Bible Discussion Thread

Dear Adam

What is the difference between Teaching and Ministering that is described in Romans chapt 12vs 7.. I have asked this before and didn't get a response.

God bless

Teboho

Teboho, if I may offer my understanding on these words. I see these as two distinct types of ministry in the Church just as the other verses that speak of those who encourage others or show mercy are also very useful in the building up of God's people. So, the Gk. word for 'Ministry' (v 7) is 'diakonia', otherwise translated as deaconship or service. So, the work of a deacon would come under the meaning of this word as well as others fulfilling this type of service, which must also include the sisters in a fellowship, who wonderfully serve in many other ways. I see Paul in this chapter trying to point out that whatever gift is given to us by the Spirit, we must use it diligently & cheerfully, for the blessing of the Church & not for our profit or elevation. I hope this helps you.

Dear Chris

Thanks for that but you did not answer me fully. I asked what the difference between Ministering and Teaching is. You touched on the first and not the latter. Please assist and explain fully

God Bless

TEBOHO i believe that ministering in the KJV relates to taking care of the every day business of the Church, such as the Levites did within the temple where Moses placed the Ark and all the other items God commanded him to build. Teaching I believe is the work of Moses, Jesus and others, to give/explain the word of God. and to show us what laws God wants us to follow and how to be saved in order to receive a place in the Kingdom of God.

Teboho, apologies for neglecting this - I assumed that the word 'ministering' was the main focus here.

If I could give the Greek here: 'didaskon' = to teach, instruct or impart knowledge. It is used many times in the NT as it spoke of Jesus teaching (as in Mt 21:23), those from the apostles (2 Thes 2:15), or teaching within the Church ( 1 Tim 3:2, 2 Tim 2:24, where this gift is generally exercised by the elders who were carefully appointed to lead the Church to fulfil this important function). Often these days, the role of a Pastor (Gk. Poimen) is also seen as not only a shepherd of the flock, but also the Church leader & elder, but scripturally evident, a pastor's role is a shepherd/guide, who may or may not be an elder or have the gift of teaching.

Teboho thank you for that question. The words ministry and teach are mentioned many times in the word of God and we must ask the Holy Spirit to help us with understanding what context it is being used in for example Romans 12:7 reads "Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching: Now the word ministry can mean to hold a position of leadership example Pastor, Decon and so on and it can also mean to serve or in other words "wait" as in waiter get it, lol then if take the word wait it means to allow time to go by or to service, I am doing this to let you know that ministries have a function in the body of Christ and if you study Gods word he will "Teach" your Ministry through the Holy Spirit. God Bless you and remember One God One Body...