Truth Magazine

By Jeffery Kingry

The responsibility of the teacher of truth is a grave one: James wrote, “My brethren, be not many of you teachers, knowing that we shall be judged by a more strict standard” (Jas. 3:1). When men were chosen for public service in the church, Paul reminded them, “It is required in stewards that they first be found faithful. . .” (1 Cor. 4:2ff). A teacher takes the very souls of those he teaches into his hands. If he “handles the word of God aright” then he molds them into righteousness. If he, through ignorance or perverseness, teaches them anything but the truth “then both shall fall into the ditch.” In the work of the church it is imperative that only qualified teachers be allowed to teach our children, the new converts and babes in Christ, and to address the church in a teaching role.

In the Holy Spirit’s instruction as to the organization and function of the church, He gave us “evangelists, pastors, and teachers” (Eph. 4:11). The work of these elect men was “for the perfection of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the ultimate building up of the body of Christ” (Eph. 4:12).

As there are qualifications for elders-pastors-overseers-(1 Tim. 3; Tit. 1:5ff; 1 Pet. 5:lff), and for evangelists-preachers or ministers-of the Gospel (2 Tim. 2; 4:5; 1 Tim. 1:18; 5:21; 6:13), so are there qualifications for teachers.

Faithful

“The teaching which you have received of me in the presence of many witnesses, the same you must hand on to trustworthy men who shall be able to teach others also” (2 Tim. 2:1,2). A man’s first qualification as a teacher is that he be faithful: faithful in the discharge of his responsibility, faithful in his relationship to God in practicing the truth that he teaches, and faithful to the truth in the Word that he handles. Our word “faithful” is a translation of the Greek word pintos: “faithful, steady, dependable, sure, true.” The faithful steward was one who was consistent and constant in the service of his master. He was contrasted with the servant who neglected his duty and procrastinated while wasting his time in selfish pursuits (Matt. 24:35-51). The “on again-off again” Christian is not qualified to be a teacher of truth. The “Sunday morning attender” is not qualified to be a teacher of God’s word. The false teacher, the worldly, the one who lives to the flesh is not qualified to be a teacher. Faithfulness in living as a Christian is also a requirement. One cannot teach and not live the message he teaches from the word of God.

An Example

“In all things showing yourself a pattern of good works” (Tit. 2:7). “Have you persuaded yourself that thou art a guide to the blind, an instructor of the simple, and a teacher of children . . . why then, you teacher of others, do you not teach yourself” (Rom. 2:17-21)?

Example is the greatest teacher of all. A brother or sister who is knowledgeable and “apt” to teach is still not qualified to teach if he or she cannot control a lying, gossiping, or divisive tongue (Jas. 3:13ff). Even if one has an excellent intellect and the “gift of gab,” he may speak a good fight, but his fruit in temperance (Phil. 4:5; 1 Cor. 9: 25-27), sacrifice (Jas. 5:10,11), or spirituality (Rom. 12:2; Phil. 3:18, 19; Col. 3:2,5) will determine his qualification as a teacher.

Mature

“For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God. . . For everyone that uses milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil” (Heb. 5:12-14).

One can know “first principles,” i.e. baptism, faith and works, the resurrection, judgment, etc. (Heb. 6:1,2), and still be a babe. Babes in the use of the word of God are not qualified as teachers. The mature teacher is able to “speak as the oracles of God,” “giving an answer of the hope that is within him,” “holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince . . .” Inability to answer basic questions from the Bible or to direct people to the truth in any question of life is an indication of immaturity in the use of the word. “All scripture is inspired of God . . . that the man of God may be well-prepared at every point” (2 Tim. 3:16,17; Wms. Trans.).

Able To Teach

“The servant of the Lord must . . . be apt to teach” (2 Tim. 2:24). The requirement of practicality of all teachers is that they have the skill, or ability to teach. The word of God makes “manifest” or clear, open, and visible. Truth is light; it reveals. It provides answers to problems, gives direction and purpose. The teacher, however well-meaning, who is a confusing teacher, who obscures, who often is misunderstood, who makes questions instead of providing answers, who leaves people wondering what is right, and questioning what the teacher teaches, is not the kind of man the church needs to lead in a study of the Bible. “Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man” (Col. 4:6).

Do our teachers meet any qualifications? Do we require anything from a teacher other than that he be an adult and willing? Have we made any effort to qualify teachers for God-given responsibilities? We would not think of appointing unqualified elders, or supporting a preacher who did not meet God’s requirements. But, often we will push any body that is warm into a classroom.

Brethren, the church of the future depends on what is taught now. The concepts new converts will shape their lives by are being formed today. The children in each home are building a foundation for the life they will live as adults in the future. We need to be assured by the life and fruits of those who have responsibility for teaching that they can produce mature saints from responsible handling of the word.

