Are We Still Teachable?

2 Timothy 1:13-14, "Hold fast the pattern of sound doctrine you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Jesus Christ. That good thing that was committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us."

The older I get, the more I figure out I don't know, especially in regards to the bible and ministry. This has been especially true these last 3 years as I've served as senior pastor in a church for the first time. I was very sure of myself when I became pastor of Oakland Baptist Church, but since that point, I've found myself learning more than I ever have regarding ministry and the bible. I do not view this as a hindrance in ministry, but rather, a strong asset. You see, it is when we reach a point where we cannot be taught, that we stagnate or backslide in our ministry and faith.

Being teachable is one of the most important traits we can show in our Christian walk. Being humble enough to accept instruction and correction means we are fully walking in the Holy Spirit, as it is arrogance and pride that resists sound instruction or biblical correction, and these are works of the flesh, not fruit of the Spirit. I can say that most every day I learn something new in regards to serving God, and am thankful that there will always be something new to learn. Learning is growth, and growth is the path that all Christians should be on.

Paul's relationship with young ministers like Timothy and Titus is a great example for us. We see in his pastoral letters to these 2 pupils the loving care he has for them. He exhorts them, encourages them, charges them, instructs them, corrects them, rebukes them; Paul loves them, and wishes to impart as much of his knowledge and experience to them as possible. And Timothy and Titus are willing students. They are true disciples, that meaning, learners.

Paul himself learns throughout the course of his ministry. We see Paul grow in his faith as he grows in his humility. Paul begins his ministry considering himself the least of the apostles; later he calls himself the least of all of the saints; at the end of his ministry Paul's view of himself is as the "chief" of all sinners. Paul early in his ministry rejected Mark because he faltered in his charge, but later embraced him, and welcomed him as a partner in ministry. Paul learned and grew throughout his walk with Christ.

Humility, you see, is the key to learning. If we realize we don't have all the answers, we'll seek out others or look to the word to gain instruction and education. It is when pride rears its ugly head that we become unteachable, believing we can ascertain all the answers from within and are unreceptive to instruction and rebukement.

In fact, a mark of being a true disciple of Jesus is a willingness to learn and adapt, to make necessary changes so that we may better serve Him. Look at the accounts of Peter in the gospels, and then read his epistles at the end of his life, and you will see a man who has learned well and applied the lessons. Peter was prideful many times when with Jesus, but through years of trials and tribulations, as he experienced things and the truth was revealed to him, he grew into a mighty man of God.

Teaching and learning are 2 of the most important traits the bible teaches us a person who follows Christ will exhibit. We cannot be a teacher, until we have first learned. We also cannot stay a teacher, if we lose the desire to learn, or are simply unwilling to do so. So an important question we must ask of ourselves, is are we still teachable? Are we willing to regularly examine ourselves and see what is solid and what is not? Then, are we willing to seek answers and initiate change that is needed. Being teachable is essential to serving Christ and Him getting the glory from our lives. Their is no excuse for the Christian not learning and applying new things practically daily. The knowledge and wisdom of God is there for us through the Holy Spirit. Are we willing to listen and learn? Are we still teachable?