Teaching: Helping People to Attain & Apply New Information
Do you know of anyone that has a knack for helping people to attain and apply new information? Most of us have a mental image of a beloved (hopefully, not hated) school teacher when we think of this gift of grace. Although, just because someone isn’t employed as a teacher, he or she can still possess this gift. Teachers can utilize their gifts in countless roles; such as, consultants, authors, administrators, psychologists, and even grandparents.
Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. –Romans 12:6-8
What is the Gift of Teaching?
When reading the Discovering Who I Am From God’s Perspective book, both parents and children learn that people with the gift of teaching can explain difficult concepts in an easy to understand manner. Teachers are typically patient with others and easily use multiple methods or tactics to explain an idea. Explaining with words, showing or demonstrating how to do something, or drawing a picture on a piece of paper to explain an idea are all examples of possible teaching methods. The book even describes a situation in which a kid demonstrates the gift of teaching!
Biblical Examples of Teaching: Helping People to Attain and Apply Wisdom
Paul’s gift of teaching is displayed throughout much of the New Testament in his letters to the churches; such as, Corinthians, Galatians, and Ephesians. Paul helped the church members to understand the scriptures and how to apply that knowledge to their problems. Amazingly, two thousand years later, Paul’s writings are continuing to enlighten Christians all over the world with the same kinds of problems.
The Ultimate Teacher
The Bible teaches that all followers of Christ have access to the Holy Spirit.
In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory. -Ephesians 1:13-14
This Bible passage explains that once a person believes the gospel (the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) and prays the salvation prayer, that person receives the Holy Spirit.
In another Bible passage, we learn that the Holy Spirit empowers each Christian with a personal teacher.
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. John 14:26
At just the right time, the Holy Spirit teaches believers what they need. He reminds them of scriptures they have read or heard in the past, encourages them to step out in faith when needed, provides peace to them during difficult times, and so much more. The Holy Spirit is the ultimate helper to attain and apply the wisdom of God.
Do You Know of Anyone that Posses the Gift of Teaching?
Chances are, you have known at least one gifted teacher. You might find them easily connecting with and coaching others, guiding a person to attain and apply a new life skill. Or, you just might find her patiently and kindly instructing her child to brush his teeth for the umpteenth time.
Want to read about other Gifts of Grace from God? Here are links to the gift of prophecy, the gift of serving, the gift of exhortation, the gift of giving, the gift of mercy, and the gift of leadership.