The Office of a Teacher
Ephesians 4:11-16 - And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.
The teaching ministry is one of the five perfecting ministries God gave to men so that Christians may come to spiritual maturity.
Apostles, prophets, teachers, evangelists, and pastors are the governing body of the church. The office or ministry of the teacher falls into this category.
Teachers are given to help train and equip God’s people and to bring them to maturity.
They are to prepare the saints for works of ministry and to teach them how to build up the body of Christ. The purpose is to bring the church into unity of the faith so that the body of Christ can grow into the full measure of Christ Himself.
This is also true for the other four ministry offices that have been given to the church.
a. Definition
The word “teacher” comes from the Greek word “didaskalos” which means "master, doctor, teacher.” A teacher instructs in things pertaining to God and imparts the knowledge of God from the revelation of the Word. They are called to ensure that God's people know and understand the Scriptures and to teach them how to apply this in their daily lives.
Teachers have a special God-given ability to some to explain the truths of the Word of God clearly and to apply them effectively so that those taught understand and learn. They instruct others in the Bible in a logical and systematic way so as to communicate pertinent information for true understanding and growth.
b. Their function
2 Timothy 3:16 - All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.
Matthew 13:52 - Then He said to them, "Therefore every scribe instructed concerning the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out of his treasure things new and old."
The office of the teacher is only given to certain individuals who God anoints with supernatural enablement to minister.
You cannot choose to be a teacher. Teachers called into this office are not trained in the religious schools of man, nor are they raised up from among the leadership of the organized church.
The teacher lays the foundation and is concerned with detail and truth. Their gift is an ability to research and present clearly the truth that they find.
A teacher will emphasize the accuracy of the Word, and usually teach line upon line, precept upon precept. They will teach systematically, and use examples and illustrations, to assist others in understanding.
c. Characteristics of a teacher
A teacher will have strong revealed knowledge from God.
Galatians 1:11-12 - But I certify you, brethren that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
They are able to communicate Biblical truth that inspires greater obedience to the Word, challenge listeners simply and practically with the truths of Scripture and focus on changing lives by helping others understand the Bible better.
Teachers give attention to detail and accuracy and are thoroughly prepared through extended times of study and reflection.
They will diligently search the Scriptures and read other related study material in order to become well versed with any part of Scripture or different topics.
They will spend days or even weeks seeking to understand. This will include spending time with the Lord in prayer and fasting in order to be taught by the Lord so that they can impart fresh revelation and knowledge which they can share with the church.
Most teachers will have a working knowledge of the Hebrew and Greek languages. They have an analytical mind which means they can quickly grasp Bible truths. They often see things in Scripture that others may overlook.
Because of this they can outline and teach subjects easily and understandably.
Teachers love the truth and are uncompromising in imparting the truth even if it can be painful. The church always prospers when it is well taught.
Teachers teach what they know and reproduce what they are in others.
They become very sad and defensive when others abuse their position in ministry by teaching things that are not Scriptural. They are always ready to defend the truth of God’s Word and to warn against false teachers.
Titus 1:10-11 - For there are many insubordinate, both idle talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole households, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain.
Just as we are warned to be careful of false prophets, we must guard ourselves and our flock against those who bring in strange doctrines and false teachings that can pervert the lives of others.
Foundational ministries
Ephesians 2:20-22 - Having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
The apostles and prophets are the two foundational ministries in the body of Christ.
Jesus revealed Himself to be the cornerstone of the church and continues to build it through His apostles and prophets.
1 Corinthians 12:28 - And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets…
Apostles are the first and prophets are second among the ministries in building the church of God because they lay a foundation of understanding concerning the mystery of Christ.
Unfortunately, these are the two ministries that are least recognized in the church today. God is bringing order back to His church and is fully restoring the ministry of the apostles and prophets.
Without the ministry of apostles and prophets the revelation of the blueprint necessary for the building is incomplete.
The prophet works closely with the apostle as they lay a foundation and bring strength and order to the body of Christ. God has given His grace to apostles and prophets to receive a revelation of His mysteries and to reveal them to the body.
When we look at the current state of the church, it is clear that it needs to make significant foundational shifts and changes. It is evident that the ministry gifts of the pastors, evangelists, prophets, and teachers are active in the church today. When we make a comparison of where the church should be headed in terms of its maturity and unity, the office of the apostle has not been fully restored to the church. The bride of Christ can only prepare for the Bridegroom once all five of these anointing are fully active.
