Wise Men Speak Sound Words

Wise Men Speak Sound Words

A distinguishing feature of our humanity is our ability to communicate. To do that our principal instrument is words. Paul urges us to use "sound" or healthy words when we teach God's Word. To Titus he wrote, use "sound speech that cannot be condemned" (Tit. 2:8). Timothy was urged to "hold the pattern of sound words which thou hast heard from me..." (II Tim. 1:13). When a teacher uses wrong words, or those with dubious meanings, they can cause confusion or mislead the hearers. Peter encourages those who speak the gospel message to speak as the oracles of God (I Pet. 4:11).

With these divine exhortation in mind, our fathers in the faith shunned the confusing jargon of denominationalism that was current in their day. They resolved to "call Bible things by Bible names." We would do well to continue this practice. Clarity in communication is essential if we hope to teach and influence others. Paul made it clear that it was better to speak five words with understanding that others can be instructed than ten thousand words unrecognized by our audience (I Cor. 14:19). Below are a few of the common terms and phrases that are often misused

Pastor. This is the common term to identify preachers. In spiritual application the Bible only uses the word in when referring to elders (Eph. 4:11, I Pet. 5:1-2). Those who preach the Scripture identifies as preachers, evangelists, ministers and men of God. We should note that distinction. Elders are overseers of the church, preachers are not.

Father. This is used by Catholic and Orthodox believers to refer to their ministers. The Bible strictly forbids its use for religious teachers (Matt. 23:9).

Reverend. This honorific title is given to and accepted by most religious leaders of the denominational world. We note that neither Jesus or the apostles wore such exalted titles. We are to follow their examples (I Pet. 2:21; I Cor. 11:1). The Jews had a similar practice, calling their teachers Rab, Rabbi and Rabboni. Jesus said "be not ye called Rabbi" (Matt. 23:8). He goes on to explain, for "all ye are brethren." Thus we refer to each other as brother or sister.

Priest. Catholics are taught to speak of their ministers as their "priests." Only clergy are given this standing. But the Bible makes it clear that every Christian is a member of God's "holy priesthood" (I Pet. 2:5, 9). There is no distinction between those who teach and those who are taught.

Clergy. The world views all who devote themselves wholly to leadership roles in churches as clergy. The word is not found in our English Bibles. The Greek word kleros is used by Paul in Ephesians 1:11. It is translated "a heritage." It refers to all Christians.

Called to preach. All denominational bodies believe that to preach, a man must receive a special call from God instructing him to do so. This alleged call puts him in a separate class called clergy and he is considered reverend. Every Christian is "called to Christ" through the teaching of the gospel (II Thess. 2:14). Thus every man who preaches was called to be a Christian, just like every other Christian. The Bible does not indicate that God issues a supernatural call to individuals for preaching. This practice is much abused and those who think such a call is necessary are often tempted to invent exaggerated stories of their alleged call. God gives some men speaking and leadership talents. He provides opportunities for them to use them. Churches invite them to serve them. But there is nothing supernatural about it.

Sacrament. This term is used by Catholics to describe seven fundamental items of their faith, including marriage and the mass. The Bible does not use the term. Many Protestants use it to refer to the Lord's Supper. Scripture describes the purposes of communion as a remembrance of Christ's suffering and a proclamation of his death (I Cor. 11:26), but not as a sacrament.

Eucharist. This term means thanksgiving or graces and is used by Catholics and many liberal Protestant church to describe the Lord's Supper. The term is not used in Scripture. We prefer to refer to the Lord's Supper or communion in Biblical terms (I Cor. 11:20; 10:16).

Baptized in the Holy Spirit. The apostles were baptized in the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:5) and so were Cornelius and his family (Acts 11:14, 17). The rest of us received the gift of the Holy Spirit when we were baptized into Christ (Acts 2:38). This gift does not empower us to work miracles. To say that we are baptized in the Spirit suggests that we should then be able to speak in tongues and prophecy, etc. Such is not the case.

Church. Biblically, this term refers to God's saved people, never to a building where the church assembles (Acts 8:1). Many denominational folks think their church building is holy. Better to refer to the building as "our meeting place" or "place of worship, etc."

Every man who aspires to preach should concentrate on using sound, biblical terminology. Avoid the language of the denominations and the technical language of the seminary. Your lessons will be understood. People will profit therefrom. They will hold you in highest esteem as a good, faithful and effective teacher of God's truth.

Sincerely,

Back -- or go -- Home