God’s plan is not for those who place their faith in Him to spend their time as pew warmers. No Christian is meant to simply sit on the sidelines and only be taught throughout their whole life of faith. Sadly there are many today living in such away. They have spent years in the church being taught the same principles time and time again but have not begun to do their part by teaching others. If that speaks to you it is your time to teach the Gospel.
The writer of Hebrews tells a group of people they have been believers so long that by this point they themselves should also be teachers. Yet they are still being taught the basic principles of the faith. Those who are being taught should mature as time goes on and eventually begin to share the knowledge they have with others.
Hebrews 5:12 (ESV)
12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food,
In the book of Ephesians Paul lists teachers with several other roles in the church. In this context, teachers refer to the primary role many will carry in the church. They will be those who teach classes, write books, speech, or teach on the large. Not every Christian will be preached in this specific role.
Ephesians 4:11–12 (ESV)
11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,
However just because every Christian will not be placed in the role of a teacher, that does not mean they are not expected to teach others. The Bible says to whom much is given much is expected. By just attending church and spending time in the Bible we are given great knowledge. Something is expected from this knowledge. As we have received it freely we should give it freely to those who need it.
When Jesus told said to go into all nations baptizing, making disciples, and teaching them the Gospel, he was not speaking to only one specific group. He was speaking to all those who would place their faith in Him. Every Christian has a responsibility to see disciples made and that goes beyond church attendance, tithing, and even inviting a friend to your church. We each need to take what others taught us about God and His word and teach that to others.
Matthew 28:19–20 (ESV)
19 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, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
There is also a call placed on every believer to build up one another. Christians are supposed to help other Christians when they are down or feeling lost. The only way we can do this is by sharing our knowledge with them. A call to build up another believer is a call to teach another believer. Helping them to navigate any situation they may be in with biblical knowledge.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV)
11 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
Hebrews 3:13 (ESV)
13 But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.
Before you get nervous about teaching understand this is not all to say you need to fill a classroom and start teaching. Or that you need to step up to the pulpit and start preaching. Those simply may not be the roles God has for you. But it is time to teach others the very same Gospel you have been taught for so long.
Teach your family and friends who haven’t been in the faith as long as you have. And especially those who don’t share your faith. Teach Bible studies, show the plan of salvation, share a verse, just start sharing the knowledge you have from years of being taught. Whether you know it or not, you know the very information others so desperately need to be taught. You know first hand of the love, forgiveness, and mercy God offers. You know what you had to do to be saved. Don’t sit idly by any longer you know by now you should be regularly sharing your faith with others. It’s time to start.
I feel as though it could have ended there but I must say be sure that everything you teach comes directly from the Bible. Never share your personal beliefs, opinions, or anything else as God’s word. Only teach the truth of the scripture. Those who alter the truth of the Gospel will not receive a reward for their work but will be counted as false teachers. It is your time to teach others but make sure you teach the truth as presented in God’s word. Then you will receive your just reward in Heaven.
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