“You then, who teach another, don’t you teach yourself?” (Romans 2:21 HCSB).

DOES YOUR WALK MATCH YOUR TALK?

Paul warned those who taught the Word of God about the hypocrisy of applying it to others without first applying it to themselves. For just knowing God’s Word does not make one just. For it is the “doers of the law that will be justified” (Rom. 2:13). Therefore, teachers must be humble and not quick to judge, knowing that they too are sinners apart from God’s grace in Christ Jesus. For only Christ has kept the whole law without sin.
 
Teachers must also be aware that they will be held to a higher account because of their many words. As the apostle James wrote, “My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.” (James 3:1). Therefore, teachers must not only watch their walk, but be careful that their talk is always founded upon God’s Word and not man’s opinion.
 
Finally, a teacher of God’s Word must always remain teachable. For they are under the authority of the Word and not the other way around. For the Word is like a “mirror” (James 1:23), showing where repentance is needed.
 
PRAYER: Dear Father, as followers of Your Son, we are sent to teach the gospel to the world. As such, we are all teachers of the gospel. Strengthen us to both walk and talk the gospel, so that others see the holy consistency of it, empowered not by us, but by Your Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name, amen.