Topical Bible: Ministers are Bound to Teach

Bible > Topical > Ministers are Bound to Teach

◄ Ministers are Bound to Teach ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the Christian tradition, the role of ministers as teachers is deeply rooted in Scripture, emphasizing their responsibility to instruct and guide the faithful in understanding God's Word. This duty is not merely a function of their office but a divine mandate that underscores the importance of sound doctrine and spiritual growth within the church.

Biblical Foundation

The New Testament provides clear directives regarding the teaching responsibilities of ministers. In the Pastoral Epistles, the Apostle Paul outlines the qualifications and duties of church leaders, emphasizing their role as teachers. In 1 Timothy 3:2, Paul states, "An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach." Here, the ability to teach is listed as a critical qualification for church leadership, highlighting its importance in pastoral ministry.

Furthermore, in 2 Timothy 2:24, Paul instructs, "And a servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and patient when wronged." This passage underscores the necessity for ministers to possess both the skill and the disposition to teach effectively, fostering an environment conducive to learning and spiritual development.

The Role of Teaching in Ministry

Teaching is central to the ministerial vocation, as it involves the dissemination of biblical truths and the nurturing of believers in their faith journey. Ephesians 4:11-12 articulates the purpose of this role: "And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for works of ministry, to build up the body of Christ." This passage highlights the dual purpose of teaching: equipping believers for service and edifying the church community.

Ministers are tasked with the responsibility of ensuring that their teaching aligns with sound doctrine. Titus 1:9 emphasizes this, stating, "He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it." This charge to uphold and defend the truth is crucial in safeguarding the church from false teachings and maintaining doctrinal purity.

The Impact of Teaching

The teaching ministry of ministers has a profound impact on the spiritual health and maturity of the church. In Colossians 1:28, Paul describes his own ministry, saying, "We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ." The goal of teaching is to lead believers toward spiritual maturity, equipping them to live out their faith in accordance with the teachings of Christ.

Moreover, the teaching ministry serves as a means of preserving the faith for future generations. In 2 Timothy 2:2, Paul instructs Timothy, "And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others." This directive underscores the importance of a continuous and faithful transmission of biblical teaching, ensuring that the truth of the Gospel is passed down and remains vibrant within the church.

Conclusion

The biblical mandate for ministers to teach is a cornerstone of their calling, reflecting the vital role of instruction in the life of the church. Through teaching, ministers fulfill their duty to equip, edify, and preserve the faith, guiding believers in their journey toward spiritual maturity and faithfulness to the Gospel.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Timothy 2:2
And the things that you have heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit you to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The First Epistle. To all the Ministers of the Church Catholic.
... To All the Ministers of the Church Catholic. ... ye fall into the toils of Satan, and
be bound with his ... evil doctrine of them, and of all who teach things contrary ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the decretals/the first epistle to all.htm

Exhortation to Workers and Ministers
... and liberty and for ability to teach, preach, or ... declare the everlasting gospel to
eternity-bound souls, you ... No better instruction to ministers has ever been ...
/.../cole/trials and triumphs of faith/chapter xxiii exhortation to workers.htm

How Churches Can Help Ministers.
... his clerk, and your minister he employs to teach his children ... yet they are just as
absolutely bound to consider ... or spend it upon their lusts, than ministers have ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture xiii how churches can.htm

Of the Teachers and Ministers of the Church. Their Election and ...
... should presumptuously push themselves forward to teach or rule ... no longer his own,
but is bound in service ... only pastors, who laid hands on ministers, though it ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 3 of the teachers.htm

part ii
... public; and how then are we bound to teach them, man ... therefore I am not satisfied
that I am bound to take ... the common bond that is on all ministers, to further ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/part ii.htm

Instructions to Converts.
... The time to teach these things with effect is when they are young converts. ... There
has for a long time been an idea that ministers are bound to be holy and ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture xx instructions to converts.htm

Allegation 4 "We Teach that the Greatest Part of the Human Race ...
... Does not the Scripture teach that we must pray for all ... But that providence which
ministers salvation and the means ... the father to keep his son bound and lettered ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 3/allegation 4 we teach that.htm

This Sermon was Originally Printed
... by as being simply nations, he says of them "My people." In this word there is the
idea of proprietorship to teach us that ... Ministers are bound to comfort ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/this sermon was originally printed.htm

The Sick Person Ought Now to Send for Some Godly and Religious ...
... whatsoever ye bind in earth, shall be bound in heaven ... declares on earth by his
reconciling ministers, in foro ... them to baptize, saying, "Go and teach all nations ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/the sick person ought now.htm

Introduction.
... Church are the foundation of local congregations, the calling of ministers, the
organization ... They are called upon and bound to believe, teach, and confess ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bente/american lutheranism/introduction.htm