The Biblical Definition of Teachings

What is teachings?

In the biblical context, teachings encompass the doctrinal and ethical instruction found in Scripture, serving as the framework for Christian belief and practice.

These teachings, rooted in God’s revelation, include commandments, parables, and theological truths passed down to guide believers. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 illustrates this transmission, urging parents to 'impress [God’s commands] on your children... when you sit at home and when you walk along the road.' This verse highlights teachings as dynamic, lived commitments rather than static knowledge.

By anchoring faith in teachable moments, Scripture positions teachings as both a heritage and a responsibility, preparing readers for deeper exploration of their enduring significance.

Teachings in the Great Commission

The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 establishes teachings as a non-negotiable pillar of Christian discipleship.

Jesus commands his followers to 'make disciples of all nations' by baptizing and 'teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you' (Matthew 28:19-20). This tripartite structure - baptism, teaching, and obedience - positions teachings as the means by which believers internalize and enact God's will. The phrase 'all I have commanded you' underscores the comprehensive nature of Christian instruction, linking discipleship to the totality of Jesus' revelation.

Teachings in this context are not peripheral but central to the identity of a disciple. By mandating ongoing teaching, Jesus frames discipleship as a process of lifelong formation, where doctrine and practice are inseparable. The promise of Jesus' presence 'to the very end of the age' (Matthew 28:20) further emphasizes that teachings are sustained by divine enablement, not human effort alone. This dynamic interplay between baptism and instruction reveals teachings as both the content and the method of Christian growth, preparing readers to explore their broader implications in the biblical narrative.

Teachings as Divine Revelation

Biblical teachings represent God's authoritative self-disclosure, distinct from human traditions by their transformative power and divine origin.

In 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Paul asserts that 'All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,' establishing divine teachings as sufficient for equipping believers for every good work. This passage says Scripture is a living revelation that shapes godly character and practice, not a human document. Unlike human traditions, which may conflict with or dilute divine truth, Scripture's authority stems from its origin in the triune God. The text's 'usefulness' spans four dimensions - teaching foundational truths, rebuking error, correcting missteps, and training for righteous living - demonstrating its comprehensive sufficiency.

Not all teachings carry equal authority, as 2 Timothy 3:16-17 establishes Scripture as the ultimate standard for discerning truth. While human teachers may contribute insights, their teachings must align with God's Word to be considered valid. This framework invites believers to test teachings against Scripture's clear claims about God, humanity, and redemption, ensuring their alignment with divine revelation rather than cultural or personal preferences.

Why teachings Matters Today

In a world increasingly shaped by relativism and cultural flux, biblical teachings provide a stable foundation for faith and practice.

James 1:22-25 warns against passive reception of God's Word, urging believers to act on what they hear: 'Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves.' Do what it says... Whoever looks intently into the law, the good law that gives freedom, and continues in it - they will be blessed in what they do.' This passage challenges modern believers to move beyond abstract acceptance of doctrine to transformative obedience, even as cultural norms shift around them.

By anchoring faith in actionable teachings rather than transient ideologies, Scripture equips believers to navigate postmodern uncertainty while preparing readers to explore the practical implications of these teachings in daily life.

Going Deeper

To deepen your understanding of biblical teachings, consider exploring key resources and tracing their development across Scripture’s major covenants.

Systematic theologies like Wayne Grudem’s *Systematic Theology* and commentaries on Matthew, such as R.T. France’s, provide structured insights. Following teachings through the Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic, and New Covenants reveals their continuity and adaptation in God’s redemptive plan.