Teaching
The need for teaching is acute in this day and age. There is an on-going debate regarding the damage being done to our school-age youth, as many are forced to participate in “distance learning” during the current pandemic, while schools in many places remain closed. Some hold the position that as long as the youth are “educated”, they are receiving the tools needed to succeed in todays and tomorrows society. We know this is not the case as an alarming number of our young, and older folks are taking their own lives as times are tough and the ways are rough. Some folks have obviously not been taught that taking their lives is a sure ticket to condemnation.
There is no excuse for NOT TEACHING, even in the face of a pandemic, or any other difficult time. In fact, that is the best time to teach certain things. This is because during difficult times, some are more receptive to the type of instruction that is needed to persevere during such periods.
The church MUST continue to teach, regardless of the difficulty of times, circumstances or situations. This is because to do so is COMMANDED by our Lord. In Matthew 28:18-20 we have the Great Commission, spoken by Christ to His apostles. When the wording is considered, one must realize it is a command and one can see the perpetual nature of it. And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.
Based on this final record from the pen of Matthew as the Spirit directed, one can fully understand that the command is: “Teach, Baptize, and Teach”. This requires that one be taught before conversion, be baptized into Christ, and then must continue to be taught so that they might grow and mature as they learn more of the Word so they can teach others.
It is apparent from Acts 8:4 that the early church did not “forget” about teaching, even in the face of tribulation. As Saul was busy persecuting the church, the church continued to teach and preach. Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word. This “duty” belongs to the church in times good, or bad. Elders are to “lead the effort” in this as Titus 1:9 teaches in the qualifications of elders. Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. Evangelists, which includes all preachers, are also responsible as 2Timothy 2:2 directs. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. Then we can see in Hebrews 5:12 that this also is the function of every Christian who has spent any time in the kingdom. For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
It is also important what is taught and when. The lost are to be taught the gospel of Christ so they can become saved. Romans 1:16-17 is where the Spirit had Paul point this out. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. And Romans 10:17 shows that faith comes from the hearing of God’s Word. So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
The “new” Christian is to be fed with the “milk of the Word” as we read in 1Peter 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: The gospel is directed to all and must be taught as Titus 2:11-12 teaches, and also tells us why it must be taught. For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Those who are “seasoned” Christians also need instruction. Hebrews 5:13-14 shows the difference in the “spiritual diet” of the new Christian and the established one. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. 14But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. The truth needs to be taught to all, and all need the truth as Jesus said in John 8:32. And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. He was speaking of one becoming “free” from sin.
The reason we MUST continue to teach and preach the truth, is that folks won’t always “hold to the truth”. 2Timothy 4:3-4 warns of the “bondage” to be suffered by all who shun the truth. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
Let’s not allow folks to be “bound” by fables and false teaching. Let’s teach the truth to all who will listen and hear so they can make an informed choice regarding their soul’s eternal destination.
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
