Matthew 28:19–20 — The Great Commission
Every Christian has the responsibility to make disciples by sharing God’s truth. This is the first calling of every believer—not necessarily from a pulpit, but through everyday life, conversations, discipleship, parenting, mentoring, and evangelism.
Every believer is called to teach.
Not every believer is called to be a teacher of Scripture in the church.
Share the gospel.
Disciple others.
Encourage and instruct fellow believers.
Teach God’s truth in daily life.
A teacher of the Word has been entrusted with accurately handling Scripture and shepherding God’s people.
“Not many of you should become teachers…”
Because teachers:
Represent God’s truth.
Influence many people.
Can either strengthen or damage someone’s faith.
Will answer to God for what they taught.
Teaching isn’t about knowledge alone—it is about stewardship.
Leaders who mislead people bring destruction.
Jesus gives a severe warning about causing believers to stumble.
Principle: A shepherd has the potential to lead people toward Christ or away from Him.
This is why teaching should never be taken lightly.
The tongue has incredible power.
Key observations:
Small things can direct large outcomes.
The tongue can bless God and curse people.
A teacher must learn to control their speech.
Develop:
Wisdom
Discernment
Careful study of Scripture
Humility to keep learning
Never rely on opinions alone.
The science and principles of interpreting Scripture correctly.
The art and structure of communicating Scripture effectively.
A simple study process:
What does the passage actually say?
What did it mean to the original audience?
What is the author’s intended meaning?
How should this truth change our lives today?
This does not mean sinless.
It means:
A life marked by integrity.
No consistent pattern of scandal or hypocrisy.
Someone whose character gives no legitimate accusation against the gospel.
Questions:
Does your lifestyle support what you teach?
Would your reputation strengthen or weaken your message?
Paul tells Timothy to lead by example in:
Speech
Conduct
Love
Faith
Purity
People often learn more from what a teacher lives than from what they say.
A teacher’s life should reinforce their message.
Paul teaches Timothy to entrust truth to faithful people who will teach others also.
Dependable.
Committed.
Can be trusted with responsibility.
Willing to learn.
Teachable.
Present and engaged.
Acts when needed.
Follows through consistently.
Understands the urgency of making disciples.
The goal is multiplication—not simply information.
Love God with:
All your heart
All your soul
All your mind
Love your neighbor as yourself.
Before learning to teach:
Love God deeply.
Love people genuinely.
Study Scripture carefully.
Live what you teach.
Guard your tongue.
Remember that influence is a stewardship, not a privilege.
Also have to talk through pride .