What many discover when they visit a Church of Christ is that teaching is a central element of almost everything the church practices. Some appreciate this; others are turned off by it. They are looking for a more emotional experience.
Many denominations actually brag that they don't emphasize doctrine. "Doctrine" simply refers to "teaching." The first Christians "continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine." (Acts 2:42)
Some church members, misunderstand the purpose of teaching and learning. It is designed to result in positive changes in our lives. We are to grow spiritually (1 Peter 2:2; 2 Peter 3:18) and add to our lives the graces that permit us to "partake of the divine nature." (2 Peter 1:2-11)
Being taught in the word protects us from being "tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men." (Ephesians 4:14) The degree of denominational division in our world is directly proportionate to men's ignorance of God's word.
The young especially need teaching. Paul told Timothy not to let anyone despise his youth but to be an example in conduct, love, spirit, faith, and purity. How would a young man achieve this? Paul told him, "Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine." (I Timothy 4:12-13)
Is doctrine important? It certainly is. "Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son" declares 2 John 9.
Moses commanded Israel to teach their children God's word. "You shall teach them diligently to your children and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up." (Deuteronomy 6:7)
Teaching is even more important for Christians. Jews were born into the Jewish kingdom, but we do not become Christians except through faith. And faith comes by hearing God's word (Romans 10:17).
The Great Commission requires us to "teach all nations." (Matthew 28:19) Jesus himself was a foremost teacher. One of the qualifications of a leader (elder) in the church is that he be "able to teach." (1 Timothy 3:2) Older sisters are obligated to be "teachers of good things;" to be able to teach younger women to love their husbands and children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, and obedient to their husbands (Titus 2:3-4).
The Hebrew Christians were criticized for their lack of maturity. "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..." (Hebrews 5:12) Teaching God's word is critically important. It is the standard by which we will be judged (John 12:48).
Brother Randy has written some wise words on a timely subject. One other thing I might add. Since teaching is so important, why is it so difficult to get brethren to see the need to develop their knowledge and desire to become teachers? Why is it so hard to persuade folks to volunteer to teach classes? Could it be that we lack desire and knowledge? Unfortunately, many of the Lord's churches are taught by a select few who take this duty seriously. Dear reader, are you growing in your knowledge so that one day you may be able to teach a Bible class? Could it be that teaching God's word is not as important to you as it is to God? (KMG)