QT 11 Jul 16, 1 Tim 6:3-4a, Teachers have an amazingly important responsibility

1 Timothy 6:3–4 (ESV) — 3 If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, 4 he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions,

NOTE: Teaching the word of God is a solemn responsibility. It is not to be taken lightly. God has given us the message and it is contained in his records, the bible. To teach other things beyond the word of God, as God's word, is to suggest that the teacher knows better than God what a person needs to live in this life. That person is puffed up with conceit, he actually thinks he knows better than God what is good for his students. I've heard people say the bible is outdated, which is the same conceited saying; as if God could not provide wisdom that is timeless. Paul also says, that a person who teaches extra-biblical knowledge as doctrine understands nothing, which is an amazing statement. Why? Because, God's word is the true foundation for life and a life that is lived outside of that foundation will fall far short of what God designed us to experience. We are wrong if we think alternate lifestyles will yield the abundant life we so desire. Only when we follow his handbook will we experience what he designed and created us to know and realize. God's teachers are the persons God has entrusted this responsibility. We must not fail to build up the body with sound biblical instruction.