How can we ensure our teaching aligns with "from God" as in 2 Corinthians 2:17? Verse Focus “For we are not like so many others, who peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as men sent from God.” (2 Corinthians 2:17) Guarding Our Motives • Reject any hint of personal gain or self-promotion (Galatians 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 2:3-5) • Seek God’s glory, not applause • Remember we “speak before God,” living in His gaze (Hebrews 4:13) Anchored in the Written Word • Treat Scripture as fully true, final, and sufficient (2 Timothy 3:16-17) • “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God… accurately handling the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15) • Let clear passages interpret the unclear (2 Peter 1:20-21) • Refuse to add, subtract, or twist (Deuteronomy 4:2; Revelation 22:18-19) Relying on the Holy Spirit • The Spirit who inspired the text illumines the teacher (John 16:13; 1 Corinthians 2:12-13) • Pray for insight and humility before and during study • Speak in dependence on His power, not mere eloquence (1 Corinthians 2:1-5) Living the Message • Integrity gives credibility: “In everything, show yourself an example of good works… sound speech that cannot be condemned” (Titus 2:7-8) • Confess and forsake sin quickly (1 John 1:9) • Let love mark every lesson (1 Corinthians 13:1-2) Testing by the Berean Standard • Encourage listeners to examine the Scriptures daily (Acts 17:11) • Welcome correction when the text demands it (Proverbs 9:8-9) • Measure every idea against the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27) Accountability within the Church • Submit teaching to elders and mature believers (Hebrews 13:17) • Guard the “pattern of sound teaching” entrusted to us (2 Timothy 1:13-14) • Teach in community, not isolation (Ephesians 4:11-16) Serving, Not Selling • Provide resources generously; trust God for provision (Matthew 10:8; 1 Peter 5:2) • Refuse to merchandise the gospel or manipulate for money (2 Peter 2:1-3) Practical Checklist Before You Teach 1. Have I sought the Spirit’s illumination? 2. Does my outline flow from the text, not my agenda? 3. Am I willing to obey what I’m about to say? 4. Have respected believers reviewed my material? 5. Will my application exalt Christ and edify His people? End Goal Teaching “from God” means speaking with sincerity, under Christ’s lordship, in full agreement with the written Word, for the good of His church and the glory of His name. |
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