Prophets and Teachers

All Scripture is God-breathed, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfected, thoroughly furnished to every good work.

(2 Timothy 3:16-17)

It is very important to realize that when this letter to Timothy was penned, this referred to what we consider the Old Testament. 

And it happened, also on another sabbath, that He entered into the synagogue and taught. And there was a man whose right hand was withered. And the scribes and Pharisees watched him to see if He would heal on the sabbath day, so that they might find an accusation against Him. But He knew their thoughts and said to the man who had the withered hand, Rise up and stand in the middle. And he arose and stood. Then Jesus said to them, I will ask you one thing: Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil, to save life, or to destroy it ? And looking around on them all, He said to the man, Stretch out your hand! And he did so. And his hand was restored whole like the other. And they were filled with madness, and talked with one another as to what they might do to Jesus.

(Luke 6: 6-11)

Notice that the scribes and Pharisees, experts in the law, were testing Jesus to get Him to break the Law so they could justify stoning Him.  Here is the reference point of those trying to accuse Jesus:

If a prophet rises among you, or a dreamer of dreams, and gives you a sign or a wonder, and the sign or the wonder which he foretold to you occurs, saying, Let us go after other gods which you have not known, and let us serve them, you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams. For the LORD your God is testing you to know whether you love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul. You shall walk after the LORD your God and fear Him, and keep His commandments, and obey His voice, and you shall serve Him and hold fast to Him. And that prophet or that dreamer of dreams shall be put to death, because he has spoken to turn you away from the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt and redeemed you out of the house of slaves, to thrust you out of the way in which the LORD your God commanded you to walk. So you shall put the evil away from the midst of you.

(Deuteronomy 13: 1-5)

Jesus passed the test with flying colors!  Everyone knows that Jesus was sinless, they just forget that sin is the transgression of the law.

Keeping this standard in mind, writing a web site like this, or giving a Bible study, or giving a sermon, or even witnessing to someone you may meet, comes with a huge responsibility.  Prophets aren’t necessarily teachers, and teachers aren’t necessarily prophets, but I believe the same standard applies to all.  I am no prophet, rest assured, but I take this stuff really seriously and know I am going to be judged accordingly.  Teaching someone just a little bit wrong can have devastating consequences in the long run.

My brothers, do not be many teachers, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. For in many things we all offend. If anyone does not offend in word, the same is a full-grown man, able also to bridle the whole body. Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, so that they may obey us, and we turn about their whole body. Behold also the ships being so great, and driven by fierce winds, yet they are turned about with a very small rudder, where the impulse of him steering desires. Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. Behold how little a fire kindles how large a forest!

(James 3: 1-5)

For more on my thoughts on church governance and such, please read or listen to my sermon entitled Independence Day for America and Christianity.

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