churches to require an M. Div. before a man can minister to them indicates how confused things have become.

Ideally all those spiritual gifts must be manifested in the local church, and those who have been gifted and called to teach will be acknowledged by the church and appointed as elders. One of the qualifications of an elder is "apt to teach" and those who "labor in the Word and doctrine" are to be compensated accordingly. Furthermore, elders are to also teach other faithful men, so that the next generation of elders are sound in the faith. This is the Bible "ideal", not necessarily what actually happens.

Since most evangelical and fundamentalist churches do not follow the Scriptural pattern laid down in the New Testament, we do not see the spiritual gifts being encouraged and exercised as they ought to be. Also too many believers are either content to remain babes in Christ, or are discouraged from maturing to the point that they should be handling "strong meat" (advanced Bible truth) rather than "milk" (the basics of Christianity). For example, we see in these multiple and endless threads in Christian forums about faith and works that there is a problem. That something this fundamental is still a bone of contention shows that somewhere along the way there was no sound teaching.

 

[oldethennew]

the best 'teachers' are those who are willing to listen and obey
what The Holy Spirit has taught them, and they must have the
Love and courage to share at the times that they are led to...

also a good Teacher will continue to learn while discerning the errors
that others may speak...thus, Teachers are always students of someone's
knowledge, whether it's Christ's or otherwise...

 

[MessageOfTheCross]

the best 'teachers' are those who are willing to listen and obey
what The Holy Spirit has taught them, and they must have the
Love and courage to share at the times that they are led to...

also a good Teacher will continue to learn while discerning the errors
that others may speak...thus, Teachers are always students of someone's
knowledge, whether it's Christ's or otherwise...

How is the teacher led by the Holy Spirit? Please post scripture(s).

 

[posthuman]

If I walk into a class on quantum theory, or even, by now, on algebra, I'm going to sit quietly in the back of the class feeling overwhelmed by how much I don't get this

nuts, there was something about quantum theory i really wanted to tell you

 

[oldethennew]

How is the teacher led by the Holy Spirit? Please post scripture(s).

===============================================

1COR. 2:12-13-14-15-16.
Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know
the things that are freely given to us of God.

Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which
The Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing Spiritual things with Spiritual.

But the natural man receiveth not the things of The Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him:
neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.

For who hath known the mind of The Lord, that he may instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ.

 

[MessageOfTheCross]

There are many things man may say that sound good because it appeals to the "flesh," builds up the flesh, and ministers to the flesh. Any thing other than Christ and the Cross, glorifies self and not God. Paul said, "have no confidence in the flesh." We must lay our "Isaac" down daily. Luke 9:23-24

Now here is the teaching. How does a Believer do this?

This can only be done if the Believer place and maintain their Faith exclusively in Christ and the Cross, i.e., The Finished Work at Calvary Cross, i.e., The Blood of Jesus (Romans 8:2). This allows the Work of the Holy Spirit to help and do what needs to be done in the Believers life.

Moses performed many miracles, but not one of the miracles delivered the Children of Israel out of bondage. But when the Blood was applied to the door post it gave them victory (God looks for the Blood of Jesus on the door post of our hearts) .

The Cross is not what the Church wants because it means death to the flesh. Believing mans greatest problem is changing what God has ordain; adding to it, or taking from it.

 

[louis]

So you don't think the purpose for having teachers is important? (I could be misreading you, so that's an honest question, not a charge.)

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

Where did I even imply teachers of the true Word are not important?

 

[MessageOfTheCross]

===============================================

1COR. 2:12-13-14-15-16.
Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know
the things that are freely given to us of God.

Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which
The Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing Spiritual things with Spiritual.

But the natural man receiveth not the things of The Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him:
neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.

For who hath known the mind of The Lord, that he may instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ.

The believer can only be led by the Holy Spirit by placing and maintaining our Faith exclusively in Christ and the Cross of Calvary where the victory was won, i.e., The Finished Work at Calvary Cross, i.e., The Blood of Jesus (Romans 8:2). Any other way the works of the Flesh will manifest (Gal 5:19-21).

