The Spiritual Gift of Teaching
Service Gift — Romans 12:7
διδασκαλίᾳ (did-as-kal-ee’-ah) — the act, content, and body of teaching — what is taught. From διδάσκω — to teach, instruct, cause to learn. Teaching is a maturity gift. God uses teachers to prepare believers to do the work of the ministry. This gift is distinct from the Pastor/Teacher speaking gift — the Teaching servant gift equips the Body, not the congregation as a whole.
Teaching as Defined
- Give Instruction — ROM 2:21
- Master — MAT 23:8
- Inform — MAT 4:23
- Train — MAT 28:20
- Cause to Learn — JOH 6:45
Teaching as Named
The Holy Spirit teaches all things and brings to remembrance what Jesus has said (JOH 14:26). Paul taught everywhere in every church (1CO 4:17). Barnabas and Simeon taught at the church in Antioch (ACS 13:1) — demonstrating that the gift operates in teams as well as individually.
Teaching as Ministry
Teaching is dependent upon God for timing, depth, balance, and accountability. The Teacher feeds upon the Word and then teaches from an overflowing soul. It is easier to work than to teach others how to work — the gift requires discipline and diligence.
Serving in Teaching
Avoid resisting the authority of the church — you are not the spiritual leader. Avoid laziness in preparation. Avoid a compromised heart — feed upon the Word of God and teach from an overflowing soul. All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness (2TI 3:16).