They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm.
Summary: Teaching others is a wonderful calling and profession, if we are teaching God’s truth. For those who teach otherwise, there are consequences.
Now that we have discussed what evil actually is and have a better understanding of what the law is, let’s look at what it means to be a “teacher of the law.”
A law isn’t much good if nobody knows what it is. For example, if there were no law against murdering someone you hated or had a grudge against, there would probably be a lot more murders in this world.
By the same token, if there is a law against murdering people, but nobody has ever heard of it, murder will still be a problem.
The solution is to have certain people designated as a “teacher of the law.” These people are responsible for making the law known to the general public, as well as explaining the law and answering questions. (Enforcing the law is usually handled by others.)
The problem with being a teacher of the law is the authority that goes with the position. To have authority over people is to have power over them.
This takes us back to our discussion on “What is Evil?” People with power and authority are constantly confronted with a choice. They can choose to stay on the path of “good” and honor the intent of the law, or they can choose to use their power for personal gain (self-interest).
The path of “good” puts the well-being of others above the self-interest of the teacher of the law. A teacher of the law who places self-interest first uses their power and authority for personal gain at the expense of others.
Take, for example, a judge or magistrate. Their job is to enforce the law judicially. This means that part of their job is teaching the law to others. If a judge accepts a bribe to ignore the law and instead favor one party over another, they have chosen the path of evil.
Having this kind of power can be intoxicating to some. People who are drawn to power for the sake of having power over others see being a “teacher of the law” as a path to power instead of a service to God. There is a danger here for such people. God judges such people “more strictly” (James 3:1).
We must never forget: In the end, it is all about what God decides is good and evil, not us.
Application: Know God’s Word.
Food for Thought: How does being a teacher complicate the task of holding each other accountable (Hebrews 3:12-13)?
Good mediation!
How does being a teacher complicate the task of holding each other accountable (Hebrews 3:12-13)?
I think in addition to the temptation for a teacher to abuse their power there is also the temptation of pride-fullness. Because a teacher is expected to live the standards that they teach, they may hide personal failures to avoid disqualification or judgment from others. They may rationalize that it is more important to maintain the appearance of truth than actually living the truth. They may believe that because of their position they are “above accountability” and become closed off from others.
What I have just written sounds very villainous, so I want to say that I believe it is possible for a teacher or leader to behave in this manner without real intention. I have seen it in parents and military leaders, who where dedicated to teaching and building others up, but when it came to their own accountability, they were unwilling to admit a mistake because they believed that it was better for the other person that the “teacher” appeared blameless. It is very complicated because when others find out that the teacher made a mistake, and covered it up, they loose all confidence. Most people can forgive a mistake, but deceitfulness destroys trust. The whole point of serving the Lord as a teacher is to foster a closer relationship with God and walk in love with each other, not to attain a status or position.
Proverbs 10:9 Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.
I think the key point to remember is that we are all accountable to the Lord first. In our submission to the Lord, we walk the path of truth, love, and hope. I think this is where accountability to each other is found. Putting our own pride in the forefront leads us down a different path.
Thank you, Chris!
Very well said. I especially appreciated this insight:
“Most people can forgive a mistake, but deceitfulness destroys trust.”
That is an important distinction to make.
They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm.
Believers are born again servants of God.
All believers in Christ have been called by God, empowered by the Holy Spirit to die to self interest and live by faith as Jesus Christ ministers thru us, to the world around us.
Galatians 2:20, I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
Ephesians 4:22-24, that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.
James 1:22-25, But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; 24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. 25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.
Thank you, Ron!
“Believers are born again servants of God.”
That really makes all the difference, doesn’t it? 🙂