By Edward L. Roberts
When a man is hired by a congregation to teach the Word of God, this is what he is to do. He is to “speak the oracles of God” (1 Peter 4:11). He is not to add his opinion or subtract part of God’s Word, but to speak as God wants him to speak! Paul taught the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27). We are charged just as Timothy was in 2 Timothy 4:1-5. Are we teaching as we ought to?
How many sermons have been taught on gambling, drinking, smoking, sponsoring churches, institutionism, and other such topics? There used to be sermons on these topics by all ministers of God’s Word. Why haven’t these topics been taught on lately? Do we not realize that we are weakening the morals of the church? Young men entering the field of preaching never heard much on the sponsoring church, institutionalism, and how can they teach against it if they know nothing of it? I have already run into this problem. I was asked if I supported the masonry. I did not know what they were talking about. I never heard much on this topic.
A few of the gospel preachers are afraid to teach on these topics for some reason. Is it because we are scared of losing our jobs? Or is it because we can not teach on these things for we do it ourselves? Or we do not know how to teach (ignorant on these things) against them? We are to be ready to give an answer (1 Peter 3:15).
We are to study (2 Timothy 2:15), rightly dividing the Word of God, a workman not ashamed. Do we show that we are ashamed of God or can we truthfully say, “I am not ashamed of the gospel” (Romans 1:16). We are not to be told what we are allowed to teach by members or elders but by God. We are to stand for the truth even if it means dying.
Do I teach the whole counsel of God? If not, why not? Isn’t it about time I did?
Truth Magazine XX: 29, p. 450
July 22, 1976