Some Practical Advice

In a practical way these goals can be achieved by respecting God’s word and demanding that all teachers be qualified. It is not enough to wish the problem away. We can take those who are marginally qualified and train them. We can require a change in life-style or living from those whose example is slack. Do not look the other way when a teacher stands before your teen-agers talking about temperance, self-control, and godly living with a package of cigarettes in his shirt pocket. Do something about it! Demand that the church have some form of goals in its teaching, some form of qualification for its teachers. It is not a wise precedent to permit every teacher to choose their own material, substitute, and to permit teachers to teach for years with no form of observation or counsel.

Every child of God can be a teacher if he is willing to qualify himself for teaching others. It will require study and putting into practice what you learn. “By reason of use” men became proficient in handling God’s word-and ceased to be spiritual babes (grown by reason of time, but with the spiritual development of an infant).

Truth Magazine XIX: 55, pp. 874-875
December 4, 1975

By Don R. Hastings

Jeremiah, the weeping prophet, wept in great anguish aver the miseries that had befallen the Jews in the kingdom of Judah. Because of their sins, God had allowed the Babylonians, under Nebuchadnezzar, to defeat them. Many were slain and others were taken captive to dwell in Babylon. The Babylonians marched three times against Judah before the temple and the kingdom were completely destroyed. It seems to have been during this time that Jeremiah wrote the book of Lamentations. After mentioning the great distress of the Jews, and the pitiful condition of Jerusalem, Jeremiah asked, “Is it nothing to you, all ye that pass by?” (Lam. 1:12). He was asking, “Can you be so indifferent that you feel no sorrow when you look upon the deplorable condition of the people and Jerusalem?” As for himself, he was heart-broken and wept with grief that was inconsolable (Lam. 1:12). He was like His Savior, who many years later wept over the indifference of the Jews (Lk. 19:41-44).

“Indifference” is defined as, “lack of concern or interest” (Webster’s New World Dictionary). It is apathy, disinterest, listlessness, inactivity. A person who is indifferent just does not care because he is neither for nor against. He is lacking in feeling or emotion.

There is still a great deal of indifference both in the world and in the church. It is a sinful attitude which gives birth to many other sins. Nothing hinders the cause of the Lord more than the soul-chilling indifference seen in so many places. Are you indifferent in the Lord’s service? Examine yourself. In the first part of this series, we will study the causes of indifference. In the article to follow, we shall be concerned with the fruits of indifference and the remedy for it.

Indifference Is Caused By: Ignorance Of Truth (John 17:17)

Many simply do not know what God expects of them because they have not studied His Word (Eph. 5:17). They are ignorant because they do not possess a love for the Truth (2 Thess. 2:10-12; Mt. 5:6).

A Failure To Be Genuinely Converted

Many show by their actions that they never really repented for they are still engaging in the same sinful activities that they practiced before becoming Christians (Acts 3:19). These still have a love for the world which is forbidden (1 Jn. 2:15). They need to realize that they have been translated “out of the power of darkness” and act accordingly (Col. 1:13). Those who have put on their Lord in baptism are not to be of this world (Jn. 15:19; 17:14,16). However, some are still conformed to this world; thus, they show their lack of genuine conversion (Rom. 12:1,2).

Some, who were once members of a false religion, still hold to some of the false concepts they were taught. For example, some who have been baptized into Christ for the remission of their sins will tell you they think there are saved people in denominations. I had one member to defend his irregular attendance on the grounds that he had been irregular in attendance while a member of the Catholic Church. Sadly, I have found that many feel limited service on their part is acceptable with God.

Lack Of Love For God

Indifference can be caused by a lack of love for God, which results in a lack of knowledge and obedience (Jn. 14:15; 1 Jn. 2:3). Those who do not love God with their whole heart are either ignorant of what God has done for them, or else they are ungrateful (Jn. 3:16; Rom. 1:21).

Fear Of What Others Might Say Or Do

True, the world does frown on those who are zealously doing the Lord’s work. We must not let those in the world discourage us by their contemptuous remarks (Mt. 10:27, 28; Lk. 6:22; 1 Pet. 3:14). Since they do not know Christ, it is not surprising they fail to understand His followers. Let us remember that the fearful will be lost (Rev. 21:8).

The Desire To Seek The Way Of Ease (Amos 6:1)

The “unprofitable servant” was cast out because he was fearful and lazy (Mt. 25:24-30). The Way that leads to eternal life is “narrow” and difficult. It takes effort to walk in it (Mt. 7:13,14; Lk. 13:24). Those who want to drift along will find themselves in the broad way that “leadeth to destruction.” The Lord never sought the way of ease or the path of least resistance.

The Feeling Of Self-Satisfaction

It was this feeling that caused the church at Laodicea to be “lukewarm” (Rev. 3:16,17). The rich farmer was satisfied, but God called him a fool (Lk. 12:20). The self-righteous Pharisee was satisfied, but he was not righteous before God (Lk. 18:9-14). We should not be satisfied until: (1) we have become “holy in all manner of living;” (2) all in the church are strong in the faith; (3) and, all in the world have heard and obeyed the Gospel.

