HOW TO HELP THOSE WHO TEACH AND PREACH

READ Galatians 6:6

This morning our focus is upon Galatians 6:6 which says, "Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things."  This passage speaks about your response to one who teaches you the Word of God.  

The keyword in this verse is the word "communicate."  In this context it means to ‘share’ or ‘distribute.’  Paul’s greater point is that those who receive spiritual instruction ought to contribute to he who is so teaching. The thought closely parallels 1 Corinthians 9:14 where he wrote, “Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.”  Paul was clearly not addressing this injunction to himself. Rather, there evidently was a weakness in this regard in some of the Galatian churches. 

God has ordained that those whom He has called to preach the gospel ought to be supported financially by the recipients of that blessing. Or put more bluntly, a church ought to pay its pastor a living salary.  Additionally, what are some other ways that you might share in the ministry of one who is teaching you?  You can communicate by:

·  being present when the teacher teaches.

·  being attentive and learning what the teacher teaches.

·  sharing in discussions of what the teacher teaches.

·  passing on what the teacher teaches.

·  participating with the teacher in his or her full ministry.

·  encouraging others to come and learn from the teacher.

Let's do our best to encourage those who are teaching us the Word of God.  

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

MEDITATIONS

1.  What practical things can you do to share in the ministry of your teacher?

2.  Are you currently participating in your teacher's ministry?  How valuable is the input of individuals in any class setting?

3.  What would happen to your class if everyone participated in the teacher's ministry?  What needs to occur for this to happen?  What would be your role in this?  As the teacher?  As the learner?