Why Training is Crucial for Bible Teachers

In many churches today, people are appointed as Bible teachers even though they are not properly trained in the Bible and its teachings. This is very dangerous, and the Bible expressly warns about the dangers of false teachings which come as a result of misinterpreting the Scriptures. For example, the Apostle Peter writes:

2 Peter 3:16 ... in which [letters of Paul] are some things difficult to understand, which the unlearned and unestablished twist unto their own destruction, as also the other scriptures.

The word “twist” here means to distort the meaning of the text. Peter acknowledges that there are some things written in the Bible which are “difficult to understand”. Why do some people twist those difficult Bible passages? It is because they are “unlearned and unestablished”.

What is the consequence that they twisted the Scriptures? “Their own destruction”. The word “destruction” is certainly not a pleasant word, but it emphasizes the seriousness of the matter. A person can only be saved if he believes in the true Gospel of Jesus Christ. However, if a Bible teacher twists the Scriptures, then his followers would not learn the true Gospel, and so they would not be saved.

Of course, a person who is not a Bible teacher can also twist the scriptures unto his own destruction. However, a Bible teacher who is himself “unlearned and unestablished” could cause not just himself, but also his followers to twist the Scriptures unto their destruction—which is far worse! This is why the Apostle Paul exhorted Bible teachers, “Watch yourself and your teaching. Persist in these things, because by doing so, you will save yourself and those who hear you.” (1 Timothy 4:16)

In other words, the salvation of a teacher and his followers depends on his ability to teach the word of God faithfully and accurately. That is a very heavy responsibility to bear! It is not wonder that James warns, “My brothers, may many of you not become teachers, since you know that we will receive greater judgement.” (James 3:1)

Even if a person has pure intentions in becoming a Bible teacher, he should still not become a Bible teacher if he is “unlearned and unestablished”. According to Peter, false teachers end up in “destruction”—not because their intentions were impure, but because they twist the Scriptures. Therefore, if a person is truly sincere about becoming a Bible teacher, he would seek to become learned and established before taking up the role of a Bible teacher.

Many people want to become Bible teachers because they enjoy the pre-eminence which comes along with the role. They like to be looked up to as the wise one who has all the answers. However, if they truly value their eternal lives and the eternal lives of their followers, then they would not take this matter lightly. Rather, they would seek to receive the necessary training before taking on the role and responsibilities of a Bible teacher.