Why gospel teaching is for every believer

As believers, when we think of the teaching that happens within the church, our minds often go to the preaching that happens on a Sunday morning. This is for good reason, of course. God has placed faithful men to be elders of his church who are given the responsibility and must meet the qualification of teaching (1 Timothy 3:2). While this time of preaching and teaching is and should be valued, it is not the only place and time teaching should be happening in the church. We see teaching happening in the early church throughout the New Testament. To name a couple examples: we see older women teaching younger women in Titus 2, and the Great Commission includes teaching others the commands of Christ (Matthew 28:18-20).

Without minimizing the importance and the responsibility of teaching from the pulpit and even teaching in other structured, formal settings within the church, I think we should broaden what we think of as teaching in the Christian life. Here’s a couple observations:

Teaching the Bible is a part of the Christian life because learning the Bible is a part of the Christian life.

Psalm 119, the longest chapter in all of Scripture, is completely focused on learning and delighting in the law of the Lord. We are also given the book of Proverbs, which encourages its readers to desire wisdom and teach it to others. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 tells us, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” Our God, the Creator of the universe, our Savior, has blessed with his revealed Word. Our desire to know him more and grow in our love for him points us towards reading and learning – learning from and by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Then, as we absorb the Bible, it is only right that we share it with others.

This applies to sharing the gospel and other Scriptural truths with unbelievers, and this applies to discipling and encouraging our brothers and sisters with what we are reading and being reminded of in the Bible. While it is the elders’ responsibility to ensure, protect, and guide biblical teaching in the church, it is not only the elders who should teach. God has made us uniquely and sovereignly given us different life experiences that give each of us distinct perspectives on what stands out to us in Scripture. Consider the gospels. All four gospel accounts – Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John – tell the story of Jesus’s earthly ministry, yet each one has its own writing style and thematic focuses, ultimately centered on the truth of Jesus Christ. The next time you want to share something that you have read in Scripture or share an answer to a question in a small group, but you shy away because, “Everyone else has already thought of this…” think about the fact that God has placed something on your heart, you have a unique perspective to share, we all need to be reminded of biblical truths, and it is possible that not everyone else has actually thought of this insight you are thinking. You never know how God will use you to help others learn more about him.

This sharing can happen in personal settings.

Imagine how our brothers and sisters could be growing more in the Word if we actively pursued more conversation around it? When was the last time someone asked you, “What has God been teaching you through his Word?” Or, when was the last time you asked someone else that same question?

This sharing can also happen in group settings.

Small groups are often centered around going through the Bible. Life Groups here at King’s Hill Church spend time discussing the previous Sunday’s text and message. While a leader or multiple leaders are often responsible for facilitating or introducing these conversations, all have a part to play when it comes to sharing insights and asking questions. Again, we all have a part to play in teaching and encouraging each other with the Word of God.

This should be centered on the gospel.

Everything we do as Christians stems from the fact that we are Christians, we are a part of the church, because of Christ has saved us. As we seek to build our brothers and sisters up with truth, the ultimate truth should always be the foundation. The very gospel truth that has saved us is the gospel truth that is changing us every day.

“Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.” – Proverbs 9:9