The Making of a True Teacher in the Vineyard of the Lord

 Song:  

Lord I want to be like Jesus inner my heart (x2)
Inner my heart (x4)
Lord I want to be like Jesus inner my heart (x2)  

Introduction:

See it as God’s calling and he will equip you as well.

“ 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:19-20).

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." (Acts 1:8).

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.” (John 15:16).

8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?"
      And I said, "Here am I. Send me!" (Isaiah 6:8).

“Do not take along any gold or silver or copper in your belts.” (Matthew 10:9).

Remember that the Lord has called you to be productive and that your fruits should have far reaching impact beyond your generation: John 15: 16 “ 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.”

You can make yourself relevant if you are willing to pay the price of hard work, discipline and diligence: 2 Timothy 2: 20 – 21: “ 20In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble. 21If a man cleanses himself from the latter; he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.”

To be a true teacher, you must:

1.  Have a personal encounter with Christ.

Find hereunder great men of God who had personal encounter with the Lord. They desired it and sought earnestly for it.

Moses in Ex. 3:13-16

 13 Moses said to God, "Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, 'The God of your fathers has sent me to you,' and they ask me, 'What is his name?' Then what shall I tell them?"

  14 God said to Moses, "I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: 'I AM has sent me to you.' "

  15 God also said to Moses, "Say to the Israelites, 'The LORD, the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob—has sent me to you.' This is my name forever, the name by which I am to be remembered from generation to generation.

  16 "Go, assemble the elders of Israel and say to them, 'The LORD, the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob—appeared to me and said: I have watched over you and have seen what has been done to you in Egypt.

By asking what name he would call God, Moses was trying to know him more; he wanted an intimate and convincing relationship with the Father.

Paul in Phil. 3:7, 10

  7But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. 10I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,

Paul in Gal. 2:20

20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

St. Paul was more than convince about the power and existence of God so much so that he was willing to give out all for the sake of the kingdom. The life he lived, he knew and acknowledged belong to God, so he was not so possessive about his life.

“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honour God with your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

“Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.” (1 Peter 4:1-2).

“And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.” (1 Corinthians 5:15).

The Lord is asking you this same question:

 Matt. 16:15,

 15 "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?"

Who’s Jesus to you? What knowledge do you have about him? It is a head or heart knowledge? Knowledge handed over to you by your parents, or thought you by a priest, pastor, friend and you just believe it like that? You need to be convinced of who the Lord is!

2.  Preach and Teach both by words and deeds

 There should be no gap between your words and deeds, be able to transform all your words into action.

Acts 1:1

1 In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach.

Acts 7:22

22 Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in speech and action.

Philippians 4:9

9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

A warning: 1Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. (James 3:1)

1 Timothy 4:16

16 Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

1 Corinthians 9:27

27 No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

You need:

I. Humility:

Prov. 6:16-17

 16 There are six things the LORD hates,
       seven that are detestable to him:

  17 haughty eyes,
       a lying tongue,
       hands that shed innocent blood,

  Philippians 2:3-8

3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

  5Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
  6Who, being in very nature God,
      did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
  7but made himself nothing,
      taking the very nature of a servant,
      being made in human likeness.
  8And being found in appearance as a man,
      he humbled himself
      and became obedient to death—
         even death on a cross!

Proud in speech, appearance, walking, attitudes, friendship/associations

 Romans 12:16

16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

Humility will make you present the Word of God and not your own words! Humility here will enable you promote and portray God first and not ‘sell’ or ‘market’ yourself.

II.  Self-Control:

 1 Peter 4:7

  7The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.

 Do not talk without thinking – talking anyhow. You cannot afford to misbehave.

Proverbs 10:19

19 When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.

Ephesians 4:19

29 Do not let any unwholesome (nasty or harmful) talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Ephesians 4:5

4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.

 Colossians 4:6

6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Worldliness in dressing, watching pornographic movies, reading pornographic magazines

Ephesians 5:19

19 Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord,

Useless visits and bad company: 33Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character." (1 Cor. 15:33).

Show me who your friend is and I will tell you whom you are. Walking up and down indiscriminately – busybodies! No program!

III.  Love:

 Do not have bitterness in your heart. Get rid of unforgiving spirit and hatred. Remember you are not mounting the pulpit to come and settle scores, I mean festering grudge. You are not mounting the pulpit so that you can have your turn to lambast people. But it is an opportunity and a grace given to you to proclaim the gospel in love and you will see the mighty things God will do.

 Titus 3: 3-5

3 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4But when the kindness and love of God our Saviour appeared, 5he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,

IV.  Holiness and Righteousness:

 Do you still cheat, steal, lie and live immoral life?

