Bible Teachers

In our society, we are inundated with Bible teachers. Not only can we attend church, we can watch on TV, we can listen on the radio, we can read books and magazines, we can purchase CDs and DVDs, and we can follow online. Record numbers of people can be reached... and reached all over the world. This is a good thing, right? Well, yes and no. Yes, it is great that so many people can have access to the teachings of Jesus Christ. No, because many people proclaiming to be Bible teachers are not teaching the true Word of God.

With so many teachers out there, how can we know who is teaching correctly? We need to ask God for discernment as we scrutinize the person teaching.

Jesus said in Matthew 7:15-23 (NKJV)
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them.

We need to ask some questions...

Does this person direct you to follow Jesus Christ? Or do they create a following for themselves?

Does the teaching and actions of this person line up with the Word of God? Or does it line up with the world?

Do they teach how to be a disciple of Christ and serve others? Or do they teach "how to make ME feel better?"

2 Timothy 4:3-4 (NKJV)
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.

There is no perfect teacher, save Jesus Christ. That is why we must be diligent to study the scriptures for ourselves. Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 Just because something sounds good, or even sounds right... does not mean it is right. It is only right if it lines up with God's Word. God is the final authority. His Word is true, and we cannot manipulate it to fit what we want. No! We must change to line up with what God wants.

Don't seek teaching that makes you feel good. Instead, seek teaching that challenges you to grow into the person God can use to further His kingdom.

Don't be a man follower, be a Christ follower.

Blessings,
Kerry