Indifference On The Part Of Others

I know of nothing that will kill zeal and enthusiasm faster than for some brethren to show disinterest in the work by saying that the work under consideration is not worth the effort. Let us spread zeal, not indifference!

Conclusion

In conclusion, you can not be indifferent and zealous at the same time (Tit. 2:14). You can not abound in the work of the Lord and be indifferent in His service (1 Cor. 15:58). Many want the “crown of life,” but are not willing to run the race to obtain it (Heb. 12:1). Many want the crown of victory, but are not willing to “fight the good fight of faith” (1 Tim. 6:12). Are we “slothful” or “fervent in spirit; serving the Lord” (Rom. 12:11)?

The difference between those who stand upon the right hand of the Lord, and those who stand upon His left hand, is that those on the right hand “did” and those on the left hand “did not” (Mt. 25). It is not enough to abstain from those things forbidden, but we must, also, do that which is required! Those on the left hand were not charged with doing things that were forbidden, but with not doing the things that were required. Are you busy doing God’s Will (Mt. 7:21)?

Truth Magazine XIX: 55, pp. 872-873
December 4, 1975

By Wallace H. Little

Note Jeff Kingry’s article, “Are Your Responsibilities `Corban?’ ” in Truth Magazine, Vol. XIX, No. 38, August 7, 1975, p. 13 beginning. He dealt with neglect of families by preachers who spend a good portion of their days away from home in meeting work, or become so involved in their work locally as to leave little time for their families. I want to put in some additional comments.

This applies to more than just preachers. Perhaps more than others, I was in a position to understand this. I was converted after spending 14 years in military service and continued therein another 14 years until my retirement in 1970. The military necessarily imposes restrictions on a man’s time, including periods of enforced separation from home and family. Over the years, my family has endured many. They were measured in weeks, sometimes months and once I was gone for a year. My wife and I understood and accepted these as necessary, but I could see the uncomfortable results on returning each time. In spite of her best efforts, she had additional problems, some generated simply because I was away, and others while normal, should never have been her lot to endure and solve. Since retirement, I have spent a minimum of time away because I have “seen the other side.”

This is not to disparage the importance of gospel meetings nor the urgency of taking the gospel of salvation to the lost wherever they might be. It is to say, while we have this responsibility, we also have the one of taking care of those God has entrusted into our keeping, and this is our primary concern.

Jeff made an excellent point and sounded a needed warning. We ought to pay heed to it.

Truth Magazine XIX: 55, p. 872
December 4, 1975

By Dennis L. Shaver

The title of this article may appear humorous. However, that which prompted such a title is not! For many years we have watched as some “professed” congregations of the Lord engage in unscriptural activities. When called into question about their practice many will state: “Where did God say not to?” This attitude shows them to be no better than any denominational with the same ideas toward the Word. I know this is heart-breaking to any faithful child of God. Most of these congregations will state, “We speak where the Bible speaks, and are silent where it is silent.” But, like the denominations around us, they say one thing and do another. Such is what I am writing about.

This article is not written to “pick apart” any one congregation, nor to find fault just for the purpose of finding fault. It is written because of the attitude some professed brethren have concerning the authority of God’s will. I am deeply concerned over many of the activities some of my brethren engage in. Whenever I talk to members of denominations I always ask them for book, chapter and verse. It seems that Christians would surely understand this question, and be glad to reply to it. Therefore, I simply want to ask the question, Why, and Where is the Authority?

The following is an advertisement for a “church of Christ” in this area. “On _______, following Bible study, we invite you to come and feast on the largest banana split in the world.” I guess I should be thankful they put study first and the banana split second. It is just this kind of promotion that concerns me. I have seen the denominations try to top one another in getting people to attend their church. I have even come to expect such behavior from them. But I did not expect such “goings on” within a church of our Lord. From what I have heard about this “banana split,” I assume the church is going to pay for it out of its treasury. I have only one question. Where does the Bible authorize such a practice? I am not asking for much, just one command, example, or necessary inference that would teach the church to use its treasury to buy a banana split. If this is such a good idea I wonder why the apostle Paul and other men of the New Testament did not use such “gimmicks” go teach the truth.

When people of God (Christians) quit asking for and looking for Bible authority in their practices, they are no better than a denomination. In New Testament times the gospel was for young and old alike. The apostle Paul taught that the power was the gospel (Rom. 1:16). I am truly sorry to see so many churches being concerned with drawing numbers. It seems as if many are no longer concerned with spiritual conversion to Christ. The day it takes a “Super Banana Split” to interest people in the gospel of Christ is the day I shall quit preaching. I have found that preaching the simple and pure gospel of Christ creates much interest. The reason is simple. It is something that is not heard very often. If individual Christians would spend more time in preaching to the lost, we would not have time to dream up such side shows as “banana splits.” Someone once said, “An idle brain is the devil’s workshop.” I am afraid that many of my brethren are too idle in the word of the Lord.

Truth Magazine XIX: 55, pp. 871-872
December 4, 1975