Now, these may seem very simple–at least to some of us–but it saddens me because I have observed over the years as a believer that the average African Gospel minister, who stands before people every Sunday as God’s vessel, cannot give a clear teaching about all this for his people to learn. It is because some of us never want to take the time to learn; to get that knowledge so we can pass it on with clarity to those we are entrusted to teach. And I am not talking about worldly knowledge that we get in universities, but I mean the knowledge pertaining to our Faith; the knowledge of our Lord Jesus.
One of the scariest things I have witnessed is how we have become so quick to shove unqualified men (according to the Biblical standard) into leadership positions, because they have money or just because they are available. Brothers, do we realize what is at stake here? To use the words of Pastor David Platt, “Let us stop ordaining leaders who have a low view of God and an uncertain, unclear understanding of God’s Gospel. Let us stop sending men who don’t know how to define, direct and defend the Church with doctrinal precision.” Brethren, all this lazy approach to Biblical truth will not be enough to sustain us in this modern anti-Christian culture. We say a lot about lukewarm believers, but what about lukewarm church leaders? There was a time when the church did not allow anyone to stand on the pulpit without going to a Bible school, and the reason was that they were trying hard to safeguard this chaos of the modern Church where everybody can declare himself a servant of God, with zero knowledge of that God. Just a clown standing on the pulpit to rip the Gospel into shreds and make a mockery of the Lord.
It seems like we would rather boast in the Spiritual gifts, that we are so anointed; so chosen by God yet how laughable it is that some of the ministers are known for copying sermons from the internet to use during Sunday service because they can’t craft unique sermons from their own studies? And guess what, our people are not fools; they can recognize that some of us are nothing but empty heads. It’s just that they won’t say it out. It’s embarrassing!
And speaking of gifts, there is no gift that is so lacking in the body of Christ than the gift of teaching. Somehow everyone wants to be a prophet, because it’s so easy to lie before people and say, “God said to me,” than for you to say, “the Bible says,” because you have taken time, and studied the riches of Christ in Scripture. Have you also noticed (I have) that most of the preaching today is so high on noise and emotion yet so empty of any mind-enriching knowledge? God’s people leave church still wondering what really the sermon was about. It’s that bad. And who says Christians must be mindless zombies? I mean, just think of the way people look up to us, as spiritual leaders, how they trust us to care for their souls. How some of them even support us financially and pray for us? Why then is it such a burden to repay them by “studying to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth” (2 Tim 2:15)?
How can you attain that knowledge?
1.)Scripture
The main reason why you will always have shallow knowledge about this Christian faith is because you underestimate that Book called the Bible. Start studying it! Genesis to Revelation, again and again. Study alone, study with your family, and participate in your church Bible study. By the way, why has this (Church Bible Study) also disappeared in most of our parishes? No wonder we are a people as we are.
2.)Sermons
The second means of growing in the knowledge of Christ is through other preachers. Expose yourself to a lot of preaching, I mean a lot. Concentrate a lot at church when it’s time for the Word. Go home and search the Scriptures for yourself. Download audio sermons online and listen through your earphones. I suggest you stay away from motivational, life-enhancement, self-help preachers who only pump the ego and but cannot inform the mind. Listen to Bible teachers if you want to gain Bible knowledge. I greatly recommend Steve Lawson, or someone like the late Tim Keller.
3.)Teach & Preach
Do you know that the greatest means of growing in this faith is when we are teaching others about this faith? The more you teach someone, the more that subject becomes clear to your mind. Do you see? This is the time we need more preaching from you, not less. Use whatever platforms the Lord has given you. If you are already a Pastor, such is an opportunity to bombard your Sheep with messages every day, nonstop. It will greatly expand your knowledge about our Lord.
4.)Other sources
Finally, I advise that you find knowledge everywhere and anywhere it’s available. As I wrote last time, you must learn to read books, study church history, listen to false prophets & Muslims, buy a Study Bible, get Christian documentaries, visit Gotqustions.org, download J Vernon McGee’s through the Bible, listen to James White Debate programs, watch Allie Berth Stucky’s podcast and whatever…Just get knowledge! Do not be a lazy minister, please.
Ending Remarks
Comrades, let people call us men of God because we are indeed men who give precise attention to the doctrines of Scripture, salvation and the Church until it is more precious to us than life itself. Do not be an empty vessel that makes a lot of noise, but be filled with the knowledge of Christ so that when you stand before them, you don’t have to make it up as you go, filling in the blanks with silly stories. But so that you will have something to say about God before God’s people. I will leave you to ponder on this verse...
Malachi 2:7 - For the lips of a priest should maintain knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth; for he is the messenger of the LORD of armies.
Sinothi Ncube
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