Imagine how astute America's sons and daughters would be if its math teachers simply proclaimed how important mathematics are without ever teaching mathematics. Although empirical evidence of math's existence would cover billboards, be interjected into children's songs, made mention of on TV, and argued over; nobody would be proficient at math. But hey, "At least America would know what math is." Moreover, how competitive would America be against a mathematical superior superpower such as China? So, what is the difference between one who proclaims math and one who teaches math. The answer is in their product. The same argument holds true when speaking of Biblical teachers and preachers. In other words, preaching is mentioning what the Bible says whereas teaching explains why the Bible says it. Over the past several months, I have listened to many preachers under the guise of a teacher proclaiming scripture so far from what the author intended to convey; their application seemed out of a completely different book because the premise was certainly not the authors'. Preaching is necessary for the under preached. However, America is an over preached under taught society who cannot defend itsef against the adversary-Satan.
Saying a student's education level depends on what school he or she attends is a safe assumption. If one attends a school of culinary arts then he or she will know about cooking but that does not make them a cook. One attending police academy will learn about law but that does not make him or her a knowledgeable police officer. The same concept holds true to denominational churches. Because one attends seminary; that does not mean he or she is doctrinally sound or that he or she is a teacher. Attending school means you have some knowledge on the subject. However, how sound was the formal instruction? My point is because one holds formal knowledge; that does not mean what he or she shares is truth; nor does that mean he or she is qualified. For you "teachers" out there, you say you are a teacher. Well let us see how you compare to the definition.
A "teacher's" (notice I am holding the word in quotations) speaking style defines him or her; not what he or she defines themselves as. Let me first clarify how the word "preach" has evolved. All my definitions are from the Oxford English Dictionary. The original meaning of preach was to proclaim-to announce or declare in an official or formal manner or to utter a serious or earnest exhortation. Preach now has evolved into," You must apply the Bible to the congregation because the Holy Spirit is unable to even if that involves taking scripture out its context." Now let me define teach. Teach (abbreviation of teacher): One who or that which teaches or instructs; an instructor; also fig.; spec. one whose function is to give instruction, esp. in a school. The key difference is in the declare/exhort vs. instruct. Therefore, there is a difference between teach and preach.
A preacher is spotted a mile away because the preacher will sermonize each verse. Yes, the Bible can be preached verse by verse. Whereas, a teacher will instruct others what the Bible says, whom the Bible is written to, why the recipients are addressed, and what the author means. Now tell me, are you preached at or instructed?
No comments:
Post a Comment