Beware Motives
Paul writes of the false teachers that "They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm. We know that the law is good if one uses it properly." (1 Timothy 1:7-8)
They want to be teachers, but they do not know what they're talking about!
Testing True and False Bible Teachers
I suppose only God knows somebody's true motives for anything. But beware of the Christian teachers who want to be teachers but don't know what they're talking about.
When I was inducted into my church as the pastor, Dr Patrick Thomas preached and gave a brilliant message, which I watch often to remind myself of that solemn and serious and joyful call to ministry he affirmed in me that day. He said in that message that we as a church don't believe in "SAPS" - Self Appointed Pastors! He said we as a church believe in vigorous training and formation, so that our ministers are trustworthy, and aren't the types of 'don't know what they're talking about'.
Why Motives Matter More Than Confidence
To be sure, the anointing of the Spirit is more important than book learning. There are some very effective ministers of the gospel who are not academic at all. I'm not suggesting that you need to be brainy to be a minister. I'm suggesting that the call to ministry is so serious, that you don't want somebody unqualified, who desires to be a teacher but doesn't know what they're talking about to be the one steering your ship.
Of course, at this point you might assume that I'm arrogantly asserting myself as a great leader and teacher. I'm certainly not. I have so much to learn and a long way to go. I certainly don't know everything and I would never imagine that I am elevated above anybody else.
I did train and study and pray like crazy in preparation for the ministry, and continue to do so, because as Jesus said "If anyone causes one of these little ones - those who believe in me - to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble! Such things must come, but woe to the person through whom they come!" (Matthew 18:6-7)
That scares the daylights out of me!
My motive is to help you discover the truth so that you can be a committed disciple of Jesus, and I study and pray very hard for that end.
Beware false teachers, who love being teachers but don't know what they're talking about, and haven’t gone through the formation and study needed for this important role.
Please, keep me in check! If I say something that doesn't align with the Word of God, take me on about it! I need that from you.
Find teachers and preachers who are called, anointed, and equipped by God for the role of pastoral ministry.
Share below in the comments why it is that you trust your pastor.
Paul cautions that some who want to teach the gospel don't actually know what they're talking about, so true ministers are tested by trustworthiness, not merely desire. Test the teachers and voices shaping your faith - are they truly trustworthy?