How can we be "instructor of the foolish" in today's society? Understanding “Instructor of the Foolish” Romans 2:20 describes someone who possesses “the embodiment of knowledge and truth” and therefore is able to guide those who lack it. In today’s society the “foolish” are not merely the intellectually uninformed but those who “despise wisdom and discipline” (Proverbs 1:7). Our calling is to move them toward the knowledge of God. Guarding Our Own Hearts First • Romans 2 warns against hypocrisy. Before teaching others: – Examine motives (James 1:22). – Confess and forsake hidden sin (1 John 1:9). – Cultivate humility: “watch yourself, or you also may be tempted” (Galatians 6:1). Building on the Foundation of Scripture • Scripture alone provides the content and authority we need: – Colossians 3:16: “Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you.” • Regular habits: – Daily reading and memorization. – Listening to faithful preaching. – Comparing every cultural idea with the Word (Acts 17:11). Practicing Instruction in Daily Life • Home – Read, discuss, and model the Word with children (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). • Workplace & school – Offer biblical wisdom when coworkers face moral or ethical dilemmas. – Live with integrity so words carry weight (Titus 2:7-8). • Church – Volunteer for youth, children’s, or new-believer classes. – Disciple one or two believers at a time (2 Timothy 2:2). • Community & online – Start neighborhood Bible studies. – Use social media for thoughtful, gracious posts that point to truth (Ephesians 4:29). Key Attitudes for Effective Teaching • Gentleness: “The Lord’s servant must… gently reprove” (2 Timothy 2:24-25). • Respect: 1 Peter 3:15 calls us to “respond with gentleness and respect.” • Patience: Hearts change in God’s timing, not ours. • Confidence in God’s power: The gospel “is the power of God for salvation” (Romans 1:16). Connecting with a Culture That Resists Truth • Expect spiritual blindness (1 Corinthians 2:14). • Rely on prayer and the Spirit’s conviction (John 16:8). • Use stories and questions Jesus-style to surface assumptions (Luke 10:25-37). • Highlight the goodness of God’s ways—show how obedience leads to life (Deuteronomy 30:19-20). Verses to Keep at the Ready • Romans 2:20 — identity as “instructor of the foolish.” • Proverbs 9:10 — wisdom begins with fearing the LORD. • Matthew 28:19-20 — our commission. • Philippians 2:15 — “shine as lights in the world.” A Final Encouragement Stay anchored in the Word, walk in visible holiness, and speak with grace and courage. As we do, God will use us to lead the “foolish” into the light of His truth. |
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