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Often, our responsiveness to obeying the teaching of the Bible is affected by our attitude in listening. When the Apostle Paul spoke to the Corinthian church each time, they scorned his speaking ability. They rated him at best – timid, unimpressive and hardly authoritative. In effect, they were asking, “Is this man worthy to be a teacher for God?” In 2 Cor. 10:10 the Corinthian believers were quoted as claiming: “His letters are weighty and forceful, but in person he is unimpressive and his speaking amounts to nothing.” Paul points out that effectiveness in teaching is in the power of God’s Word. Far from being ineffectual, the teachings from Bible is the divine power to demolish strongholds, arguments and deceptions that hinder or derail the believers from knowing God (2 Cor. 10:4-5). As such, the question the Corinthian believers ought to be asking is not – “Is this man worthy to speak to us?” but rather – “Am I listening in a worthy manner?” Such an attitude of humility on the part of the listeners will lead to responsiveness to obey the teachings of the Bible – the Word of God.
The Bible shows that when we are ready to hear from God, the vessel He uses is of less significance than the response He desires. Balaam (Numbers 22) who was bent on doing his own thing did not even find it incredible that the donkey could speak to him concerning his wrong doing! The Bible will have its transforming power, influence and impact on lives as readers and listeners in humility submit their every thought in complete obedience to Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 10:5b, 6).
As such, God’s workers need not apologise for their seeming lack in the art of captivating messages. Paul’s stand was the spiritual growth of the church that he and his team were entrusted to build up (2 Cor.10:13). They were to continue to teach God’s Word in the same rigour and zeal. More so, their lives and service can withstand scrutiny because they “walk the talk”. After all, teaching alone does not automatically transform lives. The Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13) illustrates that it is possible to hear truth without responding in obedience. Humility of the person who teaches the Bible belie the passion to urge the listeners to “continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose” (Phil. 2:12-13). Good teaching draws out a greater hunger for the Bible and worship of God.
God speaks to the hearts of those who prepare themselves to respond in obedience.
