[Biblemat] S) THE IMPORTANCE OF TEACHING

[J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com]

Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here.  Here is a study from my
files.  Use to the glory of God.

THE IMPORTANCE OF TEACHING

     The importance and influence of teaching should not be
underestimated.  Jesus said to preach (teach) the Gospel in
the whole world.  If teaching is unimportant, did our Lord send the disciples 
on a worldwide "wild goose chase?"  To de-
emphasize the necessity and power of preaching and teach-
ing is to contradict the Great Commission.  Furthermore, Jesus quoted the 
prophet, concerning a time when respond-
ing to teaching would provide the means for becoming a child
of God, rather than being born into a relationship as were the
Jews, "It is written in the prophets, and they shall all be taught of God.  
Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh 
unto Me" (Jno. 6:45).

     Jesus, the Master Teacher used every opportunity and nearly every 
imaginable tool to illustrate His teachings such
as: sheep, goats, shepherds, vines, branches, gnats, camels,
coins and the list goes on.  To further show the value our
Lord placed on teaching, we find He taught the disciples for
three years, yet did not rely on their memory of what He shar-
ed with them, but promised the Holy Spirit would be sent after
His departure to testify, guide, bear witness and speak (Jno. 
15:25-27; 16:13,14).  Jesus clearly explained and later proved
that the Holy Spirit would be the teaching and revealing agen-
cy which should enable the apostles to teach the world.

     Titus tells us that the qualified elder is responsible for
"holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that
he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and con-
vince (teach) the gainsayers" (Ti. 1:9).  The effect of teaching
can be seen in the next chapter as false teachers are mention-
ed as those who "subvert whole houses."  If the false teacher
possesses power to "subvert whole houses," cannot the same be said for the 
teaching of the Gospel?  Can it not save
whole houses?  Then why do some minimize the importance
and need of teaching?

     The strength of a congregation will be a reflection of both
the doctrine that is taught, as well as the capability of its 
teachers.  No greater burden is carried by overseers of the
church than to see to the feeding of the flock.  A shepherd
overseeing sheep will see to both the quantity and quality of
the flock's diet.  Their very health and well-being depends on
it.  This is precisely how Paul lays the matter before the elders of the 
church at Ephesus in Acts 20:28) when he says,
"take heed therefore unto yourselves, and the flock, which 
the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church
of God, which He purchased with His own blood."  Who can
deny the importance of teaching (feeding) in this passage, seeing it is 
attested to by the cost God paid for the church,
the blood of Jesus?

     The afore mentioned evidence is but a token of what the
Bible reveals about the great universal need, that man must
be taught, and is responsible for teaching.  However, many
minimize the importance of teaching.  How?  Of course no
one would verbally consent to such a blatant contradiction of
plain Bible teaching, yet they sound forth this statement loud
and clear by their actions.  Those who absent themselves 
from the assemblies, including the Bible study periods on 
Sunday morning and Wednesday evening, depreciate the im-
portance and value of teaching.  If only the voice of the empty
pew could be silenced!  Inexcusable absence tells the sinner
the Bible study really isn't important.  The empty pew reveals
that some are unconcerned with the congregation's spiritual
betterment, because they are not present to "provoke unto
love and good works" (Heb. 10:24).  The empty pew teaches
the young by example, that other activities including recreat-
ion and rest are substitutes for worship, study and teaching.

     Let's give the utmost respect and attention that every 
opportunity for teaching, preaching and studying God's Word
deserves.  As we recognize the great need to be prepared for
eternity, remember the words of Peter when asked by Jesus
if he too would go away, to which he replied, "Lord, to whom
shall we go?  Thou hast the words of eternal life" (Jno. 6:68).

     Where else will you look?    ----- Mark Pape in Biblical
Insights, Vol. 6, No. 9, Sept. 2006.
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