Who Should Teach?

by Gene Taylor

As a faithful member of the church, you need to be impressed with the great opportunity and responsibility you have to teach another person the word of truth that you have learned. God wants all people to be saved and come to a knowledge of truth (1 Tim. 2:4). How will that happen? Since it is by the preaching and teaching of the gospel, God's power unto salvation (Rom. 1:16), that people are saved (1 Cor. 1:21), Christ wants all of His disciples to be teaching it to others (Matt. 28:18-20; Mark 16:15,16; 2 Tim. 2:2).

Why You Should Teach Others
* You are a Christian. You have been created in Christ Jesus for good works (Titus 2:14). As a matter of fact, you are to be " zealous" for them. If you are not accomplishing any of them, of what value are you to the Lord? Every Christian is expected to bear fruit (John 15:1-6).

* One of the greatest joys a Christian can have is that of teaching and converting another person (3 John 4).

* You will be following the example of Jesus. He loved people (John 15:13). One of the ways He showed that great love was by personally teaching men and women the truth (Luke 19:10).

* Christ commanded it in the great commission given in Matt. 28:18-20. Those who have been taught and baptized are, in turn, to teach others.

* You will be following the example of the first century Christians who "went everywhere preaching the word" (Acts 8:4). Not even persecution stopped them from preaching the gospel of Christ.

* You will be considered a faithful Christian because faithful children of God are to teach others (2 Tim. 2:2).

* Self–preservation. Teaching others is vital to your growth and development as a child of God (Heb. 5:12-14). By constantly teaching others you maintain an interest in spiritual things.

* You can increase the teaching power of your local congregation. Though members might differ as to knowledge and/or ability, all should be actively teaching (1 Cor. 12:12-27). At the present time, though, you may feel your knowledge is too limited and that you cannot possibly teach someone else. If you knew enough to become a Christian, you know enough to tell others what you did and why you did it.

* It is the greatest work in the world-saving a soul (Matt. 16:26). Nothing else you can do lasts forever. Your efforts in teaching others can have an eternal impact on their lives and yours.

Who Can You Teach?
Prospects abound. They are all around you every day. You need to heed the instruction Jesus gave to His disciples in John 4:35 and "lift up your eyes." Here is a short list of some who need the gospel:

Your family, relatives, neighbors, fellow-workers, fellow-students, members of clubs or other organizations of which you belong, and anyone who is not a Christian!

Conclusion
Every one of God's children should be willing to share the precious gospel with others. If the lost are going to hear the truth, they must hear from those who know it. Let each of us resolve to do our part and reach out to those who need us. Let us all be sowers of the word.