The spiritual gift of Teacher is the special ability God gives to some to explain the truths of the Word of God clearly and to apply them effectively so that those taught understand and learn. Those with this gift have a strong desire to instruct others in the Bible in a logical and systematic way so as to communicate pertinent information for true understanding and growth. It is a divine enablement to understand, clearly explain, and apply the word of God causing greater Christ-likeness in the lives of listeners through application to their thinking and conduct.
“Must have compassionate sensitivity to the needs of the taught” (Graham, 187)
“For it is not enough to be learned and intelligent, but the gift of grace, too, is required in order that one be chosen by God for teaching.” (Pauck, 335)
“…the teacher longs to share everything that he knows.” (Stanley,44)
The gift of teaching is a supernatural ability, given by the Holy Spirit. Just because one has knowledge does not mean they have been given the gift of teaching. It is not always a classroom setting as God leads teachers everywhere. Teachers take great pleasure and happiness in their calling. They see their research and preparation for teaching a divine mission of sorts and find joy in the work.
Teaches are Judged More Harshly
Teachers must remember that in James 3: 1-2, we are warned that teachers are judged more harshly by God than others. This is primarily due to the fact that what you teach can sway or manipulate the faith and actions of those you teach. Dr. Charles Stanley writes this additional cautionary warning about those with the gift of teaching:
“The goal of a teacher within the Body of Christ must be to present Jesus Christ to others, with the intent that others grow up in their faith to be more like Jesus. The purpose is not to convince others of the teacher’s own intellect or degree of information, but rather to convince others to accept Jesus Christ and become more mature in their Christian lives.“ (Stanley, 47)
The gift of teaching is often used in the context of preaching, Sunday school classes, Bible studies, and other forms of Christian education. Those who possess this gift may also be called upon to mentor and disciple others, helping them to grow in their faith and understanding of God’s word.
It’s important to note that the gift of teaching is not limited to those who hold formal teaching positions within the church, but can be expressed in a variety of ways in the context of everyday life. Those who possess this gift may be called upon to share their knowledge and insights with others in a variety of settings, including work, family, and social situations.
As with all spiritual gifts, the gift of teaching is meant to be used for the building up of the church and the glory of God. Those who possess this gift are called to use it with humility and a servant’s heart, seeking to help others grow in their faith and understanding of God’s word.
Martin Luther on the Spiritual Gift of Teaching
Martin Luther, the German theologian and leader of the Protestant Reformation, held a high view of the spiritual gift of teaching. He believed that teachers were called by God to explain and interpret the Scriptures, and to guide others in the right understanding and application of God’s Word.
Luther saw the gift of teaching as closely tied to the ministry of the Word of God. He believed that teachers were called to communicate the truths of the faith in a clear and understandable way, and to help others grow in their knowledge and love of God.
In addition to explaining and interpreting the Scriptures, Luther believed that teachers were called to help others apply the teachings of the Bible to their daily lives. He saw the gift of teaching as involving both the transmission of knowledge and the cultivation of spiritual growth, and believed that teachers should be skilled in both areas.
Luther also emphasized the importance of sound doctrine in the ministry of teaching. He believed that teachers should be well-versed in the teachings of the Bible and the historic Christian faith, and should be able to help others understand and apply these teachings in a faithful and meaningful way.
John Wesley on the Spiritual Gift of Teaching
John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement, saw the gift of teaching as closely tied to the ministry of the Word of God. He believed that teachers should be skilled in the interpretation and application of Scripture, and should be able to communicate the truths of the faith in a clear and understandable way.
In addition to explaining and interpreting the Scriptures, Wesley believed that teachers were called to help others apply the teachings of the Bible to their daily lives. He believed that teachers should be able to help others apply the teachings of the Bible to their lives in practical ways.
Wesley also emphasized the importance of personal holiness in the ministry of teaching. He believed that teachers should be examples of faithful Christian living, and should model the virtues and values of the Christian life in their own lives.
Overall, John Wesley viewed the gift of teaching as an essential part of the life of the church, and believed that teachers had a vital role to play in guiding and instructing others in the ways of the faith. He saw the gift of teaching as closely tied to the ministry of the Word of God, and emphasized the importance of both sound doctrine and personal holiness in the ministry of teaching.
The Catholic Church on the Spiritual Gift of Teaching
The Catholic Church views the spiritual gift of teaching as one of the charisms, or special graces, that the Holy Spirit gives to believers for the building up of the church. In Catholic theology, the gift of teaching is closely linked to the role of the Magisterium, or teaching authority of the Church, in interpreting and transmitting the teachings of the faith.
The Catholic Church teaches that the gift of teaching is essential for the Church’s mission of evangelization and catechesis. It is through the work of teachers that the truths of the faith are communicated to the faithful, and that the Church is able to fulfill its mission of making disciples of all nations.
In addition to transmitting knowledge, the Catholic Church sees the gift of teaching as involving the cultivation of wisdom and understanding. Teachers are called to help others not only understand the teachings of the faith, but also to apply them in their daily lives and grow in their relationship with God.
The Catholic Church also emphasizes the importance of sound doctrine in the ministry of teaching. Teachers are called to transmit the teachings of the faith in a faithful and accurate way, and to help others understand and apply these teachings in their lives.
People with this Gift:
- Communicate Biblical truth that inspires greater obedience to the word
- Challenge listeners simply and practically with the truths of scripture
- Focus on changing lives by helping others understand the Bible better
- Give attention to detail and accuracy
- Prepare through extended times of study and reflection.
Bible References
| Matthew 5:17-20 | Teaching of the law |
| Acts 18:24-28 | Apollos the teacher |
| Romans 12:6-8 | Gift of teaching noted by Paul |
| 1 Corinthians 12:28-31 | Gift of teaching noted by Paul |
| Ephesians 4:11-16 | Gift of teaching noted as a greater gift |
| Hebrews 5:12-14 | Some should be teachers but are not ready |
| Colossians 3:15-17 | Let the message of Christ dwell among you |
| James 3:1-2 | Teachers are judged more strictly |
| 2 Timothy 2:2 | Teachers to be reliable |
| Titus 2:7-8 | Be an example |
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- Luther/Pauck, 335-336
- Graham, 187
- Stanley, 42-54
Other Greater Gifts
- Spiritual Gift of Apostle
- Spiritual Gift of Prophet
- Spiritual Gift of Evangelist
- Spiritual Gift of Shepherd/Pastor
