6 Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that you may learn in us not to think beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up on behalf of one against the other.
7 For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it? 1 Corinthians 4:6,7 (NKJV)

“These things”,  the word and instruction of judgement, are placed upon the hearts of Paul and Apollos for the purpose of teaching from a point that is separated from the church in Corinth. They teach above rather than from within.

The Lord speaks to us from lofty places, He speaks to us from perfection. Yes, we are sanctified, placed apart from other men, but we are set apart together. We must listen to He who speaks from His heavenly throne. For within ourselves we are toiling  in issues of the flesh, a completing discernment, and a perspective that is in progress. We encourage each other constantly but we speak and teach words like “judgment” carefully and with discernment. We take the care not to separate our authority to places above the others sanctified in God’s name.

We listen to the appointed ones, our Pastors, as they implement their calling. We all implement our calling in the prescribed way that He has designed. So, we listen. But debates from outside of a teaching call, are discernment of Your wisdom, and we take care in these matters. For opinion can easily be mistaken for what is discernment as God’s meaning.  I take care now as I convey His message.

We want to learn from You, Father. We abandon our intellect and our theological positioning to really hear You and to tell others. We are not better, we strive to hear You. It is for the sake of the fellowship of saints in Christ that we tread in conveying Your message carefully. I heed Your advice.

Therefore, God alone will teach. We will discern the teaching of all others through the abiding Spirit. If we teach without His hand upon our hearts, we do the church a disservice. Pray for those who are called to teach us. They must surrender deeply to God and hear Him thoroughly. Listen intently. Listen with the intent of understanding. We seek wisdom and it is in Your word. We have the means of understanding as the Spirit is purposefully our Helper. Draw a keen ear toward the word of a teacher, discern in your heart. Ask questions and seek truth.

We must remember our place. We seek our calling. We should encourage others.

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life…1 John 1:1

There are those who know the Lord, hear Him with clarity, and have eloquence in conveying His message. The enemy has this eloquence, as well. Be aware with discernment what you hear regarding the words of God’s wisdom. Be not deceived but be edified by good teaching of His word. Have a discerning heart – even now.

Rick Stassi

1/6/2012