| Pastor's Corner | ||||
| Week | ||||
MAY WE TEACH WITH AUTHORITY?
To read that Jesus taught with authority gladdens the heart. Of course, we expect that Jesus would teach with tremendous authority. The multitudes recognized the authority that Jesus displayed in His teaching ministry. The question is whether we too may teach with similar authority?
THE CONTRIBUTION OF THE PASTORAL EPISTLES
Paul wrote a series of 3 letters that well deserve the title "pastoral epistles." These were letters that were written to encourage and strengthen the ministries of two pastors in particular, Timothy and Titus. What Paul wrote to them has the quality of timeless truth in application. The issue of authority was one of the topics that Paul wrote about.
THE ISSUE OF AUTHORITATIVE TEACHING
It is necessary to have authoritative teaching. The following are some reasons why we need this kind of authority:-
1. To combat false teachings effectively
a) False teachings abounded even in the first century
b) False teachings must be refuted with all authority
2. To give confidence to both the teacher and the pupils
a) The teacher of God's word would be able to teach that much more confidently if he knows that he can teach with authority
b) The confidence of the pupils will also be greatly boosted if he appreciates the sense of authority in the teacher as he expounds God's word
3. Authority that may be exercised
Paul's admonition to teach with authority is well summarized in this text.
"Speak these things, exhort,
and rebuke with all authority.
Let no one despise you." Titus 2:15
a) Authority comes with appointment
Paul was most conscious of his own personal appointment to be a preacher, an apostle and a teacher of the Gentiles (Cf. 2 Timothy 1:11). He knew that his appointment came with authority.
b) Authority comes with the ministry
It follows that authority must go together with ministry! However, it would take much wisdom and experience to wield this authority effectively.
