Heaping Teachers

 Heaping Teachers

A Word on Learning from the Holy Spirit

"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears"--2 Timothy 4:3

The scriptures teach that in the last days we shall heap to ourselves teachers having itching ears, because we ignore sound doctrine and follow our fleshly desires.

This is referring to the believer and unbeliever alike.

We are perishing for lack of knowledge. We know it deep in our hearts. We know it in our souls and spirits. Something is wrong and we seek to know what it is. We seek anything to fill that gaping hole that can only be filled by God. (Hosea 4:6)

At the same time, we are surrounded by people who want to be important. They think they are the smartest one in the room and they often make sense or are so charismatic, that they seem wise or command respect. 

So we gather around these people having itching ears and desiring to hear from God through them, or anyone who can give us a spark of insight. These people are shiny. They transform themselves into angels of light. They teach works, and their end will be according to their works. They are from Satan. (2 Cor. 11:12-15)

But, the scriptures teach that God Himself, has gifted teachers and given them to us. ( 1 Cor. 12:28, Eph.4:11.)

A teacher from God is not the same as a teacher from man; or Satan.  God uses the base things to confound the wise. (1 Cor. 1:15-31)

But we are so eager to fill a spot or chase after some preacher or teacher who might not be from God.That we miss the real teachers from the Lord. We want the pretty thing, not the rough thing. We want polished, not the beat up clunker.

I'm not talking about learning a trade from a tradesmen. Although, we should seek to be led by God into that as well.

I'm talking about spiritual things.

So, how do we avoid the false teaching?

Jesus said that the Holy Spirit teaches us and leads us into all truth. (John 16:13)

John said that we have no need for any to teach us but the anointing will do it.(1 John 2:27)

James said, if we desire wisdom we can ask of God and He will give it.(James 1:5)

So, how does this work? Well, first we turn to God and confess Jesus as our Lord and believe in Him. We must be saved, have the Holy Spirit and willing to believe what He teaches and what the Word says. (Romans 10:9-10, Romans 4:3, Gal. 3:6, James 2:23, Luke 11: 11-13, John 14:16-17)

Then, we ask the Lord to teach us and guide us. (Prov. 3:5-8)

He will open up the scriptures to you. He will open up your mind, heart and life to learn from Him.

You will see things around you and in your life that will grow you and change you and teach you.

God will lead you to the church and the teachers and preachers He wants you to have. Listen to His Spirit as He guides you.

In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your path.

But, this takes time. 

 

After being saved, Paul went into the desert of Arabia to hear from God. Then after 3 years he talked with Peter, to make sure what he heard was correct. Then, he continued to learn from the Spirit for 14 years as he served.  Even then, he still made sure of what he was teaching. He already had head knowledge from his years as a pharisee. But, he needed heart knowledge, he needed Spirit knowledge, he needed brokenness.  This takes time. (Gal.1:1-24-Gal 2:1-10)

God calls his teachers and preachers as He sees fit. It is a burden. A calling. It's not something you get from a few classes. It's not something you get because you are important in the community and able to attract listeners.

Jesus said "I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me. But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.  I and my Father are one."---(John 10:25-30)

With so many voices around us, is it any wonder that we can't hear from God anymore? Have you heard His voice? Would you know it? Jesus says you will if you are with Him. Believe it.

 
How do we hear from Him? We listen to the still small voice not the earthquake or raging fire full of fear. (1 Kings 19:11-12)

Jesus said " If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?" (John 3:12)

Do you believe the hard things in His Word? Do you believe the crazy things in the Bible? Do you believe in six days of creation and one day of rest? Can you believe in talking serpents and global floods? If you can't believe that,  then how can you believe that He rose from the dead? (Romans 10:9-10) 

 

How can you believe He is coming again? How can you believe He answers prayer or will never forsake you? How can you believe there is an enemy, and how can you believe there are false teachers? Maybe even the one who preaches to you about works every Sunday.

He has given us teachers. But are we listening to HIS teachers? 

 

Like the leaders of Israel ignored and killed the true prophets. Do religious leaders keep the people in darkness today as well? Do we heap to ourselves teachers today thinking we are so smart, or so spiritual?

Ask the Spirit. Start listening to Him right now. We avoid false teachers by listening to the Holy Spirit.

Try it.

 

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 Bio: Chris Bunton is a writer, poet and blogger from Southern Illinois. He has published in several magazines, and has written a poetry eBook called “Against the Man” and an Addiction Recovery eBook called “Made Free: Overcoming Addiction“ His newest book is called “The Future is Coming” and is a collection of dystopian short stories.

Follow Him on Medium: https://chris-bunton.medium.com/

Follow him at Free Life Blog: https://myfreelifeblog.com/

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