InstaStudy

The Christian Teacher: A Divine Calling

This Bible study explores the profound and sacred role of the Christian teacher, examining their divine mandate, essential character, and the transformative message they are called to deliver. It emphasizes the teacher's responsibility to accurately convey the truth of God's Word, rooted in the singular identity of God as revealed in Jesus Christ.

1. The Divine Mandate for Teaching

1.1 The Source of All Truth

Verses: John 14:6; 1 Timothy 3:16
  • All truth originates from the one true God, fully and completely revealed in Jesus Christ.
  • Teachers are entrusted with proclaiming this singular, divine truth, not human philosophies or traditions.
  • The mystery of godliness is God manifest in the flesh, which is the foundation of all Christian teaching.

1.2 The Great Commission to Teach

Verses: Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 2:38
  • The commission is to make disciples of all nations, teaching them to observe all things commanded by the Lord.
  • This teaching includes the full New Testament plan of salvation, which involves repentance, water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ, and receiving the Holy Spirit.
  • The authority for this commission comes from the one Lord, Jesus Christ, who possesses all power in heaven and on earth.

1.3 The Purpose of God's Word

Verses: 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 4:12
  • Scripture is divinely inspired and profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness.
  • The Word of God is living and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword, discerning the thoughts and intents of the heart.
  • Teachers are called to equip believers for every good work through the diligent and accurate teaching of God's Word.

2. The Character of the Christian Teacher

2.1 Rooted in God's Nature

Verses: 1 John 4:8; James 1:17
  • A teacher's character must reflect the attributes of the one true God, who is love, light, and unchanging.
  • This character is cultivated through a deep, personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, the full manifestation of God.
  • Every good and perfect gift, including the ability to teach, comes from the Father of lights, in whom there is no variableness.

2.2 Filled with the Spirit

Verses: Acts 1:8; John 14:26
  • Effective teaching requires the anointing and guidance of the Holy Spirit, which is the Spirit of the one God, Jesus Christ, empowering believers.
  • The Holy Spirit, sent in Jesus' name, teaches all things and brings to remembrance all that Jesus taught.
  • Teachers must rely on the Spirit for wisdom, revelation, and power to communicate divine truth effectively.

2.3 An Example of Godliness

Verses: 1 Timothy 4:12; Titus 2:7-8
  • Teachers are called to be examples to believers in word, conduct, love, spirit, faith, and purity.
  • Their life should be a living demonstration of the truth they proclaim, showing integrity and sound doctrine.
  • By living a godly life, teachers bring credibility to their message and honor to the one God they serve.

3. The Message of the Christian Teacher

3.1 Proclaiming the One God

Verses: Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 45:5
  • The foundational message is the absolute oneness of God, who alone is Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer.
  • All teaching must uphold this singular truth of the Godhead, emphasizing that there is no God beside Him.
  • The teacher's message must consistently affirm the unity and indivisibility of the divine nature.

3.2 Exalting Jesus Christ

Verses: Colossians 2:9; John 1:1
  • Jesus Christ is the full manifestation of the one God in human flesh, the visible expression of the invisible God.
  • Teachers must present Jesus as the complete revelation of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, all dwelling in Him bodily.
  • The message must center on Jesus as the unique and singular Lord, Savior, and God.

3.3 The New Testament Plan of Salvation

Verses: Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3-4
  • The teacher must clearly articulate the New Testament plan of salvation: repentance, water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ, and receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit.
  • Water baptism in Jesus' name signifies identification with His death, burial, and resurrection, leading to newness of life.
  • This is the singular path to remission of sins and the indwelling of God's Spirit, as taught by the apostles.

3.4 Living a Holy Life

Verses: 1 Peter 1:15-16; Hebrews 12:14
  • Teachers must emphasize the call to holiness, encouraging believers to live lives separated unto God.
  • Holiness is not merely an option but a command, reflecting the holy nature of the one God.
  • Without holiness, no one will see the Lord, making it a crucial component of the teacher's message.