“Many corrupt the Word of God!” That’s what an apostle wrote. (See 2 Corinthians 2:17). And he would later write, “Evil men and seducers shall grow worse and worse, deceiving (others), and being deceived (themselves).” (See 2 Timothy 3:13). Those who corrupt the Word of God are those who handle the Word of God, and those who handle the Word of God are preachers, pastors, ministers. Mechanics don’t corrupt the Word of God. Physicians don’t corrupt the Word of God. Farmers don’t corrupt the Word of God. No, it is those who handle the Word of God, usually doing so for a living – preachers.
Paul didn’t say they do this wittingly, knowingly, maliciously. They are deceived and actually think that what they say the Word of God says is what it does say. Paul says their minds have been blinded by the god of this world – Satan. No wonder James cautioned that not many should aspire to become preachers or teachers of the Word of God. (See James 3:1).
Every Bible college and seminary ought to have the words of James 3:1 carved in stone above the main entrance door of that educational institution. “My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.”
Jesus warned that at the judgment many preachers would be brought before Him to be judged harshly and without mercy. (See Matthew 7:21-23). And He gave this warning in His very first recorded sermon! He didn’t waste any time issuing this grave warning. In fact, He ended His sermon on that note! He knew that someday on this earth there would be tens of thousands of preachers speaking totally opposite doctrines, some becoming multi-millionaires as a result of their lucrative ministries.
I feel badly for a lot of preachers. I really do. Many of them mean well. They are basically good men, faithful husbands, good providers for their families. But many of them are grossly deceived and feeding their congregations horrible error and spiritual poison.
But the very last words of His first sermon? Jesus said that if one heard His teaching and then did not obey what He taught that one was a fool. I would suggest that my readers turn to Matthew chapters 5 through 7 and read that sermon – every word of it. And God have mercy on you if you do not begin obeying what you read therein.
Christ’s Faithful Servant (Galatians 1:10-12),
Donald Wiley