A word to preachers and Bible teachers.

The Bible isn’t just an ancient text. It’s not even the greatest text amongst all other texts. The Bible has living words that bring life. When the Bible is preached and taught then people’s lives are transformed. Those without hope are given hope. Those who are anxious are given peace. Those who are sad are given joy. That’s true isn’t it?

Paul would say that the preaching and teaching of the Bible isn’t the guarantee for these benefits, in fact, it can bring the opposite.

“These are the things you are to teach and insist on. ³ If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, ⁴ they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions ⁵ and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.” (1 Timothy 6 v 2-5)

So what should we look for in a preacher and Bible teacher?

• They proclaim the instruction of Christ. That’s what Paul says. What comes out of their mouth came out of Christ’s, no change, no alteration, nothing to oppose it, no updates, it has to agree.
• In their communicating they are aiming for godliness. This is not some information sharing. These are the very words that carry true life to those who hear.
• They are known for their humility. They know they don’t know everything. They can be questioned and even challenged. They are a student first and a teacher second.
• They are not wanting to demonstrate how clever they are. Their only aim is to build others up not their own ego.
• Their preaching unites communities around the person of Christ.
• They are not preaching to gain for themselves in anyway, financial or other.

In an age of competing voices, social media platforms, and the pressure to be relevant, Paul’s words call us back to the primary responsibility of those who communicate the Bible.

Just don’t compete. But be consistent, faithful and true.