I was recently in a meeting in which this Scripture was given as evidence as to why teachers are no longer a necessary part of the Body because either there is only one Teacher, the Holy Ghost; or all are able to teach and need no particular person is recognized as having particular abilities to teach.

Verse 8 is presented as being literal: you should never be called a teacher. If verse 8 is taken literally, then every Christian who currently works as a trainer, instructor, theologian, advisor, counselor, educator or parent, must immediately cease from any and all activities that would preclude them being called a teacher. This is absurdity. Verse 8 cannot be taken literally.

However, verse 9 is written exactly the same, and must also be taken literally. There is a problem though. If verse 9 is taken literally, and we have no earthly father, our one Father is God in heaven, then Jesus Christ is no longer the ONLY BEGOTTEN son because we would ALL be begotten of God and would have equal rights to the Kingdom without the work of Christ, because we would all be born of God (as our natural Father) just as Christ was. Verse 9 cannot be taken literally. 

Further, these were written directly following an admonition against pride and power and prominence. The 'essence' of these scriptures is not to be taken literally, but to realize that we give Honor to God as our Head, and we are to serve with humility (not seeking titles, approval, invitations, positions, or salaries).

I would really like to hear your understanding of these passages.