In the Gospels we find that Jesus was referred to as master, (didaskalos), the same Greek word is translated teacher or teachers throughout the New Testament. Teaching was of utmost importance in the book of Acts, as the disciples devoted themselves to doctrine-teaching, fellowship, and prayer, (Acts 2:42). The church at Antioch listed their prophets and teachers as their instructors, (Acts 13:1). A teacher is a master, doctor, a sent one; Jesus said that he would send us prophets, wise men, and scribes to lead us; these old testament titles are the equivalents of today’s leadership, (Matthew 23:34). The scribe of the Old Testament, (Ezra 7:10) is equivalent to today’s teacher and was held in high esteem until men devalued the office in today’s church, (Matthew 13:52). The Church at Corinth listed the offices given to the Church; Apostles, Prophets, and Teachers as those who labored in word and doctrine, (1st Corinthians 12:28). The book of Ephesians gives us the breakdown of these offices into the five-fold ministries of Apostles, Prophets, Evangelist, Pastors, and Teachers, (Ephesians 4:11). James the brother of Christ included himself as a master-teacher of the word and gave warning of how to represent the ministry. As a master-teacher I will speak and teach with humility and not set myself as one who is greater than my Lord, (James 3:1-2) (Matthew 10:24-25).
As an Apostle James said, a master-teacher will be held to a higher standard. Those who have a good understanding, “prepared” (2nd Timothy 2:15) in the gospel message will become your teachers. Baby food will not sustain a church; a self-appointed teacher, (1st Timothy 1:7) will need to learn first, the principals of the Word of God, (Hebrews 5:12). The work of a master-teacher is not a causal undertaking; when you have been given the charge to teach His Word, woe to you if you do not teach with His full authority and anointing, (1Co 9:16) (Matthew 23:14-15). Teach the old precepts, do not be influenced by modern usage of words and phrases, (Jeremiah 6:16). The path to hell is by the continual amusement of one type or another in the church, (Proverbs 5:13-14). Keep the message pure and simple, lead our children into the wisdom and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, (Psalm 78:6).
As we are in the last days of the church, many have closed their mind to the truth and are looking for someone or something that will make them feel better. Sin and redemption are not spoken of anymore, in America the prosperity gospel has taken its place, the judgment to come is forbidden speech. Because of the diminished gospel that is taught in churches today many have dropped out. What has taken over is the new video gospel; you can stay home in your pajamas and find someone to tickle your ears, (2nd Timothy 4:3) these new teachers will love to take your money as the scriptures say, “to make merchandise of you”, (2nd Peter 2:3).
We will not bury our talents, whether we get messages from books that have been written by others, (Proverbs 30:4) or fresh revelation, (Ephesians 3:3) from the Word of God, we will make ourselves available to teach as the Lord directs us. As Christ has reveals Himself to us, we will teach with our lifestyle, our marriage, and our voices and will expect miracles, wonders, and signs to follow our ministry, (Acts 2:22).