Teaching

Definition: A motivation to research, validate, and systematically explain truth so that others can understand and apply it.

What it means

A person with a teaching gift has been given a divine ability to receive revelation and clarify truth. Those with the motivational gift of teaching are the “mind” of the body. They have the ability to understand the principles and teachings of God’s Word more easily and to clearly share them with others. They are motivated to make sure that the facts of their teaching are Biblically correct and effectively communicated to others, so they can live their life based upon these truths.

Purpose in the Body

To enable people to understand knowledge as revealed in Scripture

(II Timothy 3:16-17)

To guide believers in maturation into the likeness of Christ

(Colossians 1:28)

To equip believers with the Word of God for application in life and ministry

(Ephesians 4:11-15)

Practical Example

She was a teacher with an itinerant ministry. She studied extensively and developed cohesive outlines of her findings. She also had a fresh insight into any scripture as she unearthed little-known historical and cultural information. She creatively communicated the essence of word studies that she had done.

Her enthusiasm for the truth was refreshing for listeners and learners; it stimulated excitement about learning more from the Word of God speaking to us. While there was a tendency to have a large amount of content for teaching, she made applications at the end. She eventually had a television program of teaching that she later turned over to her daughter who also had the gift of teaching.

Profile of Motivational Gifts

"…we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us…" - Romans 12:6

Speaking Gifts (I Peter 4:11) Serving Gifts (I Peter 4:11)

Living Out Your Gift

Understanding your motivational gift is only the beginning. The functions, qualities, and actions below paint a picture of how this gift naturally shows up in your life, and where grace can sharpen it further. Read through each section prayerfully and consider how these patterns reflect your own experience.

Functions of the Gift

Presents truth in systematic way; easy to take notes (Luke 1:3)
Believes their gift is foundational to other gifts (I Corinthians 3:10-11)
Emphasizes accuracy of words (Luke 1:4)
Does careful word studies in original languages
Delights in research in order to validate truth; follows established rules of interpretation (Luke 1:3, Mark 7:1-13)
Avoids illustrations from non-Bible sources (I Corinthians 2:1-5)
Resists Scriptural illustrations out of context
Carefully correlates Old and New Testament truth (Acts 13:29)
Draws fresh meaning from familiar scriptures (Acts 13:41)

Personal Qualities

May have greater joy in researching than in presenting lesson
Alert to factual details not noticed or mentioned by others
Tends to remain silent until all information has been heard, observed, and discussed (Galatians 1:11-24)
Tests knowledge of those who teach them -- does it really say/mean that? -- look up at home after teaching (Acts 17:11)
Greater emphasis upon truth taught than people (Acts 15:36-39)
May prefer teaching larger groups as compared to one-on-one instruction
Fulfilled in completing a clear, orderly explanation of truth
When teaching, may appear cool and analytical (Acts 13:32-41)

Positive Actions

When testing the knowledge of others, do so in a humble spirit, inquiring for greater understanding (James 3:17)
Make a special effort to put on mercy and brotherly love to overcome cool analytical image
Avoid considering the research of others as merely intellectual knowledge. Respect the Holy Spirit in other believers
Discipline oneself to teach for application as well as accuracy
Affirm those who teach in an exhortative style, even though their lack of accuracy may irritate you
Be sensitive to opportunities to team-teach with exhorters as a way of mutually strengthening the impact of your teaching (Acts 13)

How to Use This in Your Small Group

Small Group Questions

Motivational Gift Discussion & Application Guide

Meeting #1

Action:
Have everyone has complete the assessment. Now have group members share their three highest motivations. With each motivation they should share a practical example of how they see this motivation appearing in their lives.

Prayer Point:
Pray for each other appreciating how God has made each one and for the maximizing of the gifts that are the highest for them.

Meeting #2

Action:
This meeting have group members share their three lowest motivations. Get ready to laugh. With each motivation they should share an example from their life that demonstrates a deficit in each area.

Prayer Point:
Pray for each other asking God to add people around them that are strong in the areas they exhibit weakness.

Meeting #3

Action:
The motivational gifts are often compared to parts of the human body as follows:

Prophecy – eyes
Service – hands
Teaching – mind
Giving – arms
Exhortation – mouth
Administration – head
Mercy – heart

Question One: Have the group members pick one of these comparisons and describe how it is true or maybe not a good comparison.

Question Two: Have the group members describe how a person who is motivated by one gift (the eye) could easily misunderstand a person who is motivated by another gift (the heart). They can use any two motivations.

Prayer Point:
Pray for each other asking for God’s help us to appreciate others who do not have like motivations as our own. Perhaps people could give specific names for prayer.

Meeting #4

Action:
Pick a particular scenario like for example visiting someone in the hospital and have group members each pick and describe how a person with one motivation might behave in this scenario. The group should cover all seven motivations. Other possible scenarios might be coming upon a traffic accident or helping someone prepare for an exam.

Prayer Point:
For this time just take prayer requests that might or might not be related to the motivational gifts.

Meeting #5 (allow extra time)

Action:
We want to demonstrate the strengths of each gift. Have everyone pick a motivation in which they are high and come prepared to demonstrate it in 5-7 minutes. Some suggestions follow:

Prophesy – share something that is prophetic for some individuals or the whole group.
Teacher – do a short teaching
Exhortation – share an encouragement for some individuals or the whole group.
Leadership – lead the group through a brief team building exercise.
Serving – do something to serve the group (bring food or wash feet, etc.)
Giving – bring a gift along for everyone.
Mercy – pray for each person to be lifted out of any hardship they are experiencing.

Prayer Point:
To close this study, have each individual sit in the middle of the room and all pray for blessing on them as they go forth and use the spiritual gifts they have been given. Specific scriptures can be prepared ahead of time and shared as well with each group member.

Your Next Step Starts Here

One assessment is a great start. Use the resources below to go deeper into your God-given design, discover additional gifts, and begin living with greater purpose and clarity.

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