Author : Keith Sharp
We do not need educated people to be preachers and teachers. We may use men like Peter and John, who, though “uneducated and untrained,” had “been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13). When their hearts are filled with His Word, and their lives are directed by His will, Christ is within them (2 Corinthians 13:5; Galatians 2:20). We need men who, determined not to preach with “excellence of speech or wisdom” will simply proclaim “Jesus Christ and Him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:1-5). Such men are far more qualified to teach and preach than any hireling regardless of the number of college degrees he possesses. “Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?” (1 Corinthians 1:20).
Let a man prepare himself as much as he can for the Master’s service. Paul was well educated in both Greek philosophy and Jewish Scripture and tradition, and he used each to the furtherance of the gospel (Acts 17:28; 22:3), but he never let human tradition or philosophy determine the content of his message (1 Corinthians 2:1-2), nor did he ever seek the praise of men (2 Corinthians 4:5).
When speakers must be introduced as “doctor” and given the accolades the denominations heap upon their clergy, we have become one with the world and have abandoned the lowly Galilean, who, putting aside his robes, washed His disciples’ feet (John 13:1-5).
But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments. They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues, greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called by men, ‘Rabbi, Rabbi.’ But you, do not be called ‘Rabbi’; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren. Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ. But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted (Matthew 23:5-12).
