III. Teaching

A. The Greek word here is didaskalos "didaskalos" and means "an instructor or teacher".

B. The characterustics of the teacher:

1. Understands truth or ideas. They are called to teach.
2. Is an acquirer of knowledge. Love words and word studies.
3. Analyzes facts - has an analytical mind. Loves to do research.
4. Tests the knowledge of those who teach, asking if it is scriptural.
5. Is concerned with proofs and logical thought processes.
6. Validates all new information against the Word of God.
7. Enjoys solving problems - is a thinker.
8. Is reluctant to accept new ideas and concepts unless they can be thoroughly substantiated.
9. Enjoys teaching others for the sake of imparting infor­mation, but is not so concerned with immediate results.
10. Systematic and logical in organizing ideas for presenta­tion to others. Loves to teach with scriptural illustrations.
11. Example - Jesus rejecting traditions of men - (Matt. 15:1-19)

C. The teacher's greatest joy is in getting facts, proofs, and information and passing it on to others.

D. The teacher's greatest dangers are:

1. Easily becomes boring with his dissemination of technical data and too much research detail
2. Depends too much on book research, neglecting the wisdom of the Holy Spirit.
3. Becomes frustrated when others fail to comprehend his ideas or when they become disinterested.
4. Easily becomes bogged down in details of the knowledge he is seeking.
5. Tends to shut himself in an “ivory tower” of theory and to lose touch with reality.
6. Often lacks warmth because they are too analytical.
7. Tends to emphasise scriptural interpretation, and are often not understood.
8. Acquisition of knowledge can become an end in itself, rather than a means to an end.
9. Becomes frustrated with those who do not think as logi­cally as he does, and those who do not see as much need for proofs.
10. May appear prideful when testing other teachers.
11. Can easily become contemptuous of new ideas and opinions.
12. Since he is not concerned about immediate results, he cannot as easily determine whether he is accomplishing any real good, and could go along for years without accomplishing anything in the lives of others.
13. Can become proud of his knowledge.

E. The teacher needs to heed the admonition of Paul in Romans 12:11.

Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; (Rom 12:11 KJV)