Adrian Rogers said, “It’s bad to tell a lie and it’s worse to teach a lie; but it is monstrous to teach a lie about God.” The Bible has much to say about teachers. Let me point out several things.

Teachers have a sober assignment. Someone said, “Teaching is widely considered a serious and important responsibility, often described in terms of a ‘calling’ or a ‘mission’ rather than just a regular job.” Vance Havner said, “There are no trivial assignments in the work of the Lord.” Jesus commands, “‘Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’ Amen” (Matthew 28:19-20). This is indeed a sober assignment for all Christians.

Teachers need a sharper discernment. Hebrews 5:12-14 reads, “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. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” Charles H. Spurgeon said, “Discernment is not knowing the difference between right and wrong. It is knowing the difference between right and almost right.” 2 Timothy 2:15-18 reads, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness. And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort, who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of some.” Are you exercising a sharper discernment?

Teachers receive a stricter judgment. James 3:1 reads, “My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.” 2 Corinthians 5:9-11 reads, “Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences.” Luke 12:48b reads, “For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.” Be prepared for a stricter judgment.

Teaching is serious business. When false teachers abound, we need faithful teachers.

Dr. Franklin L. Kirksey, of Robertsdale, is the author of "Don't Miss the Revival! Messages for Revival and Spiritual Awakening from Isaiah.