When Leaders Stand on Truth
When a leader preaches or teaches unadulterated biblical truth to others, they may feel like they are standing alone. In 2 Timothy chapter 4:1–5, Paul charged his mentee, “I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths. But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry” (NASB).
I believe we have arrived at a time when churches are filled with people wanting to have their ears tickled by professional orators who speak eloquently regarding humanistic issues yet are void of pure biblical teachings that call for transformation and holiness. God’s call to be holy (Leviticus 19:2; 1 Peter 1:16) is not a popular subject as it does not promote the human agenda, draw crowds, or fit the “branded” church image the leaders are trying to set. Paul did not charge Timothy to go with the flow of culture but to preach the word in every situation to reprove, rebuke, and exhort. Paul knew the cultural and spiritual challenges that laid before the early leaders and instructed Timothy to speak the truth with great patience and not just tickle their ears or make them feel good. More common than not, as God speaks into our lives, it may require change that is uncomfortable and does not make sense; however, in our obedience, God will encourage and strengthen us as we do. Timothy needed to stand firm in God’s word and the message of the gospel and leave the consequences up to God. We must understand that these early leaders were more concerned about obeying God by speaking the truth than appeasing mankind (Acts 5:29) by going with the flow of culture and being cool.
Paul told Timothy, “At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them. But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was rescued out of the lion’s mouth” (2 Timothy 4:16–17 NASB).
Paul experienced the discouragement and consequences of proclaiming the gospel and teaching God’s truth. Consider the following verses, where the Lord encouraged and strengthened Paul as He preached the gospel and taught God’s word (2 Corinthians 4:8-9; Acts 18:9–11; 23:11; 27:22–26). Paul wanted Timothy to know that some did not support him and deserted him, but God never did. Paul personally experienced Deuteronomy 31:8, “And the Lord is the one who is going ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not desert you or abandon you. Do not fear and do not be dismayed” (NASB). When we, as leaders, stand on the truth of God’s word and teach it, there are going to be those who do not support us or may even walk away. Nevertheless, we must hold fast and teach and preach God’s word as it is without apology even when it is not popular to do so.
When unadulterated biblical truth is taught, a leader may get pushback from culture and often from those within the church. Nonetheless, as preachers and teachers of the truth, we must teach God’s word correctly rather than appease those who want to hear something contrary to God’s teachings. Keep in mind that there may be times when we feel alone as we teach, but no matter what, God will not leave us or abandon us in our obedience.
I leave you with this final thought regarding Paul by Warren Wiersbe: “What a man! His friends forsake him, and he prays that God will forgive them. His enemies try him, and he looks for opportunities to tell them how to be saved! What a difference it makes when the Holy Spirit controls your life." (The Bible Exposition Commentary, Vol. 2)