While it is important to be a good disciple, we must also understand that we also have to be good teachers of the Word and we see this in 2 Timothy.

2 Timothy 2:2
New King James Version
2 And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

Discipleship is central to the call of every believer. It involves not just learning but teaching the word in a way that is consistent with doctrine. At the heart of discipleship is the role of a teacher — a good teacher.

The task of teaching others the faith, as we see in 2 Timothy 2:2, is both a privilege and a sacred responsibility. But what does it take to be a good teacher?

The message we preach and teach is specific and sacred. Therefore, it must be conveyed with accuracy and reverence, free from personal embellishment or opinion.

Just as Apostle Paul instructed Timothy, the teachings of Christ must be committed to faithful men who can teach others also. Faithful discipleship requires faithful men who can faithfully communicate the message to others.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 reminds us of this:
16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

As a teacher of the Word, you are called to steward this truth responsibly, ensuring what you teach is deeply rooted in the accurate Word of God.

To be a good teacher, you must first remain a lifelong student. Jesus, our ultimate example, modelled this beautifully in Luke 2:52 where He showed us that even He, the Son of God, grew in wisdom, stature, and favour with God and man:

Luke 2:52
New King James Version
52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and men.

At the age of 12, He was found in the temple among the teachers, sitting, listening, and asking questions about the faith.

Luke 2:46
New King James Version
46 Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions.

This demonstrated not only His desire to grow but also His humility and posture of learning. A good teacher never outgrows their need for instruction but instead continues to deepen their understanding of the scriptures.

2 Timothy 2:15
New King James Version
15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

The Greek word for “diligent” here conveys a sense of intentionality, effort and perseverance. As a discipler, you must be diligent in your study of the Word, constantly refining your ability to rightly divide the truth. This is non-negotiable if you are to pass on the message with accuracy and conviction.

Beyond teaching with words, a good teacher must teach by example. Jesus consistently modelled what He taught. In Luke 4:16, we see that He had a custom of attending the synagogue to read and teach the scriptures:

Luke 4:16
New King James Version
16 So He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read.

This habit of prioritizing God’s Word reflected the very discipline He sought to instil in His disciples.

Likewise, your lifestyle must align with the teachings you impart because have been called to a higher standard therefore you must be above reproach, embodying the virtues of Christlike character. Remember that your disciples learn as much from what you do as from what you say.

Discipleship is not about hoarding knowledge or limiting growth to oneself. It is about multiplication. The ultimate goal of discipleship is not just to make followers but to make disciples who can make other disciples. This chain of multiplication ensures that the faith continues to spread and grow.

Jesus demonstrated this by walking two disciples through the scriptures after His resurrection.

Luke 24:27
New King James Version
27 And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.

Instead of revealing Himself dramatically, He relied on the scriptures to instruct them and to showing the centrality of the Word in discipleship.

As a good teacher, you must adopt this same mindset. The end goal of your teaching is to equip others to teach, thereby perpetuating the cycle of discipleship.

Dear believer, as you reflect on your role as a teacher of the Word, remember that this is both a privilege and a sacred duty. You have been given the message of the gospel—an important message filled with evidence of your faith, the fulfilment of prophecy, and transformative power.

Therefore, you just strive to improve each day. Set structures for your personal growth in the Word. Be diligent in prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with believers, practice teaching the Word and ensure it’s consistent with scripture.

Growth in faith requires intentionality, and as you grow, you must take others along with you.

Jesus was intentional about teaching and equipping His disciples, ensuring that they could carry on His work after His ascension. If He, the perfect Son of God, prioritized learning and teaching, how much more should you?

Let the Word of God shape you, equip you, and transform you into a vessel of honour, fit to multiply and lead others into the fullness of Christ.

Prayer Point
Father, thank You for entrusting me with the responsibility to disciple others. I commit to being diligent in studying Your word, living by Your example, and teaching with accuracy and grace. Help me to multiply by equipping others to carry on the message of the gospel. May I remain faithful to this call.