Q5. Anointing and the Gift of Teaching

[Uncle Dave]

I’m going to try to answer both of these questions with one statement because I think that the anointing of the Holy Spirit and the gift of teaching, which is a gift of the Holy Spirit are very much connected.

The Holy Spirit lives within us and different gifts are given. The Spirit leads us and helps us to understand but the gift of teaching (which is also a gift from the Holy Spirit) is the ability to convey a message across to one or more people in such a way that the students understand, which is the Holy Spirit at work within us helping us to understand what the teacher is teaching. For some reason I feel like my answer is going in circles but it all comes back to the Holy Spirit at work within “us” as opposed to at work within “me (or you, as the case may be).” God wants us to fellowship with other believers and I think that could be why teachers are given messages that often answer even the unasked question.

[hanks]

Q5. (1 John 2:26-27) 
If we have the Holy Spirit, why do we need teachers in the church? 
How does the role of the anointing differ from the Holy Spirit's spiritual gift of teaching?
Christians do not need any teaching apart from what is found in the Word of God as to the truth of God. John is not saying we do not need Christian teachers in the church, rather he is saying there is no need for additional truth for there is none. John was concerned about false teachers who were adding to scripture all sort of false ideas. Just as we were dependent on the Spirit for our initial understanding of the gospel and our response to it, so He continues to apply God’s truth increasingly in our lives. For this to continue happening we need teachers in the church for us to be taught. We must remember the Holy Spirit is the author of Scripture and it is His great teaching tool. With the Word of God in our hands and the Spirit of God in our hearts, we have all that we need for instruction in the truth of God.
The Holy Spirit’s gift of teaching is different in that it is a special supernatural ability to teach. It is a gift in that it cannot be earned or learned. Such a gifted teacher is immediately recognised as such.
 

[haar]

Q5. (1 John 2:26-27)

Q. If we have the Holy Spirit, why do we need teachers in the church?

A. Because iron sharpens iron. Beside, god has given various spiritual gifts to the church including the gift of teaching so as to build one another.

Q. How does the role of the anointing differ from the Holy Spirit's spiritual gift of teaching?

A. The role of the anointing/ power of the Holy Spirit in  teaching comes directly from the Holy Spirit to explain the scriptures to us. On the other hand, some people are given power from the Holy Spirit to teach others from the word of God.

 

[haar]

Q5. (1 John 2:26-27)

Q. If we have the Holy Spirit, why do we need teachers in the church?

A. Because iron sharpens iron. Beside, god has given various spiritual gifts to the church including the gift of teaching so as to build one another.

Q. How does the role of the anointing differ from the Holy Spirit's spiritual gift of teaching?

A. The role of the anointing/ power of the Holy Spirit in  teaching comes directly from the Holy Spirit to explain the scriptures to us. On the other hand, some people are given power from the Holy Spirit to teach others from the word of God.

 

[Reuben]

Q5. (1 John 2:26-27) If we have the Holy Spirit, why do we need teachers in the church? How does the role of the anointing differ from the Holy Spirit's spiritual gift of teaching?

Teachers are needed to help guide the flock in the right path. They are gifted with the ability to teach, and if true to the word of God they are essential to keep adding to our growth as Christians with an in depth understanding of the Bible and the  expression of such understanding . It is our duty as Christians to test such teachings continuously with what scripture says, and The Holy Spirit reveals to us.

Being anointed is being set apart, and the role of this anointing is what changes inside me to be set apart, and be called a Christian. It is an internal spiritual awakening and growth process. The gift of teaching from the Holy Spirit has to do with the external application of the growth process through the teaching of the Holy scriptures and the understanding of these truths to teach others.

Despite these understandings it is still very common to see so many denominations, and each with their own "angle" to the path of salvation that you do wonder how can so many teachers have so many different opinions if we all read the same Bible, and would be guided by the same Spirit of Truth? 

[Krissi]

Teaching is one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and presumably teachers in the church have this extra dollop of spiritual giftedness.

Having said that, a believer who is isolated or surrounded by hostile anti-Christians can still learn and grow through the ministrations of the Holy Spirit. Teachers are a blessing, but not a necessity. They accelerate learning, and may deepen it, but ultimately all understanding comes through the Holy Spirit.

Anointing is internalised, defining and changing one's character. At times, anointing points to a calling -- often Christians are anointed for a special season or task, I believe.

Gifts, in contrast, are externalised, that is, for others. A Christian's gifting is to be used to strengthen and comfort the body.

 

[Rob Mc.]

(1 John 2:26-27) If we have the Holy Spirit, why do we need teachers in the church?   

 We don’t need the heretical teachers in the church if their focus is solely to drive good Christians away from Christ.  We must reject them and not listen to their version of scripture.  We can, however, learn from good, godly human teachers because there is always something “still remaining” in scripture that they may glean and can then relate to us.

How does the role of the anointing differ from the Holy Spirit's spiritual gift of teaching?

Anointing is the act of giving/receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit from God to each member of the church that has been baptized and has accepted Jesus Christ.  It is a single act; once performed, the Spirit remains within us.  It does not have to be refreshed over and over.

Teaching, of course, is ongoing.  It is an excursion into a subject and can be a lifelong experience depending on the subject, the teacher, the student and the situation.