In Paul’s second letter to Timothy, he urged him to preach the word at all times. This meant whether the time seemed favourable or not. It is sometimes useful to teach about things that are socially relevant. However, teaching the gospel is not to gain popularity in order to wet people’s appetites. Preachers and teachers need to be led by the Holy Spirit and commit to teaching sound doctrine. By sound I mean wholesome teaching and words which help to edify. Edification builds people up spiritually, helps them to grow and mature in God to fulfil their God given assignment.
Paul warns that in the last days, people will seek after teaching that suits their own ideas and fallacy. “For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions” (2 Timothy 4:3). How do you decide who to listen to and which teachers and preachers you can trust? Listen to those who teach the tangible word of God and help you to understand and interpret scriptures. The word of God should convict you of sin and spur you on to repentance and righteousness.
Some modern day teachers have become like fortune tellers, touting prophecies about world events. What is the purpose of their prophesying and teaching? Is it so that they can say that they saw it first, heard it first or had the most accurate prophecies? The bible says that the spiritual gifts are for the edification of the church (1 Corinthians 14:12). If God has called you, ordained you, anointed and appointed you, your gift will make room for you. The anointing on your life will attract people and God will create an audience for what you have to offer. In fact, God does not give you a gift and calling without sending you to an audience.
We are in a season where God will hold people accountable for their gift and assignment. Go where you are sent and speak what God has asked you to say. “For thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak. Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord”(Jeremiah 1:7-8).
A.P.-Y.
Devotional Inspirations 