It is so important to know that there is only ONE authority that tells us what is right and what is wrong.  That is God’s Word, the Bible!  We read in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 that, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”  This means that the Word of God was inspired by God, Himself, and it is His Word that tells us what is right and what is wrong…doctrinally and morally.  We also read in 2 Peter 1:21, “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” 

We are thankful for the gift of ‘teachers’ that the Lord has given to the church.  We read in Ephesians 4:11, “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and TEACHERS.”  Certainly, one of the greatest teachers the Lord has provided for us was Paul, the Apostle.  We read his words in 1 Timothy 2:7, “Whereunto I am ORDAINED A TEACHER, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.”  Even this blessed teacher encouraged others to authenticate his teachings by the Word of God.  We read in Acts 17:10-11, “And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and SEARCHED THE SCRIPTURES DAILY, WHETHER THOSE THINGS WERE SO.” 

ALL who teach are obligated to rightfully divide God’s Word so they may teach correctly.  Indeed, all believers are given this responsibility in 2 Timothy 2:15, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”  How can I possibly discern whether what I am being taught is scriptural or not if I do not study the scriptures myself?

All men are fallible, including the Pope, priests, and ministers.  We are warned against listening to those who simply do not know what they are talking about.  We read in 1 Timothy 1:7, “Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.” We are warned against listening to those who are lying to others.  We read in 2 Peter 2:1, “But there were FALSE PROPHETS also among the people, even as there shall be FALSE TEACHERS among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.” 

How can we determine who is teaching the truth and who is teaching false doctrines?  We, ourselves need to learn God’s Word so we can discern the true from the false.  While some things seem to be correct, it is only by knowing God’s Word that we can determine what is scripturally correct.  Charles Spurgeon once said, “Discernment is not knowing the difference between right and wrong. It is knowing the difference between right and almost right.”  Let us all heed the words of our Lord Jesus in John 5:39 where He tells us, “Search the scriptures…”  (CC)  (598.4)