We are to teach men [(Greek-anthropos) humans] to be teachers, 2 Timothy 2:2. Hebrews 5:10-14 shows that over a period of time we are to be teachers and 2 Peter 3:15 teaches we are to “be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you,” NKJV. However, Matthew 5:19 says “Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”

As teachers we should be examples of what we teach. Those who say “don’t do as I do, but do as I say” are laughed at and scorned. The saying, “I would rather see a sermon any day than hear one” is what God teaches. How do we know the true Christian teachers of this world? The Bible says, “by their fruits you will know them,” Matthew 7:20.

The men and women of our Bible classes are to be examples to those they teach. This is why God requires elders to be qualified, 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. We know that elders and deacons are to be qualified in every qualification, but we also know that they are not perfect and still growing in each qualification that is evident in their lives. This is the same standard we expect of our teachers.

Mothers, fathers, wives and husbands are to teach their children God’s word. The lessons the family members listen to are not the ones spoken, but the ones they see lived in front of them every day. Fathers and mothers say, “I don’t know why our children turned out the way they did.” Could it be they listened to the example and not the words? Let us “practice what we preach” in the home, at work and in the church.