Who then is a Teacher?
A teacher is an individual vested by Christ with the gift and capacity to gain a deep understanding of the letters and spirit of the Word of God, the Holy Spirit led capacity to rightly divide same and present the truths within it to saints in such a way that they are able to hear, understand, learn and therefore become transformed into the image of Christ in order to be His Kingdom ambassadors on earth and prepare effectively for the world to come. A truly called teacher will first gain a proper understanding of God by revelation so that he or she can communicate the truth about Him and His word with conviction and passion!
Marks of a good teacher/good teaching
What is the Purpose of the Teaching Ministry - Matthew 28:18-20; Romans 12:2, Ephesians 4:23
A teacher teaches the Word of God. The best place to teach from is truth that the teacher has internalized. That way, teaching proceeds from a living proof that the Word is for real!
However, this rule should not be turned into a religious dead end. A teacher should be able to understand and teach the Word of God faithfully, even if he or she has not come into an experiential reality of the Word. The reason is that the Word should and will always remain elevated above the personal experience of saints! God Himself exalts His Word above His very names that are greatly revered as Psalm 138:2 says. In effect, a good teacher will learn from what he or she is teaching, have the mind renewed thereby and proceed to practice same!
Good teaching is inspired, just as the Word to be expounded was inspired. It is the same Holy Spirit who caused the holy people of old to pen down the letters of the Word who lays hold of the one ordained by Christ as Teacher and uses him or her to bring forth a clear understanding of the letters and intent of the Word.
Good teaching should have the following hall marks:
1. It makes hidden truth clear
2. It shows the way for the saints to walk and be established in the Word
3. It should answer the questions that linger in the hearts and minds of the saints
4. It should make clear the principles of God and show how they are for our good
5. Good teaching should point to God and His purpose rather than the teacher.
6. Good teaching should show clearly the way God wants His people to go
7. Good teaching should produce results in the life of those who are taught.
-Excerpts from Lesson #13 of GSoM Course 112 published by Global School of Ministry. |