 

[MessageOfTheCross]

The believer can only be led by the Holy Spirit by placing and maintaining our Faith exclusively in Christ and the Cross of Calvary where the victory was won, i.e., The Finished Work at Calvary Cross, i.e., The Blood of Jesus (Romans 8:2). Any other way the works of the Flesh will manifest (Gal 5:19-21).

So, how does the Believer receive the benefits of the resurrection life?

 

[Ariel82]

1 Corinthians 12:28 ...God hath set........thirdly teachers....

More like a list then a hierarchy because the Bible also say that we are ALL EQUAL IN CHRIST: Jew or Greek, make or female

 

[Ariel82]

This can only be done if the Believer place and maintain their Faith exclusively in Christ and the Cross, i.e., The Finished Work at Calvary Cross, i.e., The Blood of Jesus (Romans 8:2). This allows the Work of the Holy Spirit to help and do what needs to be done in the Believers life.

Moses performed many miracles, but not one of the miracles delivered the Children of Israel out of bondage. But when the Blood was applied to the door post it gave them victory (God looks for the Blood of Jesus on the door post of our hearts) .

The Cross is not what the Church wants because it means death to the flesh. Believing mans greatest problem is changing what God has ordain; adding to it, or taking from it.

If the Cross isn't what your church wants you need a new church.

I know many born again on fire prayer warriors for Christ in my church.

 

[Ariel82]

nuts, there was something about quantum theory i really wanted to tell you

Lol this is my picture of you right now bro...


Lol, love ya

 

[Ariel82]

the best 'teachers' are those who are willing to listen and obey
what The Holy Spirit has taught them, and they must have the
Love and courage to share at the times that they are led to...

also a good Teacher will continue to learn while discerning the errors
that others may speak...thus, Teachers are always students of someone's
knowledge, whether it's Christ's or otherwise...

Amen because we have only one true Rabbi with perfect doctrine: Christ Jesus.

 

[Nehemiah6]

More like a list then a hierarchy because the Bible also say that we are ALL EQUAL IN CHRIST: Jew or Greek, make or female

Equality in Christ does not translate into identical roles for all Christians. While male and female are equal in the Body of Christ (all being sinners saved by grace) the roles of men and women -- according to Scripture -- are distinct within the home as well as the church. Similarly the different spiritual gifts indicate that not all will have the same gifts. As to hierarchy, there must always be shepherds (pastor/elder/bishops) and there will always be sheep. The role of the shepherds is to feed and lead the flock, as well as protect it from wolves. The role of teachers is to open the Scriptures to other Christians.

 

[Ariel82]

Lynn,

First of all, thank you for your prayers, and I'm feeling sort of halfway better.

Next, although I understand this issue has doctrinal importance, and it's a serious issue, I think you've raised too many questions all at the same time. If we're asked too many questions at once, from too many different angles, it's hard to answer any of them sufficiently, or even to stay focused at all.



First let's make some distinctions:


A. Teaching can be defined different ways, either broadly or specifically... this will lead to confusion on the topic.

- There will be inherent confusion because you didn't start by defining your terms on a confusing issue.

- Since you didn't specify a particular definition for "teacher", then different people are going to answer your question in different ways.

- Please keep in mind, that in a general sense, every christian IS a teacher, just as every christian is a witness for Christ.


B. There is a certain gift of teaching mentioned in scripture, and normally this is recognized by a church body when you are officially given a teaching position by those in authority.

- This gift doesn't have to be recognized by the body for it to exist... but it needs to be recognized by the body to give you the authority of the body.

- This gift can be officially recognized, and put to use, in different ways.

You don't need to be an ordained minister to have the gift of teaching, or to have the gift recognized by the body... some laymen teach 3rd grade sunday school their whole lives, and they are very gifted, and they are a great blessing to the body.


C. Regardless of the doctrine on the "gift of teaching", it is an ENTIRELY DIFFERENT MATTER to APPLY this doctrine to the context of a public forum, where EVERYONE is allowed to speak their mind freely and equally.

- It may be entirely irrelevant to discuss who is "really" a teacher, if we're talking about a place where everyone can speak freely, and no qualifications are required.

- Although this is a good doctrinal discussion, I don't think it has any relevance to a public forum where NO QUALIFICATIONS are required for anyone to speak.


D. In your church, the leaders can, and should, control who is allowed to teach, and who is signified as a "teacher"... but this forum is entirely beyond the bounds of any church authority.

