成為神話語的老師 Becoming a Teacher of God’s Word

成為神話語的老師

Becoming a Teacher of God’s Word

by Richard Lim

Translated & Edited by Joyce Yang 

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I believe many of us during our school days had teachers who made an impact and inspired us to make decisions that we never dreamt of. However, to be a teacher of God’s Word has greater graveness and responsibility because you are a spokesperson of God. 1 Peter 4:11 says that anyone who speaks for the Lord needs to “speak as it were the oracles of God” or “let him speak as it were the utterances of God.” This means that we need to faithfully proclaim what the Word of God says.

相信我們很多人在上學的時候，都曾遇過影響我們、激勵我們做出原本不敢想像決定的老師。然而，要成為神話語的老師，有更重大的責任，因為你是神的代言人。彼得前書4:11說：「要照著神的話語講說」，這意味著我們需要忠實地宣告神所說的話。

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James chapter 3 says that not many should become teachers. This seems counterintuitive and contradicting to the Hebrew writer who says that many Christians ought to become teachers and not remain as babes in Christ. Paul also said that God gave shepherds, evangelists, and teachers for the equipping of the saints. God wants teachers. He is not discouraging us, but warning us. Teachers will receive a stricter judgment, so they must take this role seriously.

雅各書第3章說，不要多人作師傅。這看似與希伯來書的教導相衝突，因為那裡說基督徒應當成長成為教師，而不是停留在屬靈嬰孩。保羅也提到，神賜下牧者、傳福音的人和教師，是為了裝備聖徒。神並不是不要老師，而是提醒：教師會受更嚴格的審判，因此必須嚴肅看待這個職分。

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James explains further that we all stumble in many ways, especially in our words. Teachers speak more, and therefore will be judged by more words. In Matthew 12:36–37, Jesus said that every idle word will be brought into judgment. The one who can control the tongue is a mature person. Therefore, it is not enough to have eloquence; a teacher must speak what is right, necessary, and edifying.

雅各書進一步指出，我們在許多事上都會跌倒，特別是在言語上。教師說得更多，因此也要為更多的話負責。馬太福音12:36-37說，人所說的每一句閒話，在審判時都要交帳。能夠勒住舌頭的人，是成熟的基督徒。所以，光有口才是不夠的，教師必須說正確、必要、造就人的話。

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A teacher must practice what he teaches. We must never teach what we ourselves are unwilling to obey. Romans 2:21 reminds us: “You who teach others, do you not teach yourself?” Teaching without obedience is hypocrisy before God.

老師必須實踐所教導的內容。我們不能教導自己不願意遵行的事。羅馬書2:21提醒：「你既是教導別人，還不教導自己嗎？」只教不行，在神面前就是虛假。

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The Bible also warns against teaching for honor and status. Some may desire to be teachers for recognition. But Jesus taught in Matthew 23:8–12 that true greatness is found in humility. He Himself set the example by washing the disciples’ feet (John 13:13–16). A true teacher is a servant, not one seeking glory.

聖經也警告人，不要為了榮耀和地位而教導。有些人渴望成為教師，是因為想被看見、被尊重。但耶穌在馬太福音23:8-12教導，真正的偉大在於謙卑。祂甚至親自為門徒洗腳（約翰福音13:13-16）。真正的老師，是僕人，不是追求榮耀的人。

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Paul instructed Titus that elders must stop those who teach for dishonest gain. Such teachers are like hirelings who flee when danger comes, unlike the true shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep. A good teacher cares deeply and goes the extra mile for others.

保羅在提多書中指出，教會需要制止那些為了不義之財而教導的人。這樣的人像雇工，遇到危險就逃跑；而真正的牧人會為羊捨命。好的老師，是願意多走一里路、真心關懷他人的人。

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As teachers, we must not only avoid false teaching, but also faithfully teach the whole counsel of God. Paul said in Acts 20:26–27 that he did not shrink from declaring the full will of God.

作為教師，我們不只要避免錯誤教導，也不能忽略該教導的內容。保羅在使徒行傳20:26-27說，他沒有避諱不傳神全部的旨意。

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Ezekiel describes the teacher as a watchman. If we fail to warn others, we bear responsibility. But if we faithfully warn, we deliver our soul. Teaching is not optional—it is a serious calling before God.

以西結將教師比作守望者。如果我們沒有警戒人，就要承擔責任；但若忠心提醒，就救了自己的性命。教導不是可有可無，而是在神面前嚴肅的託付。

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Finally, every Christian shares in this responsibility. Jesus commanded in Matthew 28:19–20 to make disciples, baptize, and teach all nations. Teaching is not only for a few—it is part of every believer’s calling.

最後，每一位基督徒都參與這個責任。耶穌在馬太福音28:19-20吩咐我們去使萬民作門徒、施洗並教導。教導不是少數人的事，而是每個信徒的使命。