Warning Every Man & Teaching Every Man

This month’s Pastor’s Perspective is delivered by Kyle Searcy,

In the journey of faith, the apostle Paul’s approach to nurturing the early Christian community was profound and practical. Colossians 1:27-28 reveals Paul’s two-pronged strategy: “warning every man and teaching every man.” This scriptural mandate provides a timeless model for spiritual instruction that is as relevant today as it was in the first century.

Teaching was the foundation of his two-pronged strategy. The Greek term “didaskontes” translates to teaching, a fundamental aspect of Christian discipleship.

Teaching is more than mere information transfer; it involves illuminating truths previously unknown or reminding believers of what they should steadfastly hold onto. Regular teaching occurs in most churches, forming the bedrock of spiritual growth and understanding.

Teaching is exemplified in Acts 2:42, where the early saints were established in the Apostles doctrine (teaching). This equipping process involves constant learning and application of God’s Word.

The counterpart to teaching, equally vital, is warning, or “nouthete” in Greek. This means to admonish or correct with a sense of urgency. Sadly, this aspect of ministry is often neglected in contemporary church settings, overshadowed by a cultural aversion to offending. Yet, Scripture does not shy away from this duty. Proverbs 27:5 declares, “Better is open rebuke than hidden love.” It acknowledges the necessity of correction for growth. Moreover, Ezekiel 33:8-9 speaks of the watchman’s role to warn the wicked from their ways, underlining the seriousness of this responsibility.

In today’s society, there is a palpable hesitance to speak out, often stemming from a fear of backlash or the desire to be politically correct. A 2022 Siena College opinion poll highlighted this tension, indicating that many Americans are self-censoring to avoid conflict. This prevailing sentiment has permeated the church, where the impulse to maintain a positive, non-confrontational stance has taken precedence. Consequently, the crucial task of warning is frequently overlooked, potentially leaving congregations ill-equipped to face moral and spiritual challenges.

Here are three practical areas where both warning and teaching must be applied:

1. Preparing for Trials and Temptations.
James 1:2-4 exhorts believers to consider trials joy because of the endurance they produce. Christians should be taught about the inevitability of hardships and warned that these are not just possible but assured. This knowledge helps in cultivating resilience and a steadfast faith.

2. Guarding Against False Doctrine
Galatians 1:8-9 sternly warns against deviating from the Gospel, even if an angel from heaven should declare it. Believers must be taught the core tenets of their faith and warned about the subtleties of false teachings that could lead them astray.

3. Correcting Unchristian Conduct
Matthew 18:15-17 provides a clear procedure for addressing sin within the community. The church must teach forgiveness and reconciliation but also warn against tolerance of persistent sin that could corrupt the body of Christ.

The balance of teaching and warning is essential for a mature and healthy Christian life. Both must be done in love, with the ultimate aim of presenting every man perfect in Christ Jesus. As stewards of God’s truth, it is imperative to reclaim the full scope of Paul’s method, ensuring that the church is a place of both comfort and correction, education and enlightenment. If you are in church leadership, exercise both. Teach and warn regularly. If you are on the receiving end of truth, receive both. Don’t jet when you are corrected. Embrace the correction and become better because of it.

Kyle Searcy serves as senior pastor of Fresh Anointing House of Worship in Montgomery. As well as being a skilled writer and well sought-after speaker, he is husband to the beautiful and anointed, Kemi Searcy. They are the blessed parents of four children and six grandchildren.