Who is leading you into all Truth? Part 4

When I first started this series off I quoted some scripture and I took my time in posting so you would have a chance to check the scripture for yourselves. And again I want to state that the only thing that really counts here is God's word. That needs to be the final authority in your life, certainly not me.

Lets talk about teachers now
1John 2:27 "27 But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him."
Does that mean we don't ever need anyone to teach us the word of God?
Of course not.
But it does mean that the Holy Spirit will let us know if the teacher is telling us the truth or not and we are encouraged in the Bible to be faithful like the Bereans.

Acts 17:11 "11 These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.

Should teachers be paid? Read 1 Corinthians 9 for the answer to that and Paul in verse 14 stated
"14 Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel.
Very strong words. The Lord commanded us to pay our teachers who preach the gospel.
So I guess I need to ask you why don't we pay our Sunday School teachers?
Now I do realize that Paul decided for himself that he would not take pay but rather preach the gospel for free and so Paul could be free of all men (verse 19). You had better believe Paul was not preaching to felt needs or itching ears.
But Paul decided to preach for free on his own not because the church decided for him.
That is one small example of how corrupt our system of church has gotten.
Where we obey the words of men and pastors get wealthy and the poor and naked go without.
So why do we need teachers?
We need teachers so we won't need teachers.
Sound confusing?
Let me explain.
The purpose of any kind of teaching is so we can reach maturity as a Christian.
The problem is we are turning into pew sitting, entertainment driven,felt needs, thumb sucking babies who never grow up.
SHADES OF PETER PAN!

God expects us to grow up and be mature its when you are staying in a state of immaturity as a Christian that you constantly need a teacher.
Heb 5:12
"12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food.
If your not growing and choosing to remain in the world it could be for several reasons.
I'll just list a few.
1. Your not saved. Even though you attend church on a regular basis you don't yet have the Holy Spirit the one who leads you into all truth.
2. Your teacher or preacher is not saved. Scary thought but if a congregation is not growing in maturity and wants to remain in the world and enjoy its carnal pleasures. The one who teaches you is either not saved or not allowing the Holy Spirit to lead them into all truth.
3. Your church resembles the world. Saddleback, Willow Creek and the churches they franchise resemble the world in which God word states is our enemy and commands us not to love. (1 John 15). No chance for growth here.
And what I believe is the number one reason for lack of growth and not knowing Gods will in your life is this.

John 3:30
30 He must increase, but I must decrease.

Our egos and personal agendas very often get in the way of Gods will for our lives.
How do we tell them apart?
Remember folks Paul thought he was doing God's will when he was out murdering Christians.

So why is it we are continually told in our churches that we need to seek God's will in our next building program or seek Gods will in how to give etc..
Where is the truth in that?

I'll cover that in the next article