The Weighty Call of Teaching God's Word

Devotional

Day 1: The Supernatural Task of Teaching

Teaching God's Word is not a mere academic exercise but a supernatural task that involves the eternal souls of individuals and the glory of God. It requires God's anointing and empowerment, as it is a divine calling that transcends human ability. Those who are called to teach must recognize the spiritual weight of this responsibility and approach it with humility and reverence. The task is not about personal ability or eloquence but about being a vessel through which God can work. This understanding should lead to a deep reliance on God for wisdom and strength. [09:33]

"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you rely more on God's empowerment rather than your own abilities when sharing His Word with others?

Day 2: Discernment in the Call to Teach

Not everyone is called to teach, and it is crucial to discern this calling with humility and reverence. Many are eager to teach without being truly equipped, leading to dangerous presumption. This eagerness can result in individuals taking on the role of a teacher without the necessary gifting or preparation, which can have serious consequences. It is important to seek God's guidance and confirmation before stepping into a teaching role, ensuring that one is truly called and equipped by Him. This discernment process involves prayer, seeking counsel from mature believers, and a willingness to submit to God's will. [18:48]

"Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, who has made us competent to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life." (2 Corinthians 3:5-6, ESV)

Reflection: How can you seek God's guidance and confirmation in discerning your calling, especially if you feel drawn to teach or lead in some capacity?

Day 3: The Weight of Judgment for Teachers

James 3:1 warns that teachers will face a stricter judgment, highlighting the serious responsibility of teaching God's Word. This is a sobering reminder that those who teach must do so with a deep sense of accountability and reverence. Judgment Day is a reality that should instill a healthy fear in those who teach, as it is not just about being saved but about being faithful to the calling and the truth of God's Word. Teachers must be diligent in their study and communication of Scripture, ensuring that they rightly divide the Word of Truth. [20:16]

"Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart. But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God's word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God." (2 Corinthians 4:1-2, ESV)

Reflection: What steps can you take to ensure that you are handling God's Word with integrity and accuracy in your teaching or sharing of Scripture?

Day 4: The Importance of Orthodoxy and Sound Doctrine

Teachers must be diligent in their study of Scripture, ensuring that they rightly divide the Word of Truth. This requires a deep commitment to understanding the Bible in its entirety and being able to communicate its truths accurately and effectively. The consequences of shoddy teaching are severe, as it can lead people astray and have eternal ramifications. Teachers must prioritize orthodoxy and sound doctrine, recognizing the importance of building a solid foundation on the truth of God's Word. This involves continuous learning, humility, and a willingness to be corrected and refined by the Holy Spirit. [22:15]

"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15, ESV)

Reflection: How can you deepen your commitment to studying and understanding Scripture to ensure that you are communicating its truths accurately?

Day 5: Faithfulness Over Ability in Teaching

The call to teach is a call to humility, diligence, and a deep reliance on God. It is about being faithful stewards of the mysteries of God, recognizing that the task is beyond human ability and requires divine empowerment. Faithfulness is prioritized over personal ability, as it is God who equips and empowers those He calls. Teachers must focus on being faithful to the truth of God's Word and the calling they have received, trusting that God will provide the necessary strength and wisdom. This perspective shifts the focus from self-reliance to a deep dependence on God. [39:32]

"Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful." (1 Corinthians 4:2, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you shift your focus from personal ability to faithfulness in your calling, trusting God to equip and empower you for the task?

Sermon Summary

In today's reflection, we delved into the profound responsibility and spiritual weight of teaching and preaching within the church. The essence of this calling is not merely about delivering a message or sermon but about engaging in a supernatural task that involves the eternal souls of individuals and the glory of God. This is not akin to preparing a term paper or a work presentation; it is a divine calling that requires God's anointing and empowerment. Not everyone is equipped or called to teach, and it is crucial to discern this calling with humility and reverence.

We explored the notion that many are eager to teach without truly being called or equipped by God. This eagerness can lead to a dangerous presumption, where individuals take upon themselves the role of a teacher without the necessary gifting or preparation. James 3:1 warns us that not many should become teachers because they will face a stricter judgment. This is a sobering reminder that teaching God's Word is a serious responsibility with eternal implications.

