In what ways can we ensure our teachers align with Christ's teachings? Rooted in the Text “A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.” (Luke 6:40) Christ Is the Non-Negotiable Benchmark • Our ultimate Teacher is Jesus (Matthew 23:8: “One is your Teacher, the Christ”). • Any human instructor must reflect His words, ways, and character. If the mirror is fuzzy, the lesson is distorted. Hold Every Lesson Up to Scripture • 2 Timothy 3:16-17 reminds us that “All Scripture is God-breathed…so that the man of God may be complete.” • Compare what you hear with what is written. If a teaching cannot stand beside clear biblical text, it should not stand at all. • The Bereans modeled this habit: “They examined the Scriptures daily to see if these teachings were true” (Acts 17:11). Watch the Fruit, Not Just the Flash • Jesus warned, “By their fruit you will recognize them” (Matthew 7:20). • Look for the Spirit’s fruit—love, joy, peace, and the rest (Galatians 5:22-23). • Consistent obedience, humility, and integrity confirm sound doctrine better than smooth speech or large crowds. Guard the Gospel’s Core • Paul drew a hard line: “Even if we or an angel from heaven preach a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be under a curse!” (Galatians 1:8). • Teachers must affirm Christ’s deity, His bodily resurrection, salvation by grace through faith, and the authority of Scripture. Deviating here is disqualification. Test the Spirits, Not the Charisma • 1 John 4:1-2: “Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” • Emotional impact and exciting delivery can mask error. Truth remains true even when spoken plainly; error remains deadly even when shouted passionately. Seek Accountability Structures • Biblical leadership functions in plurality (Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5). • Elders and fellow teachers provide guardrails. Independent voices with no oversight often drift. • Healthy churches invite loving correction and value transparent doctrine statements. Remember the Weight of the Role • James 3:1 cautions, “We who teach will be judged more strictly.” • Pray for teachers, encourage ongoing study, and expect them to keep growing. A teachable teacher is a trustworthy teacher. Practical Steps for Everyday Discernment • Keep your own Bible open when you listen. • Take notes and verify cross-references later. • Discuss sermons or lessons with mature believers. • Read widely from faithful commentators of the past and present. • Be willing to walk away from a ministry that consistently departs from Scripture, no matter how comfortable or compelling it seems. Growing to Be Like the Master The goal is full training that shapes us into Christ’s likeness. When we insist on teachers who faithfully echo Jesus, we safeguard our hearts, strengthen our churches, and pass on a pure gospel to the next generation. |
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