Preachers and Teachers

You may not be a preacher but you will know one.

You may not be a teacher but you have heard teaching.

Keep commanding and teaching these things. (Amp)

Teach these things and insist that everyone learn them. (NLT)

Prescribe and teach these things. (NASB)

“Command and teach these things.” (1 Timothy 4 v 11 NIV)

The 5 simple words of the NIV translation are the crux of the life of the preacher/teacher.

Paul has just written about false teachings and deceptive spirits and instructions about godliness and discipleship. These are the ‘these things’ that Timothy is called to command and teach.

Paul is not asking Timothy to bring a little homily to God’s people. He isn’t recommending a style to follow. He is bringing a directive. Timothy should bring an authoritative call within his teaching. He needs to stamp spiritual leadership within his message. He is to command. The Amplified helps us to see this is an ongoing action, commanding. The NLT reveals that there is an insistence attached to this. The NASB shows us that the teaching from the pulpits is likened to the doctor prescribing what should be taken to get better.

Command. The Christian truths are not for debate or negotiation. Preachers/Teachers let there be an uncompromising proclamation of the message from God.

Teach. People need to be helped to see why these truths are true and how to apply them to their lives.

The privilege and the responsibility in being a handler of God’s Word is that:-

• We may not be popular; people have opinions and they have their truth; they will let you know at every opportunity. Settle your mind to accept that popularity will not follow you all the days of your life, but goodness and mercy will as you remain committed to preaching and teaching God’s Word.
• We must be humble; the authority given is not from achievement or qualification, but from God and His Word.
• We must give people not what they want but what they need; we must take them on a journey of discovery; for that, the authority of God must flow with the humility of our hearts.