God has given each believer at least one spiritual gift to build up the body of Christ and to minister in our hurting world. If your gift is prophecy, go ahead and proclaim God’s view of right and wrong. If it is service, desire to meet others’ needs. In the motivational list in Romans 12:4-5, 6-7, 8-9, I personally score high in encouragement, service and teaching. As I lead teachers at King’s Grant, I hope inspire them to take a serious look at what God has called them to do. Here’s what Paul had to say to Titus:
As for you, Titus, promote the kind of living that reflects wholesome teaching. Teach the older men to exercise self-control, to be worthy of respect, and to live wisely. They must have sound faith and be filled with love and patience. Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. They must not slander others or be heavy drinkers. Instead, they should teach others what is good. These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God. In the same way, encourage the young men to live wisely. — Titus 2:1-6
There is a lot of teaching going on in this passage, and I have discovered that the gift of teaching has a few characteristics:
Teaching is Organized: Whether in conversation or in a more formal setting, we will seek to communicate information clearly so the listener can follow. God has wired teachers to analyze material and present it logically.
Teaching is Thorough: We want others to understand not simply the conclusion but the steps leading up to it. We also desire to help them think matters through. It’s not just teaching what we must do, but why we must do it.
Teaching is Accurate: Our priority is to know the truth, so teachers ask questions in an attempt to discover the accuracy of what we learn. We will also inquire about the trustworthiness of our source of information.
Teaching is Studious: We get joy from studying and researching the Bible and are strongly motivated to share what we learn. Truth is presented not simply to share knowledge but with the goal that God will transform the hearer’s life.
Teaching is Bible-oriented: With this gift comes a strong desire to know what the Lord has to say. While we may recognize the value of others’ experiences, reading about them is not our main concern, nor are teachers especially motivated by personal illustrations. I like biblical examples.
All of the spiritual gifts can be used in the workplace, in our communities, and in our homes. Allow the Spirit to direct your teaching ability for God’s glory and the benefit of others.
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