The Intersection of Teaching and Serving

by David Rollert

There is often a tendency to strictly separate teaching from service. People might see teaching as an intellectual exercise, something that we sit and contemplate before getting back to real life. On the other hand, people might see practical hands-on service to others as the opposite of the intellectual exercise of teaching. The two are seen as being disconnected. However, this should not be the case.

Ephesians 4 is such a phenomenal chapter, partly because it shows how essential all the different parts of the church are. It highlights the need for strong teachers to instill sound doctrine into the congregation (Ephesians 4:11-16). Then, immediately after talking about sound teaching, it delves into how we should walk in our everyday lives, how we should serve each other’s needs (Ephesians 4:17-32).

One of the truths Ephesians 4 presents is that teaching and service are inexorably linked. We must be taught what true Christian service is and what it does. Teaching that is not put into use through service is useless. We can know all the information in the world, but if we don’t use that information to serve others then we are useless. Similarly, we can have the best intentions in the world, but if we are acting without knowledge then we are likely to cause more harm than good.

In 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, Paul points out that we must do all things with love, and if we don’t have love then we are useless. We must be taught what Christian love looks like and how it acts. Again, having knowledge without the actions of love is useless.

Sound teaching is essential! Loving service to others is essential! Sound teaching informs us how we should service others. And acting in service to others puts that teaching to work.

Let’s each learn how God wants us to serve each other, then let’s put that knowledge to use by serving each other’s needs in love.