Ridgell's Originals

Preachers preach.  Elders are to be teachers.  Scripture talks about the fact that we should all be teachers as we mature.  Parents teach.  We teach non-believers about Jesus.  I love preachers.  I love those that would teach others.  I spend most of my time teaching/talking/preaching about Jesus.

But I also often read the warnings given to teachers.  God is clear about what is expected of teachers and preachers.  I don't think it is to prevent any of us from sharing the word of God.  But it is to remind us of the incredible responsibility we have when teaching.

So here are four of the warnings.  Not suggestions.  Not implied.  Clear warnings.

James 3:1ff.  Teachers are going to be judged more severely.  Teachers not only have to be responsible for how they live, but they are telling others how to live.  That is a grave responsibility.  You cannot afford to be wrong when telling someone what God expects of them.

Revelation 22:18-19.  We have to handle our subject matter with high integrity.  This is a startling warning about adding to or taking away from what God has said.  So be very careful when insisting God meant what He did not say.  And very careful if insisting God did not mean what He did say.  Your salvation is at stake.  Your share of the tree of life and in the holy city.  That is a serious consequence.

Romans 1:32.  There are things that deserve death.  Some know God's decree but insist on continuing to do them.  And approving of those who practice those things.  One of the benefits of teaching is that it helps you sharpen your disciple life.  You cannot teach about things you refuse to do.  You will eventually stop teaching or you will bring your life into harmony with God's word.  Unless you just intend to live with a tongue that says what your heart does not really believe.  But I am struck by the statement about approval.  We teachers and preachers have to be careful about granting approval to things.  We are trusted as teachers of the Word.  Do not lead people into sin by expressed -- or implied -- approval of things God condemns.

Hebrews 13:17.  If you are a leader, or claim to be a leader, of God's people then you are going to give an accounting of your people.  You cannot afford to be wrong on the things that matter.

It sounds scary in some ways, but I think these warnings are to remind us to be careful.  There was a saying that used to be repeated in the fellowship I grew up in:  Speak where the Bible speaks and be silent where the Bible is silent.  

We did not always do that very well, but the older I get the more I appreciate that sentiment.  It does seem to fit with the warnings given in Scripture.

So to all of us teaching and preaching, speak the word of God.  

Your soul and the souls of those who listen to you depend on it.  

# posted by Steve @ 5:00 AM