IBOGIRLLIVING

 DAY 4: PRAY AGAINST THE IDOL OF THE TEACHER

ANCHOR SCRIPTURE: DEUTERONOMY 13: 1-5

Who is a Teacher?

Webster's Dictionary defines a teacher as 'one who teaches or instructs; one whose business or occupation is to instruct others, an instructor, a tutor'. It also defines the teacher as 'one who instructs others in religion, a preacher, a minister of the gospel; sometimes one who preaches without regular ordination'.

Ephesians 4:11-12 lists the teacher as one of the gifts that Christ gave to the Church aka people. Along with the Apostles, the Prophets, the Evangelists and Pastors, a Teacher's responsibility is to equip God's people to do His work and to build up the body of Christ. 

Many people have managed to make these teachers of the gospel their idols, unable or unwilling to make decisions without first seeking their input or approval. There is nothing wrong with honoring men or women who have been mandated and anointed by God to build us up in the faith but when they replace God in our lives, then it becomes idolatry. As ministers representing God on earth, these men and women have a duty to lead God's people like Christ did to the truth. This role is a very delicate and sensitive one because God's punishment is severe towards any who mislead His Bride (see Jeremiah 14:14-16) and even to any who believe their teaching (see also 2 Peter 2: 1-22).

Question: Is Hearing From Your Pastor/Preacher More Important To You Than Hearing From God?

1 John 4:1 tells us to test the spirit to see whether these teachers or ministers are actually from God, sent by Him to equip the saints. 2 Timothy 4: 3-4 even points out that a time will come when there will be some who no longer want to listen to wholesome teaching but will instead look for teachers who will tell them whatever they want to hear and that they will reject the truth and chase after myths.

It can therefore not be overemphasized for us to be very careful and spiritually sensitive when listening to any who claim to teach in the name of the Lord so we do not make them idols. Even I need to be careful and mindful about what I write here because I do not wish to mislead any and therefore incur God's wrath /punishment. Also, we should learn to seek God for ourselves so we do not become one of those who reject the truth and seek out teachers who only tell us what we want to hear rather than what the Word of God says.

Scripture recognizes that there are lots of false prophets in the world so when we start making statements like "My Pastor said this" or "Mummy G.O said not to do that" , make sure you also ask yourself "What Does God Say?" because God can speak directly to you too. The problem with many of us is that we want other people (aka our pastors, preachers or teachers) to pray for us, talk to God on our behalf and seek His face for us when the Bible makes it clear that we will find Him if we seek Him. 2 Chronicles 15: 2 says "The Lord will stay with you as long as you stay with Him! Whenever you seek Him, you will find Him..." The key words to note here are  if YOU seek Him, not if your pastor or teacher does, then YOU will find Him. The Bible even says that we do not need anyone to teach us the truth because that is what the Holy Spirit has come to do (see 1 John 2: 27).

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, I am thankful for all the teachers who you have sent to build me up in faith and to equip me for Your purpose. I recognize that many of them have been anointed and sent by You so help me to honor them but never to make them idols or to take Your place in my life. Open my spiritual eyes and ears so I may see and know when a false teacher is speaking that I may guard my heart and flee from them. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life and I can not get to You except I come through Him. Today, I ask for your Holy Spirit to teach me Your truth, re-route and re-direct my steps back to Your loving arms through Christ. In Jesus' Name. AMEN

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