 “Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” (Hebrews 12:14).

“Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48).

3.  Must have a good understanding and interpretation of the scriptures

Purpose of the Teaching Ministry

a.  Evangelisation – evangelising the world.

Matthew 28: 18-20.

18 Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

b.  Edification – edifying the Church (body of Christ – members), to edify means to enlighten, educate or inform.

 Acts 8: 30-31

30 Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. "Do you understand what you are reading?" Philip asked.

  31"How can I," he said, "unless someone explains it to me?" So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.

c.  Encouraging and equipping members

2 Kings 22:11-13

11 When the king (Josiah) heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his robes. 12 He gave these orders to Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Acbor son of Micaiah, Shaphan the secretary and Asaiah the king's attendant: 13 "Go and inquire of the LORD for me and for the people and for all Judah about what is written in this book that has been found. Great is the LORD's anger that burns against us because our fathers have not obeyed the words of this book; they have not acted in accordance with all that is written there concerning us."

Preparation for proper interpretation

 a. Be alert in the Spirit:

 1 Corinthians 2:14 

14 The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.

b.  Freedom from prejudice (intolerance or unfairness):

 Matthew 13:15 

15 For this people's heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.'

c.  Humility of mind:

 Matthew 11:25

25 At that time Jesus said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.

d.  A praying heart:

Psalm 119:18

18 Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.

Psalm 119:73

73 Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding to learn your commands.

Jeremiah 33:3

3 'Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.'

e.  Christ illumination (enlightenment):

 Luke 24:45

45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.

f.  Diligent study:

 1 Timothy 4:13-16

13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. 14Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you.

  15Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. 16Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

 2 Timothy 2:15

15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

Pay close attention to the context of the passage. Collect and collate all passages dealing with the same subject.

1 Thessalonians 1:5

5 because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake.

g.   Thorough preparation and rehearse:

As you rehearse; you watch your fluency, timing and coordination – linking point to point.

Why do we need to interpret the scriptures?

 Read Nehemiah 8: 1-12; 9:1-4.

Nehemiah 8:1-12 

  1 all the people assembled as one man in the square before the Water Gate. They told Ezra the scribe to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded for Israel.

  2 So on the first day of the seventh month Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, which was made up of men and women and all who were able to understand. 3 He read it aloud from daybreak till noon as he faced the square before the Water Gate in the presence of the men, women and others who could understand. And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law.

  4 Ezra the scribe stood on a high wooden platform built for the occasion. Beside him on his right stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah and Maaseiah; and on his left were Pedaiah, Mishael, Malkijah, Hashum, Hashbaddanah, Zechariah and Meshullam.

  5 Ezra opened the book. All the people could see him because he was standing above them; and as he opened it, the people all stood up. 6 Ezra praised the LORD, the great God; and all the people lifted their hands and responded, "Amen! Amen!" Then they bowed down and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground.

  7 The Levites—Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan and Pelaiah—instructed the people in the Law while the people were standing there. 8 They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was being read.

  9 Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, "This day is sacred to the LORD your God. Do not mourn or weep." For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law.

  10 Nehemiah said, "Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."

  11 The Levites calmed all the people, saying, "Be still, for this is a sacred day. Do not grieve."

  12 Then all the people went away to eat and drink, to send portions of food and to celebrate with great joy, because they now understood the words that had been made known to them.

 Nehemiah 9:1-4 

1 On the twenty-fourth day of the same month, the Israelites gathered together, fasting and wearing sackcloth and having dust on their heads. 2 Those of Israelite descent had separated themselves from all foreigners. They stood in their places and confessed their sins and the wickedness of their fathers. 3 They stood where they were and read from the Book of the Law of the LORD their God for a quarter of the day, and spent another quarter in confession and in worshiping the LORD their God. 4 Standing on the stairs were the Levites—Jeshua, Bani, Kadmiel, Shebaniah, Bunni, Sherebiah, Bani and Kenani—who called with loud voices to the LORD their God.

Remember that if the people do not understand the scripture properly, the evil will come and snatch it - The Parable of the Sower Matthew Chapter 13

Misinterpretation brings:

Conclusion

 Do not compromise, some people have compromised to the point and level that they do not know what compromise is any longer. Compromise is inability to follow biblical data correctly.

Acts 4:20-21

 20 For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard."

  21After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened.

 Acts 5:29

29 Peter and the other apostles replied: "We must obey God rather than men!

2 Timothy 4:3-5

 3 For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.

How do you want to be remembered? “  10Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, 11and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:10-11).

God bless you

Evang. John B. Oseh