Introduction

When I first became a Christian, I got into a personal bible study on a weekly basis with the local preacher. We met once a week for over 15 years with the exception of illnesses, vacations, and other events that put us on hold until the next week. It was like being Timothy to Paul; a more seasoned Christian who was well-versed in the scriptures.

But I soon realized that he was not the only “Paul” around. As I surfed the internet for other faithful congregations, I soon realized that there were a lot of “Pauls” out there. Confused? Well, if so, I’ll clear it up right now.

Preachers-in-Training

In Bible times it was customary for a young man to associate himself with an experienced preacher to learn the basics of teaching and preaching Christ’s gospel. A variety of young preachers travelled with Paul: Silas, Timothy, Titus, and John Mark. The scriptures contain letters to both Timothy and Titus as instructions for young preachers. These letters are a benefit to us today since both were instructed to study and preach (2 Tim. 2:15; 3:16-17; 4:2,5; Titus 2:1-8; 3:8,14)

Even the apostle Paul, himself, was like young Timothy when he began. As Saul of Tarsus, after he was converted and began to preach in the name of Christ, he made his way to Jerusalem. And when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. (Acts 9:26-27)

Preacher-itis

Today, there is a larger choice of preachers to learn from and, just by reading some articles or listening to them preach, you can grow spiritually from different views of the same concept (1 Cor. 1:10).

Sometimes, when you limit oneself to a specific preacher, though, gives the tendency to follow that preacher’s beliefs and listen more to what HE has to say rather than what the scriptures say. This is especially true if you’re not in training to become a preacher. If you’re simply an individual who’s learning how to study and teach.

This is what some would call preacher-itis; a malady in which the man becomes more important than the Word of God. Oh sure, he might be preaching the truth from the bible; but when scripture is brought up in casual conversation, the preacher’s name is used more about what was said, then what the scriptures teach. They might say something like, “I agree with what Paul said, but here’s how Brother Miller taught me.”

Now, if that same preacher starts to lean away from the truth and begin to preach something not in scripture (1 Cor. 4:6), those with preacher-itis most likely will continue to follow him and fall into error as well. As Jesus said, “Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into the ditch? A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher.” (Luke 6:39-40) It is better to stay grounded in the truth, according to scriptures, and study with several men so as not to follow the path of man (Jer. 10:23). And, if that teacher starts to lean away, the student should point out his error from scripture. If the teacher is honest enough, he will accept the rebuke and repent. If not, then it’s time for you to find a new teacher.

If we don’t continue to study the scriptures for ourselves, we can become victims of those who would twist scriptures for their own agenda (2 Pet. 3:16). Denominational congregations usually trust their preacher to tell them what they want to hear. Rarely, do they get what they need to hear. You don’t see many members of these assemblies open their own bibles to follow along. They assume that the preacher is telling them what’s in the scriptures rather than searching them for themselves (Acts 17:11)

Too many denominational preachers refuse to change when they are taught the truth because, to them, the job that they have (and the paycheck) is more important to them. They not only condemn their own soul but all of those who listen and follow him as well.

Conclusion

Always remember that the bible is our sole authority for that things that we say, do, and believe. If you study with a teacher who doesn’t follow the pattern, then you need to find a new instructor (2 Jn. 9-11; Eph. 5:11).

Remember, it is your soul that you are responsible for, not theirs. You will have to give an account for the things that you do just as they will on the Day of Judgment. As Paul wrote, For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. (2 Corinthians 5:10)