QT 6/10/2021 Mal 2:5-8, The seriousness of teaching God's word

Malachi 2:5–8 (ESV) — 5 My covenant with him was one of life and peace, and I gave them to him. It was a covenant of fear, and he feared me. He stood in awe of my name. 6 True instruction was in his mouth, and no wrong was found on his lips. He walked with me in peace and uprightness, and he turned many from iniquity. 7 For the lips of a priest should guard knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, for he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts. 8 But you have turned aside from the way. You have caused many to stumble by your instruction. You have corrupted the covenant of Levi, says the Lord of hosts, 

NOTE: In context, God is referring to the tribe of Levi when it did what was good. I seriously doubt it referred to Levi himself (since he was a man of violence who slaughtered a whole town). Moses and Aaron and Samuel, to name a few, came from the tribe of Levi. I think he describes individuals who took their role (a member of the tribe of Levi) seriously and who trained the people in God's word. In that sense, these verses form a job description for a teacher or pastor (I am going to use the NT word 'elder' to avoid repeating 'teacher and/or pastor'). God provides life and peace, but the elder is expected to live in fear and awe of him. He teaches "true" instruction. No "wrong" instructions was found on his lips. Elders fall into this trap when they fail to teach the bible and instead try to match the bible up against culture. The elder walks with God and he helps others in their battle with sin. The elder guards knowledge -- what does that mean? Truth does not change. God's truth never changes. And elders should not change it to fit the times either. If an elder changes the truth or turns aside from the way, he will have a devastating impact on others, causing them to stumble, as was the case during the time of Malachi. It is a serious thing to teach the word. Elders need to do it properly and fearfully.

PONDER: 

1) If I am a teacher, do I take that role seriously?

2) If I am a teacher, do I maintain the authority of the bible or do I try to fit it into culture?

3) Do I recognize my impact on others such that I truly seek to do what is right and teach what is true?

PRAYER: Father, protect me in my teaching. May I always be serious and put effort into my classes ahead of time. Also, protect my lifestyle. Keep me from sin. Help me to grow in holiness. I need to fear you in the right sense. Give me grace and mercy. I desperately need it. Amen.