The discussion also highlighted the importance of orthodoxy and sound doctrine. Teachers must be diligent in their study of Scripture, ensuring that they rightly divide the Word of Truth. This requires a deep commitment to understanding the Bible in its entirety and being able to communicate its truths accurately and effectively. The consequences of shoddy teaching are severe, as it can lead people astray and have eternal ramifications.

Furthermore, we considered the role of judgment in the life of a teacher. Judgment Day is a reality that should instill a healthy fear and reverence in those who teach. It is not just about being saved but about being faithful to the calling and the truth of God's Word. The warning is clear: if you are not called or equipped to teach, it is better to refrain than to face the severe judgment that comes with mishandling God's Word.

Ultimately, the call to teach is a call to humility, diligence, and a deep reliance on God. It is a call to be faithful stewards of the mysteries of God, recognizing that the task is beyond human ability and requires divine empowerment.

Key Takeaways

1. The Supernatural Nature of Teaching: Teaching God's Word is a supernatural task that involves eternal souls and the glory of God. It is not merely an academic exercise but a divine calling that requires God's anointing and empowerment. [09:33]
2. Discernment in Calling: Not everyone is called to teach, and it is crucial to discern this calling with humility and reverence. Many are eager to teach without being truly equipped, leading to dangerous presumption. [18:48]
3. The Weight of Judgment: James 3:1 warns that teachers will face a stricter judgment. This is a sobering reminder that teaching God's Word is a serious responsibility with eternal implications. Judgment Day should instill a healthy fear and reverence in those who teach. [20:16]
4. The Importance of Orthodoxy: Teachers must be diligent in their study of Scripture, ensuring that they rightly divide the Word of Truth. This requires a deep commitment to understanding the Bible in its entirety and communicating its truths accurately. [22:15]
5. Faithfulness Over Ability: The call to teach is a call to humility, diligence, and a deep reliance on God. It is about being faithful stewards of the mysteries of God, recognizing that the task is beyond human ability and requires divine empowerment. [39:32]
** [39:32]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[07:24] - Spurgeon's View on Elect Children
[09:18] - The Supernatural Nature of Preaching
[10:52] - The Role of Seminary and Teaching
[13:08] - The Importance of God's Involvement
[14:20] - Soul Searching in Teaching
[18:48] - The Warning of James 3:1
[20:16] - Judgment Day and Teaching
[22:15] - Building with Good Materials
[23:29] - The Seriousness of Homiletics
[25:43] - The Impartiality of God's Judgment
[31:01] - The Responsibility of Teachers
[36:20] - The Value of Few Well-Qualified Teachers
[39:32] - The Reality of Spiritual Gifts
[45:56] - The Expectation of Faithfulness

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:

James 3:1 - "Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness."
2 Timothy 2:15 - "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth."
1 Corinthians 3:12-15 - "If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person's work."

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Observation Questions:

According to the sermon, what is the supernatural nature of teaching God's Word, and how does it differ from preparing a term paper or work presentation? [09:33]
What warning does James 3:1 provide about becoming a teacher, and why is this warning significant? [18:48]
How does the sermon describe the role of judgment in the life of a teacher, and what implications does this have for those who teach? [20:16]
What does the sermon suggest about the importance of orthodoxy and sound doctrine in teaching? [22:15]

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Interpretation Questions:

How does the concept of a stricter judgment for teachers, as mentioned in James 3:1, influence the way one should approach the responsibility of teaching within the church? [19:59]
In what ways does the sermon suggest that eagerness to teach without being truly equipped can lead to dangerous presumption? How can this be avoided? [18:30]
What does it mean to be a faithful steward of the mysteries of God, and how does this relate to the divine empowerment required for teaching? [39:32]
How does the sermon emphasize the need for discernment in recognizing one's calling to teach, and what role does humility play in this process? [18:48]

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Application Questions:

