It happens formally in schools and classrooms; it happens informally in playgrounds and backyards. It happens intentionally when students enroll in courses of study; it happens unintentionally when children watch TV. Whether or not we are careful about who we learn from, teaching plays a critical role in all our lives. In the Bible, God reveals himself as a teaching God. From the writings of the Old Testament to the teaching ministry of Jesus and the apostles, God encourages the intentional and accurate teaching of truth. He warns us to be wary of false teaching that can distort our thinking and values and lead our soul to destruction.

I HAVE NO FORMAL TRAINING, SO HOW CAN I BE A TEACHER?
Deuteronomy 6:4-9 . . . Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are away on a journey.
Psalm 78:5-6 . . . He commanded our ancestors to teach them to their children, so the next generation might know them.
By their constant example, parents are teachers whether trained or not.
1 Timothy 4:11-12 . . . Be an example to all believers in what you teach, in the way you live.
Every believer can become a teacher by setting a good example.
Ezra 7:6-10 . . . This was because Ezra had determined to study and obey the law of the Lord and to teach those laws and regulations to the people.
Teaching others about God’s Word comes from knowing God’s Word. Commit yourself to knowing as much of God’s Word as possible.

WHY IS FALSE TEACHING SO DANGEROUS, AND HOW CAN I RECOGNIZE IT?
Micah 2:11 . . . Suppose a prophet full of lies were to say to you, “I’ll preach to you the joys of wine and drink!” That’s just the kind of prophet you would like!
Matthew 7:15-18 . . . Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep . . . You can detect them by the way they act.
False teachers can be recognized by their dishonest motives and ungodly character.
Titus 1:10-14 . . . By their wrong teaching, they have already turned whole families away from the truth.
False teaching is dangerous because it can lead to the spiritual destruction of both individuals and families.
1 Timothy 4:1-13 . . . If you explain this to the others, you will be doing your duty as a worthy servant of Christ Jesus, one who is fed by the message of faith and the true teaching you have followed.
The only way for believers to stand their ground is to be spiritually fit. Are you consistently exposing yourself to solid teaching, or are you leaving your spiritual formation to chance?
James 3:1-2 . . . We who teach will be judged by God with greater strictness.
Teachers have a God-given responsibility to be good role models.