WOMEN TEACHERS TODAY


I believe that teaching is the most important work that a woman can do as part of the Lord's church. There are so many ways in which a woman can teach, but teach we must if we are to please God and follow His commandments. In preparing this lesson, I was interested to know just how many times teaching is mentioned in the New Testament in relation to Christians. It is spoken of at least 45 times. So this must be important. Our aim in life should be to save other souls and help them get to heaven. If we help others to be saved, we have to teach them in one way or the other.

God put us on earth for a particular purpose. That reason is not to "have fun" as so many people seem to think. It is not to please ourselves, as still more seem to think. This means we have to live in such a way that God receives honor and praise. We have to help others to live lives that will glorify God too, this is our mission in life. In fulfilling this mission, there is so very much teaching to be done! The question is, am I doing my part in this teaching? Are you doing your part?

The above was taken from the book Here A Little and There A Little by Pauline Cain Hatcher. It was copyrighted to her in 1999. Used with permission.

Many people need to realize that all teaching must be done "authorized by our Lord in the Scriptures". In other words, we must teach what God says and not give our own opinion, or convey what man says. The Bible is our guideline as to what we should teach. When we teach, it is not to be done as the Pharisees. Also we are not to teach as those Paul warned us about. We can teach in many ways.

Matthew writes, " And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men." Matthew 15:9

Paul tells Timothy, " For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables." II Timothy 4:3-4

In Titus 2, older women are commanded to teach the younger women. Among the many things that need to be taught to younger women are soberness. This refers to not being extreme in any way. Older women should teach the younger women to love their families. This love is a love of service, a caring love. "...(teach) the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things, that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.' Titus 2:5

The modern day example of an older Christian woman teaching used in this lesson is that of Pauline Hatcher. She was a fine Christian woman who taught God's Word. Her teaching carried on for years and was widespread.

There might be women who are wondering as to how they would teach. If we are to be effective teachers, our teaching needs to be done with meekness. Women can teach in the classroom. They can teach family, friends and co-workers. There are classes in Vacation Bible School where teachers are needed. So often we find there are not enough teachers.

" And He himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers." Ephesians 4:11

While we are assembling a lesson, we will study in preparation to teach. As we have additional study we will grow; our knowledge increases with our additional study.


For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food.
Hebrews 5:12 (NKJV)

but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen
II Peter 3:18 (NKJV)

Women can teach by our example. Our example is so terribly important. You might have heard the phrase, " You might be the only Bible people ever read". How often after you have seen someone else, have you then examined their actions? What we say and do is seen by others, and we reveal our true selves to others.

We read in Romans 3:21-24," But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,"

God commands us to teach our children. We need to ask ourselves if we are obeying our Lord's command. Do our children see us living Godly lives? We are told of how Timothy was taught from childhood by his mother and grandmother. We read in the book of Proverbs, " My son, keep your father's command, and do not forsake the law of your mother." Proverbs 6:20

" And you, fathers provoke not your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord. " Ephesians 6:4

Women can teach by writing or passing out tracts. It is so easy to leave a tract behind as you leave a restaurant. By performing such an act, we are teaching others. We can send emails to friends and or relatives. In the Great Commission we are told by Christ to go and teach.

Years ago, there was a shampoo commercial with a woman saying, "and she told two friends, and she told two friends and so on and so on." If we all did as they said in the shampoo ad, the word of God would be widespread.

" Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and teaching." II Timothy 4:2

Discussion and study questions:
(1) What is our guideline as to what to teach?
(2) What is necessary for our teaching to be effective?
(3) When we have additional study, what happens?


Copyright 2007 Linda Lawrence