Reflect on your own life: Have you ever felt eager to take on a role or responsibility without being fully equipped? How did you handle that situation, and what did you learn from it? [18:30]
Consider the warning in James 3:1 about the stricter judgment for teachers. How does this influence your view of teaching or leading within the church? What steps can you take to ensure you are prepared for such a responsibility? [19:59]
The sermon highlights the importance of orthodoxy and sound doctrine. How can you commit to deepening your understanding of Scripture to ensure you rightly divide the Word of Truth? [22:15]
Think about a time when you relied on your own abilities rather than seeking divine empowerment. How can you cultivate a deeper reliance on God in your current or future roles within the church? [39:32]
How can you discern whether you are truly called to teach or lead within the church? What practical steps can you take to seek confirmation of your calling? [18:48]
Reflect on the role of humility in your life. How can you practice humility in your interactions with others, especially when considering roles of leadership or teaching? [18:48]
The sermon discusses the eternal implications of teaching God's Word. How can you ensure that your actions and words align with the responsibility of impacting eternal souls? [09:33]

Sermon Clips

I believe that this is one of the most fundamental beginning points in preparing sermons and preaching sermons, and it is for us to consider this matter. It is a supernatural matter. This is not like putting together a term paper in college. This is not like having to do a presentation at work. [00:09:20]

We are dealing with something altogether different. We are dealing with something that pertains to souls, to Eternity, to a spiritual realm, something that pertains to God. Look, any lost man can prepare a term paper, but not any saved man can even prepare a sermon and deliver it in a way that honors God. [00:09:43]

God has not equipped all men to do that, and he has given us no promise that all men will be equipped to do that. And he is the one who does it, and he doesn't say that if you go to seminary, then you can do it. He doesn't say that if you go to Seminary, Seminary produces pastors or seminary produces preachers. [00:11:41]

If God isn't involved in this thing, no amount of teaching, no amount of instruction, no amount of reading, no amount of homiletics, anything is going to produce something if God has not produced it. And look, it on that note, I think we need to start here. [00:13:46]

James 3:1, we have an inspired word from God that there should not be many teachers. And I want all your eyeballs to fall on that text because, look, let's make the connection. Preparing a sermon, standing in the Pulpit to deliver it is what teachers do. [00:18:42]

Brethren, we do not want to live our lives without thinking about Judgment Day as Christians. Every single thing we do, but I'll tell you this, James would have us wake up to a great reality that when it comes to teaching the word of God, you do not want to lightly tread on that ground. [00:20:09]

Judgment Day Has consequences. And Brethren, as we move along, I want to show you that you cannot say, well, you can say it, but you don't want to say it. Say what? You don't want to say, well, I'm a Christian, I'm forgiven if I tread on teaching ground and I'm not actually called. [00:20:29]

If you take it upon yourself to teach his word, you're being given a warning like this because what you have to answer for, look, I'll tell you, you go to handle God's word, you better tread on Holy Ground. You better walk there with the utmost of care. [00:31:49]

You do not want to run in to Preparing messages, preparing sermons, preparing Bible studies, thinking about how to deliver them until you first do some soul searching about whether God wants you there and God has prepared you to be there and God has equipped you to be there. [00:32:24]

The reality is, if a man or a woman does not teach, then they won't be judged for teaching. Now, it may be true that there ought to be somebody who ought to, I mean, somebody out there maybe ought to be teaching and is fighting the Lord. [00:33:01]

The general rule of the church throughout history, including in 2017 at GCC, is a few well-qualified men and women are far more valuable to the church than trying to multiply preachers and teachers of both genders throughout the church as much as possible. [00:36:20]

God does not equip everybody to teach and then tell us only a few should. God does not waste gift. If God gifts, God intends the gift to be used. If he tells the church not to be many, it's because he has not equipped many. We need to recognize that. [00:38:07]

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The Weighty Call of Teaching God's Word

Devotional

Day 1: The Supernatural Task of Teaching

Day 2: Discernment in the Call to Teach

Day 3: The Weight of Judgment for Teachers

Day 4: The Importance of Orthodoxy and Sound Doctrine

Day 5: Faithfulness Over Ability in Teaching

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

The Weighty Call of Teaching God's Word

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