What does "able to teach" mean for our role in discipleship? Setting the Scene 2 Timothy 2:24: “And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and forbearing.” Paul writes to Timothy about the character that marks every servant of the Lord. Nestled between kindness and patience sits “able to teach.” Those three words reveal a crucial dimension of Christian discipleship: we are formed to form others. What “Able to Teach” Means • Competent with the Word – Knowing Scripture accurately and handling it faithfully (2 Timothy 2:15). – Guarding sound doctrine so nothing false slips in (Titus 2:1). • Clear in Communication – Explaining truth so listeners grasp it, not clouding it with needless complexity (Nehemiah 8:8). – Connecting eternal truth to everyday life so obedience follows. • Compassionate in Manner – Teaching goes hand-in-hand with kindness and patience, never harshness. – Gentleness invites even resistant hearts to listen (1 Peter 3:15-16). • Consistent in Lifestyle – Living what we teach, so words and actions match (Titus 2:7). – Integrity gives credibility to every lesson. • Committed to Multiplication – Equipping others who will in turn teach others (2 Timothy 2:2). – Seeing discipleship as an unbroken chain across generations. Why Teaching Is Central to Discipleship • Jesus’ final commission includes both making disciples and “teaching them to obey” (Matthew 28:19-20). • Christ supplies pastors and teachers “to equip the saints for works of ministry” (Ephesians 4:11-12). • The Word must “richly dwell” among believers “as you teach and admonish one another” (Colossians 3:16). • Maturity is measured by the ability to move from receiving milk to giving solid food to others (Hebrews 5:12-14). What “Able to Teach” Does Not Mean • Not a calling reserved only for seminary professors—every servant of the Lord shares the duty. • Not a license for argumentative debates—Paul rules out quarrels (2 Timothy 2:24). • Not a shortcut to authority—James warns that teachers face stricter judgment (James 3:1). Cultivating the Skill 1. Saturate your mind with Scripture daily. The teacher’s toolbox is the text. 2. Practice articulating truth aloud—at home, small group, workplace—until it flows naturally. 3. Observe seasoned teachers, noting both content and tone. 4. Invite feedback humbly, refining clarity and compassion. 5. Stay prayerfully dependent on the Spirit, who illuminates and empowers every lesson (John 14:26). Snapshots of “Able to Teach” in Action • A parent walking a child through Proverbs at the breakfast table. • A youth leader explaining Romans 12 and modeling service during a food drive. • A believer at work clarifying the gospel graciously during lunch break without entering fruitless wrangling. • An older saint opening Titus 2 with a younger believer, demonstrating godly character in real time. Takeaways for Every Disciple • Teaching is not optional; it is integral to following Christ. • The call demands both competence with Scripture and Christ-like character. • When believers quietly, faithfully pass on truth, the church is strengthened, error is restrained, and the gospel advances from one life to the next. |
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