Topical Bible: Truth: Ministers should Teach In

◄ Truth: Ministers should Teach In ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of truth is foundational in Christian theology and is emphasized throughout the Scriptures as a critical element of the Gospel message. Ministers, as stewards of God's Word, are called to teach and uphold the truth in their ministry. This entry explores the biblical mandate for ministers to teach in truth, drawing from various passages in the Berean Standard Bible .

Biblical Mandate for Teaching Truth

1. The Nature of Truth in Scripture: Truth in the Bible is often synonymous with God's Word and His character. Jesus Himself declared, "I am the way and the truth and the life" (John 14:6). This underscores the divine nature of truth, which ministers are entrusted to convey.

2. The Role of Ministers: Ministers are called to be faithful teachers of the truth. In 2 Timothy 2:15, Paul exhorts Timothy, "Make every effort to present yourself approved to God, an unashamed workman who accurately handles the word of truth" . This passage highlights the responsibility of ministers to diligently study and accurately teach the Scriptures.

3. Guardians of the Truth: Ministers are also seen as guardians of the truth. Paul instructs Titus, "He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it was taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it" (Titus 1:9). This charge emphasizes the importance of maintaining doctrinal purity and defending the truth against false teachings.

4. Truth as a Means of Sanctification: The teaching of truth is not merely an intellectual exercise but a means of sanctification for believers. Jesus prayed for His disciples, "Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth" (John 17:17). Ministers, therefore, play a crucial role in the spiritual growth and holiness of the church by teaching the truth.

5. The Spirit of Truth: The Holy Spirit, referred to as the Spirit of Truth, guides ministers in their teaching. Jesus promised, "But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth" (John 16:13). This assurance provides ministers with divine assistance in discerning and imparting the truth.

6. The Impact of Truthful Teaching: Teaching in truth leads to spiritual maturity and unity within the body of Christ. Paul writes, "Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ Himself, who is the head" (Ephesians 4:15). This growth is a testament to the transformative power of truth when faithfully taught.

7. Warnings Against Falsehood: Scripture warns against the dangers of false teaching and the distortion of truth. Paul cautions Timothy, "For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires" (2 Timothy 4:3). Ministers must remain vigilant and committed to teaching the truth, even in the face of opposition.

In summary, the Bible clearly mandates that ministers should teach in truth, emphasizing the importance of doctrinal integrity, spiritual growth, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Through faithful teaching, ministers fulfill their divine calling and contribute to the edification of the church.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Timothy 2:7
Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Nevertheless I Tell You the Truth; it is Expedient for You that I ...
... This is a universal truth, and is acknowledged by ... this, and if he undertakes to teach
religion, he ... V. In preaching the gospel, ministers should never use texts ...
/.../finney/lectures to professing christians/nevertheless i tell you the.htm

Exhortation to Workers and Ministers
... they are at all susceptible to the truth, your speech ... have a large number of texts,
but ministers make a ... of scriptures, but merely that you should present the ...
/.../cole/trials and triumphs of faith/chapter xxiii exhortation to workers.htm

Christ's Prophetic Office
... Lead me in thy truth, and teach me.' Psalm 25:5 ... to speak to us from heaven now, by
his ministers, as the ... God for your teacher, and that he should teach you, and ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/3 christs prophetic office.htm

Epistle Liv. Here Follows the Epistle of Saint Licinianus, Bishop ...
... to flattery or adulation, but to truth: for it ... hearing; baptism will cease, if there
should be no ... will cease which are effected through priests and ministers. ...
/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle liv here follows the.htm

Efforts at Unity and Peace.
... or the other party of the truth, and we ... its contents as correct, although they should
teach or patronize ... for publication, and that the other ministers of this ...
/.../bente/american lutheranism/efforts at unity and peace.htm

A Consecrated Ministry
... He should visit the people in their homes, talking and praying with them in earnestness
and humility. ... Let ministers teach the truth in families, drawing ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 34 a consecrated ministry.htm

Go Teach all Nations
... The wonderful truth that through Christ alone could remission ... We should lay hold
on His promise, and pray ... Christ intends that His ministers shall be educators ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 86 go teach all.htm

Meditations of the True Manner of Practising Piety on the Sabbath ...
... those forty days Christ appointed what ministers should teach, and how ... of the eighth
day, when Christ should arise from ... minds who cannot see the truth of it ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/meditations of the true manner.htm

The First Epistle. To all the Ministers of the Church Catholic.
... To All the Ministers of the Church Catholic. ... Be ye, according to the voice of Truth,
wise as serpents ... already mentioned is given, lest these too should be made ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the decretals/the first epistle to all.htm

The Ministry.
... MINISTERS WARNED ... to show us the hazards that Noah run while he preached the truth
of God ... This should teach us not to fear the faces of men; no, not the faces of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xxii the ministry.htm