- Essentially, no matter how much we dislike someone's teaching, they are allowed to speak freely until they violate the rules and get banned.

- Any psycho can claim to be a prophet, or an apostle, or a teacher, or anything else... and there is nothing we can do on this forum except debate them, and report them if they violate the rules.

I have found that outrageous boasts of being a mighty prophet or apostle of God, often is a cover to hide deeper hurt and pain. Sometimes it's false delusions of power, but the Bible shows us that God's prophets are humble and contrite and displays His agape love.

 

[Ariel82]

Equality in Christ does not translate into identical roles for all Christians. While male and female are equal in the Body of Christ (all being sinners saved by grace) the roles of men and women -- according to Scripture -- are distinct within the home as well as the church. Similarly the different spiritual gifts indicate that not all will have the same gifts. As to hierarchy, there must always be shepherds (pastor/elder/bishops) and there will always be sheep. The role of the shepherds is to feed and lead the flock, as well as protect it from wolves. The role of teachers is to open the Scriptures to other Christians.

I agree we will all have different gifts and yes pastors and teachers are important but so are those blessed to pray and other hidden ministries. One is not higher than another or more important. All are needed for a healthy local churchm

 

[maxwel]

I have found that outrageous boasts of being a mighty prophet or apostle of God, often is a cover to hide deeper hurt and pain. Sometimes it's false delusions of power, but the Bible shows us that God's prophets are humble and contrite and displays His agape love.

Really?

I've found it's usually a cover to hide mental disorders...
but it doesn't hide them very well.

 

[Ariel82]

A problem with that one. Most of the folks thinking they're teachers on this forum do think they're making scripture easier to understand, and they think they're encouraging people. It is easier to understand scripture if you can make it say whatever you want it to say, but that's not my idea of encouraging.

I didn't say the teachers opinion mattered....it's the students I refer to....
.if someone is a good teacher then those who they teach find it easier to understand scripture because the Spirit in them confirms the truth and it's also backed by scripture and helps them live more godly lives.....

It doesn't make people more prideful or leads them to more sin but to be more humble and loving and forgiving as God loves and forgives us.

Sorry if I don't make sense. I have a headache and my heart aches because I am worried for a friend.,,actually two. One is suicidal.

 

[Ariel82]

Actually, I just don't get the whole authority trip. Does it matter where we are in line with authority? I've done housecleaning for a job. I was still in authority, since I got to choose what I dubbed "properly cleaned," (the shelf is not "properly cleaned" until all the pictures are removed, the shelf is dusted, and then the photos go back in the exact order they were before), but is my authority above or below a teachers? Does it matter? I want a house cleaner to clean the house, and a teacher to teach me. If either one can't do their job, then no authority at all.

Might be the times I grew up in. I'm from the generation that "question authority" often.

Authority is an obession for those who seek power and prestige.

Personally I am okay without authority because the responsibility is a heavy burden to bear if you don't have God's calling in your life to hold such offices.

Pride often cause people with false authority to fall and lead their flock off a theological cliff.

Reading backwards through your thread to distract myself...not really working....might just go pray and listen the Bible for a bit...

 

[Ariel82]

I've been to and seen lectures where the teacher still made us think and read our Bibles on our own, to try and catch up to where he was. (Pray is assumed.)

I'm not that big on facilitated discussions. Granted, it's what I do, but I notice too often, folks are more inclined to think they are teaching just because they have the floor in a facilitated discussion. And, roughly 10%-20% of what they "teach" is sheer garbage that sometimes gets stuck in my head anyway. At least, those are the stats IRL. Never really noticed how often that happens online yet.

We normally have a book or video to discuss and part of the learning is exposing false ideas and introducing God's truth through scripture and prayers to help replace lies with God's truth.
.it takes a humble spirit to learn and those who think they preach/teach just because they have an audience are mistaken.

As you already know the office of teacher is a God given one and can't be truly claimed by the unqualified,though people falsely claim it all the time.

The good part of facilitated conversation is that a good teacher can end with prayer and debunk some false ideas with their closing remarks.

In the end the Holy spirit is our teacher.,,,the office of teacher teaches people how to pray and read the Bible and hear from God themselves.