THE IMPORTANCE OF TEACHING

Can I pray for you in any way? Send any prayer requests to faithhopegodlove@aol.com In Christ, Mark

"Then Moses said to the Israelites, "See, the Lord has chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts-to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood and to engage in all kinds of artistic craftsmanship. And he has given both him and Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, the ability to teach others. He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as craftsmen, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen, and weavers—all of them master craftsmen and designers." Exodus 35:30-35

Before I surge toward the end of Exodus, I wanted to come back to a passage at the end of Chapter 35 because it underscores an important point about our ministry obligations under the Lord. For when the Lord grant us gifts in the way of talents and skills, He doesn’t expect us to keep all our knowledge and experience to ourselves as we carry out His will. He expects us to teach others as well.

Notice in the scripture that God not only gave Bezalel and Oholiab the "skill to do all kinds of work" but He has also "given… the ability to teach others." There needed to be others who knew how to construct the items in the tabernacle in case something would happen to Bezalel and Oholiab. By teaching others, there would be a legacy of skill passed on from generation to generation.

The bible also talks about our requirement to teach in many places. Consider these passages and what they tell us about the matter of teaching:

"The Jews were amazed and asked, "How did this man get such learning without having studied?" Jesus answered, "My teaching is not my own. It comes from him who sent me. If anyone chooses to do God's will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own." John 7:15-17

All teaching comes from God who sent His only Son, Jesus, to save us. We can never be teaching properly by relying on our own understanding but rather through the enlightenment that God will grant us when we seek His will.

"In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us." Titus 2:7-8

The word of God is serious business because it literally deals with the matter of life and death point blank. Whosoever who does not believe and trust in God’s Son Jesus will not be saved. They will perish and not have everlasting life. Teach the truth through the Spirit of the One who is The Way, The Truth and The Life. (John 14:16) When you do, you will not be able to be condemned by anyone for there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ. (Romans 8:1)

"Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master. '"If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also." John 15:20

When we teach in the Name and Spirit of Jesus and do so with absolute integrity, people will obey your teaching…just as they obeyed Jesus. The word assures us of this. It also warns that teaching might bring us into places of persecution because they persecuted Jesus too. Expect it’s coming and don’t begrudge it but rejoice in the fact that you are sharing an experience of Christ.
Remember He will always be with you and grant you the strength to persevere through any challenge.

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:19-20

"Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son." 2 John 1:9

Why should we teach? Because Jesus commanded it and expects us to do it. Do note that He doesn’t send us out alone for He says He will be with us always "to the very end of the age." If we choose not to teach, then God is not in us but if we are obedient and obey, then we have the Father and Son through the Holy Spirit.

"The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ." Acts 5:41-42

Teaching is a constant process and requirement for our work as disciples of Jesus. Just as the apostles never stopped teaching, preaching and proclaiming the good news, so too are we to be that persistent in our ministry work.

Indeed, teaching was central to the bible and especially the gospel message. If you doubt this, study your bible and see how many times the scripture connects Jesus to teaching. Next to healing, it’s what He did most frequently. This blog, The Christian Walk, attempts to model Jesus and His emphasis on teaching about the word and will of God. My hope is that everyone who reads is edified so that God will be glorified in all things. Don’t rule out how God could use you to do likewise.

In Christ,

Mark

PS: Please share this with anyone you feel might be blessed by it.

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