Desiring To Be Teachers

January 15, 2023

To be a teacher is honorable, but it comes with a warning that those who teach

accept great responsibility and accountability (James 3:1). They are answerable to

God for both. Paul tells Timothy that teachers need to understand the law as well as

the lawlessness of humanity (1 Timothy 1:7). He says that the law is good if used

lawfully; but when used to condemn others and justify self, it becomes a weapon. In

such cases it defiles grace and becomes contrary to the gospel of Christ. The

qualities of a ‘gospel preacher’ are faithfulness and humble service (1 Timothy

1:12). These were demonstrated by Paul to his “True son in the faith”, Timothy.

Those who would teach are commanded to follow Paul’s example just as he

followed Christ’s. He gloried in the mercy and grace of Jesus and did not exalt

himself. Faith and love were abundant toward him from Christ Jesus and he was

determined to pass the same on to and through Timothy. You can give away what

you graciously received, and so, Paul was a giver of the same. Teachers must be

humble servants, willing to spend time, talent, and wealth for the glory of God so

that some might be saved. They care for all men, pray for all men, and give thanks

for all men. Salvation is their agenda and God’s approval is their only ambition.

Presenting the good news and declaring the truth that sets men free. Simply put,

there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the mediator himself a

man, Christ Jesus (1 Timothy 2:5). There is no other authority that has saving

power besides Jesus the Christ who gave himself as a ransom for all, to be testified

in due time (1 Timothy 2:6). He is full of grace and truth and those who would be

teachers must be so full of these very qualities that they spill over onto others

making converts by and for God. Redeeming men from sin and enabling them to

“rise to walk in newness of life” (Romans 6). When teaching does not cause men to

rise above themselves and walk in a new direction it does not come from God! The

gospel teacher, the good news preacher, and the servant of Christ are all builders of

good men. They are a blessing and not a curse, except to those who are evil. The

evil will revile, persecute, and say all manner of lies against you falsely, for my

sake so rejoice, and be exceedingly glad for great is your reward in heaven: for so

persecuted they the prophets which were before you (Matthew 5:11-12). So, one

judges who is a good teacher by his opposition!

Kenneth E. Morrison