What God’s Word Says about Teaching
We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; (Rom. 12:6-7)
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. (1 Pet. 4:10)
Spiritually Gifted to Teach
A spiritual gift is “a special divine empowerment bestowed on each believer by the Holy Spirit.” (Click here to learn more about this definition.) When using our spiritual gifts we are therefore operating according to God’s power.
Implications for Leaders who are Recruiting Bible teachers:
Since God has gifted people to teach, it only makes sense that we would look for people who have spiritual gifts that empower them to teach. While we might think of Bible teachers as those with the spiritual gift of teaching, that is not necessarily the case. Some who teach could have the spiritual gifts of exhortation. Others could have the gift of prophecy. And, some have a combination of these gifts.
People with the spiritual gift of teaching will tend to be more systematic in their approach.
People with the gift of exhortation will tend to be more applicational in their approach.
People with the spiritual gifts of prophecy will tend to be more confrontational in their approach.
The Holy Spirit can impart divine power and use people who are not gifted to teach, but God obviously intends for spiritual gifts to be an indication of where we should serve.
- Understand the way God has empowered the people you recruit and help them understand it as well.
Implications for Teachers:
- If God has given you a spiritual gift for teaching, then find some way to use it.
- If you have been gifted to teach, are you effectively using that gift? – Paul told Timothy to “fan into flame” the gift he had been given (2 Tim. 1:6).
- If you are teaching but are not so gifted, rely on the Holy Spirit to work through you nonetheless, while seeking to find your best fit in ministry.