10. PREPARE OTHERS TO TEACH

2 Timothy 2:2 "And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also."

There are those who have turned away from the truth (2 Timothy 1:15). "You therefore " (2 Timothy 2:1) are to be faithful and strong. There is an unending supply of strength for you in "the grace that is in Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 2:1). You are to "be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might" (Ephesians 6:10), teaching the body of truth known to you as the gospel, that is, everything concerning salvation made known in God's Word, and taught by the apostles. You are opposed by demonic beings working through "flesh and blood" opponents, some of whom are not aware that they are pawns of demons (Ephesians 6:12).

You can depend on being given grace, strength, gift and power to teach. Reliance on your own power or on "human wisdom" (Cf 1 Corinthians 2:3) is doomed to failure. You must rely on the Lord's strength and teach "in demonstration of the Spirit and of power". By proclaiming the message in the Lord's might and authority you will devastate demonic forces.

Your communication of Bible truth is required to ensure continuation of Church growth. Follow the multiplication pattern presented in verse two - Paul to Timothy - Timothy to others - others to others.

Your impartation of truth must be spoken and lived out. Timothy "heard" what Paul taught, but he also saw what Paul taught, as the teaching was produced in Paul's lifestyle.

The goal of your teaching needs to be of the kind that leads to "sincere Faith" (1 Timothy 1:5), godliness (Cf Titus 1:1), and "love from a pure heart". Teaching that produces clear Christlikeness.

Your teaching truth must not be limited to just conveying intellectual knowledge. It should impact lives with godly living, and produce love that is Christlike. Bringing lives into harmony with truth, will effect a change in attitudes and works of service that reflect applied truth. (Cf 1 Timothy 1: 5; 2 Timothy 1:13; Titus 1:1; 2:1-3; 3:8). Teaching accomplishes knowing - being - and doing.

You need to specialise in recognising those who are faithful and dependable. Give them quality time for instruction. Encourage them to teach others by planning opportunities and excite them to take creative initiative.

You need to teach the first principles of the gospel, but major on the practical, every day application of these truths. Paul gives, in his epistles to Timothy, examples of gospel teachings on life issues. Without attempting to be exhaustive, here is a list of topics:-

	Knowing His peace (1 Timothy 1:2; John 14:27).
	Submission to His Lordship (1 Timothy 1:2; Luke 6:46).
	Caring love for others (1 Timothy 1:5; Luke 10:25-37).
	Purity of heart (1 Timothy 1:5; Matthew 5:8).
	A good conscience (1 Timothy 1:5; Matthew 6:22).
	Appropriate thankfulness (1 Timothy 1:12; Matthew 11:25).
	Faithfulness (1 Timothy 1:12; Luke 16:10).
	Humility (1 Timothy 1:15; Luke 10:21).
	Christ as Saviour (1 Timothy 1:15; Luke 19:10).
	All kinds of prayer urged (1 Timothy 2:1; Luke 18:1).
	Christ the only mediator (1 Timothy 2:5; Matthew 1:21).
	Women beautiful in godliness and good works (1 Timothy 2:9-10; Luke 2:37-38; Mark 14:3-9).
	Taking family responsibilities seriously (1 Timothy 3:4-5; Mark 10:14).
	Christ-centred teaching (1 Timothy 3:16; Luke 1:4).
	What the Holy Spirit says about the last days (1 Timothy 4:1-5; 2 Timothy 3:7; John 14:26).
	Generosity to godly widows (1 Timothy 5:16; Luke 21:1-4).
	Perils of riches (1 Timothy 6:9; Mark 4:19).
	Serve Christ in serving others (1 Timothy 6:1-2; John 12:26).
	Live in obedience till Christ returns (1 Timothy 6:14; Matthew 24:23).
	Serving by the will of God (2 Timothy 1:1; John 4:34).
	Spiritual gifts like fire blazing within us (2 Timothy 1:6; Matthew 3:11).
	Faithful witness involves adversity (2 Timothy 1:8; 2 Timothy 3:12; John 16:33).
	Life lived with Christ (2 Timothy 2:11; John 10:10).
	Warning regarding denying Christ (2 Timothy 2:12; Mark 8:38).
	God's Word a solid foundation (2 Timothy 2:19; Matthew 24:35).
	Meekness is important (2 Timothy 2:25; Matthew 11:29).
	Capable and fully prepared, like Jesus, for good works (2 Timothy 3:17; Luke 6:40).
	Assurance of eternal reward (2 Timothy 4:8; Matthew 16:24-27).
	Protection and preservation for His kingdom (2 Timothy 4:18; Luke 12:4-6).

	Is God saying to you that you have a tendency to rely on your own strengths?
	What does it mean to you to be strong in grace?
	Who are your real opponents?
	Have you learned to let yourself be made strong in the Lord?
	Do you experience subtle opposition to the teaching of certain subjects? Have you listed them? What can you do about it?
	Can you name those whom you admire who gave you basic training backed up with consistent living?
	Do you recognise faithful people you are responsible to train?
	Do you think teaching is limited to large groups? Or are you also involved in teaching one to one?
	Do you believe in grounding people in the elementary principles of Christ?
	What is the goal of your teaching?
	Do you keep a record of what you teach in a year?
	Do you major on intellectual knowledge and neglect applied truth?
	How essential do you regard teaching to Church growth?
	Can you name the gospel-based practical teaching which Paul gives in the epistles to Timothy, that you also teach?
	Do you value the ten instructions selected from the epistles to Timothy? Having prayerfully applied them to your own ministry are you planning to share them with your team of workers?