Back when I was seeking God, before really giving my heart to Him, I had to refresh my knowledge about Him and His word because my perception was corrupted by new age and manifestation doctrine. There were a ton of silver linings that led me to twist the Biblical knowledge I had growing up and manipulate it so that I was more comfortable indulging in witchcraft. So, when I started to open myself back up to the Lord, I wanted to make sure I knew that I was being taught sound doctrine. Access to Biblical teaching has expanded since I was a kid. It’s not just Sunday Service, Sunday School, VBS, and Veggie Tales anymore. There have always been books, but now there’s more diversity in the writers and writing styles, helping readers connect and dig deeper. The Bible App is an obvious game changer, you’ve got devotionals and video clips galore! There are other Apps such as Pray and Glorify, as well. And while these are all great, there is still a conduit of teaching that is necessary for the growth of believers, and that’s a teacher.
Now I know that some of you think that you can have a relationship with God outside of church, but I’m here to tell you that I thought the same thing when I was fed up with church. I’m here to tell you that that thought is a lie.
Now I know that some of you think that you can have a relationship with God outside of church, but I’m here to tell you that I thought the same thing when I was fed up with church. I’m here to tell you that that thought is a lie. If we didn’t need a shepherd, we wouldn’t be sheep (John 10:27-28). If we didn’t need a leader, we wouldn’t be prone to follow God or others, for that matter. If we didn’t need pastors and good teachers of the word, we wouldn’t need Jesus. In Matthew 19:16, a rich young ruler inquired of Jesus, calling him, “Good Teacher”. If a ruler can recognize that they need good teaching, then we can only go so far without it. The question is, how can we identify a good teacher? First things first, I need to burst your bubble really quick. Just because they’re quoting scripture on TikTok and other social media platforms, doesn’t mean that they’re a good teacher! Juuuust because they are on the pulpit inspiring you in Jesus’ Name does not mean that they are a good teacher! We are instructed to test every spirit, that includes the ones that look good to the naked eye (1 John 4:1).
I’ve lent my ears to a corrupted word and false teaching a number of times, and it caused confusion and it certainly didn’t strengthen my faith or understanding. You can throw a scripture onto a 60 second reel, but the explanation could be completely out of context. You can hear a sermon that sounds great to you, but that might be because that word is serving your agenda instead of God’s. SO! Because I love you, I want to share some things that have helped me discern good teachers of the word in the midst of what’s out there:
1. They’re Humble
When Jesus was referred to as “Good Teacher” in Matthew 19:16, his response was profound. “So, He said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God.” (v. 17). In Matthew 23:7-9, Jesus also said that One is our Teacher and that the greatest among us is actually our servant. It’s the humility for me. To know that you are the Son of God, are without sin, and point goodness to God shows us that the source of his wisdom and authority on earth starts from a place of humility. To receive the revelation needed to teach others can’t come from a place of arrogance; teaching is an act of service, therefore humility is required.
2. They’re Responsible and Wise
A teacher should never take their role in the body lightly. James 3:1-3 says that not many of us should become teachers (serving in an official capacity), because we will be judged at a higher standard due to the assumption of greater accountability and condemnation if we were to teach incorrectly. Are you being taught by a student? Are they being discipled? How do they display responsibility over their flock? Do they practice what they preach and are they transparent about their shortcomings?
3. They Give Content and Context
Whenever you get a word, check for two things – is it backed up by scripture? Content. And what was happening during the time these scriptures were written? Context. Do your own research! Some pastors and teachers will explain what’s going on in the Bible, but it’s good to gain that understanding for yourself as well. Download the app, Blue Letter Bible right now and start to look up words in the Hebrew (OT) and Greek (NT) text for deeper revelation and understanding to enhance your study time and to ensure that what you’re being taught is being communicated properly.
4. They Don’t Teach to Please
Listen. I know we all want to just focus on the good things the Bible talks about. Prosperity, wealth, all that stuff that allows us to forget about the not so great realities of this world. The fact of the matter is that a good teacher doesn’t teach to please you, they teach in order to shift your perspective, open your mind, and check your heart. If you’re being taught about your personal prosperity and inheritance as a child of God more than you’re learning how to be a better giver to the poor, then there are some gaps in teaching. Jesus didn’t come here to please anyone but God, so, of course, he said things that hurt our flesh, but it’s never to condemn, it’s to refine us to become better image bearers.
I hope that this word helps you, and I pray that you will find yourself learning from the One, with the help of a good teacher. Be blessed.
