Let the one who is orally taught in the word share in all good things with the one who orally instructs (Galatians 6:6).
We have the obligation to pass on to those who teach us the Word by means of oral instruction all that is beneficial; this form of teaching involves learning by hearing and consists in repeating the Word so that the information can be transmitted to others. The things that are to be shared refer to what is advantageous, and this teaching must be carried out with clarity by means of the mind (1 Corinthians 14:19).
The saints in Thessalonica proclaimed the message of the Lord throughout Macedonia and all Achaia and thus in every place where they were known they showed their faith in God (1 Thessalonians 1:8). Since they had changed their way of life, Paul had no need to say anything about them; it was they themselves who made clear the kind of reception he had from them and the way in which they had turned away from idols to serve the living and true God (1 Thessalonians 1:9).
In numerous instances the people who teach us like this are pastors or other saints who spend time with us in order to explain God’s word and the truths which are contained in it. The various ways in which good can be demonstrated concerns living out our Christian lives and our fellowship with the Lord. Whenever we love God, goodness is brought about in all areas (Romans 8:28). One element of goodness is to take part in God’s desirous will, as we work out the righteousness He wants for our lives over our own desires (Romans 12:2). We should hold on to what is good and reject what is wrong (Romans 12:21). When we build up one another we are doing good (Romans 15:2). Good things can also refer to physical things (Ephesians 4:28) and to what comes out of our mouths (Ephesians 4:29).
We should make it our aim to share among those who teach us all that is good, whether this involves joining them in fellowship or by giving them physical assistance; all such actions should be carried out by expressing a proper opinion of God through living out our identity in Christ and sharing that with those who teach us.
