TEACH, TEACHER

The role of the Christian teacher is sobering indeed, for those who presume to "teach" will receive a "heavier judgment" (Jas. 3:1). This warning is not designed to discourage teaching (a divine obligation -- Mt. 28:20); rather, it emphasizes that the responsibility must be taken very seriously. (a) The gospel teacher must be faithful in his Christian life. Paul urged Timothy to commit the truth to "faithful men [people], who shall be able to teach others" (2 Tim. 2:2). (b) The teacher must be zealous in his preparation, for there is no inspired person today who receives his message supernaturally, "in that hour," as he speaks (Mt. 10:19). The teacher, therefore, must be "diligent" ("study" KJV) to show himself as an "approved" spokesman for God. The verb spoudazo ("give diligence" ASV) signifies exertion, zealousness, earnestness, etc. (c) The Christian teacher must speak the truth, for only truth can set a man free (Jn. 8:32). (d) He will also speak that truth lovingly (Eph. 4:15); teaching is not an exercise in seeking personal victory, but to win souls. (e) The godly teacher will not grow weary but will teach persistently, "in season and out of season" (2 Tim. 4:1ff). Remember, Jesus was supremely a Teacher (Jn. 3:1), and if one would be like him, he must recognize his responsibility to teach.