Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

 ⁴¹  “Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?

 ⁴²  “Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye?  You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother’s eye.”  Luke 6:39-42.

In a small non-denominational church that I attended years ago, the Pastor would invite certain men of the congregation to preach when he could not do so.  I remember one man, a “Hollywood” type, who welcomed such opportunities.  He was handsome, dressed well, and could speak loud and clearly.  He was charming and witty.  But, he did not know understand the truth of Scriptures.  He was figuratively blind. 

And, the problem is, as verse 38 above states, a blind man will lead other blind men into the pit of false doctrine.  However, the Pastor seemed more concerned about either not offending this lay leader or about giving everyone a chance to preach. 

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.  Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being My priest.  Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.”  Hosea 4:6

Thus, first, we see the importance of understanding the truth of Scripture in  a Preacher or Teacher.

There is a difference between head knowledge and heart knowledge.  Someone may have memorized the Reformed confessions, even large parts of Scripture, and be able to answer any question.  He may think that he is smarter than his teacher.  But, when persecution or other pressure comes upon himself and his flock, will he react in a way consistent with such Reformed confessions and Scripture? 

Has the fire of sufficient experiences driven out the impurities in the Preacher or Teacher to make him like gold?  Can a metal be purer than gold, or should it be content to be pure gold?

There is reason for the Scripture calling for deacons to have such experience and not be “…a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil.”  1 Timothy 3:6. 

Verse 39 above, summarized by the statement “A pupil is not above his teacher.”, calls for humility in a Preacher or Teacher. 

“Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A slave is not greater than his master.’  If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you;  if they kept My word, they will keep yours also.”  John 15:20.

Thus, second, we see the importance of experience and humility in a Preacher and Teacher.  

The lessons of verses 41 and 42 about not being a hyprocrite seem so obvious.  Someone who preaches or teaches in a certain area should demonstrate by his own life a command over that subject.

For instance, it is almost laughable when we see fat personal trainers in a gym.  It is almost laughable when we see car mechanics drive their own personal car which seems to be struggling to proceed down the street. 

But, it inflames us in anger when we see strict Preachers and Teachers fall into the same sin in which they condemned so loud and which they showed no mercy toward members of their flock. 

If a Preacher or Teacher does not have a certain command over that subject area, would not it be better to let someone else (who has a demonstrated by his life a better command over that subject) preach or teach on that area, at least until that time when that Preacher or Teacher obtains a better command over that subject area?

Thus, third, we see the importance of not being a hyprocrite.   

James 3:1 provides a very sobering conclusion.  “Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment.”