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Power Point - May 20, 2005

May 20, 2005

 

Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them; if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith…he who teaches, in teaching…

--Romans 12:6-7

 

I wanted to just move right past the gift of ministry, or helps, at the beginning of verse seven and do that next week, because I wanted you to see very closely the tie between the gifts of prophecy and teaching. It’s interesting, though, that the gifts of prophecy and teaching are linked by the gift of ministry. No one can preach or teach effectively unless there are those supporting and helping behind the scenes.

 

So, as we move forward, what is teaching? It is the ability and calling of God to give instruction, to communicate the Word of God clearly, and to apply the Word of God to human need. The gift of teaching is a Spirit-given ability to build into the lives of Christians the knowledge of the Word of God and its application to their character, hearts, and conduct.

 

Teaching is a priority practice of the church. As a matter of fact, when Jesus gave His marching orders to the church, He said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20).

 

The teacher has an assignment in the church to bring the new and old believers into spiritual growth and maturity. Therefore, it is vitally important in the church of Jesus Christ that we have men and women who can effectively give instruction and teach the Word of God. The apostles taught from the words of Jesus Christ. Acts 5:42 says, “And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.”

 

They were teaching Jesus in public services at the temple and in private homes. Christian, you don’t live by what you feel. You are to live by what you know in the Word of God, by faith, what God has taught you, and what others have taught you through Scripture. That’s what solidifies your life in faith and keeps you from being blown off course by every wind of doctrine.

 

IT IS THE TEACHING OF THE WORD OF GOD THAT WILL

LEAVE A SOLID FOUNDATION FOR TRUTH IN YOUR LIFE.