Many Teach—Few Tremble
Not all who teach are called. This Spirit-led message explores the difference between those who speak from knowledge and those who speak from a deep, Spirit-filled calling. A challenge to teachers, and a call to tremble before the Word of God.
There are many who teach, but few who tremble. Few who weep over the Word before they speak it. Few who pause long enough to ask, "Lord, is this what You want said?" “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a worker who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)
They’ve got the books, the background, the bullet points. They’ve got the printed Bible lessons—neatly outlined, fill-in-the-blank, and easy to follow. But if you took the booklet away, could they still open the Bible and lead by the Spirit alone? Could they guide a soul with nothing but the Word in hand and the fire of God in their heart? But do they have the burden? They can quote the text in Greek—but have they let it cut them deep?
You can sit through years of seminary and still walk out a stranger to the Holy Spirit. Teaching isn't just about knowing Scripture—it’s about whether God knows you and has shaped you. Real teaching doesn’t come from head knowledge. It flows from a life that’s been exposed, examined, and empowered by the Holy Spirit. It’s not about passing on facts. It’s about carrying fire. “And my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of mankind, but on the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 2:4–5)
Spirit-filled teaching doesn’t come from a diploma. It comes from the desert—those dry, hidden seasons where God strips everything else away. From the quiet, where all distractions fall silent. From the furnace where pride dies and only God’s voice remains. “Is My word not like fire,” declares the Lord, “and like a hammer which shatters a rock?” (Jeremiah 23:29)
You can’t fake that. This isn’t something you just sign up for—it’s something God puts on you, and it stays heavy.
You’re called into it. And it costs you something. “Do not become teachers in large numbers, my brothers, since you know that we who are teachers will incur a stricter judgment.” (James 3:1)
If you have been chosen by God to be a teacher, you’ll know, it doesn’t let you go easy. There’s a weight to it. A fire behind your ribs that won’t stay quiet.
You’ll teach things that make people uncomfortable. You’ll walk away from applause to stay faithful. You’ll get it wrong sometimes, but the Spirit will make it right—because you didn’t come with your own message anyway.
Just His.
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“What I write is not for everyone, but what I write is meant for someone.” – Dean Butler
I am the author of two books: Embracing God's Wisdom: A Journey of Faith and Reflection and Embracing God’s Wisdom: Paul’s Commands for Victorious Living. Both are available on Amazon.
Please reach out at: hopeinchrist2024@yahoo.com
“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service.” (1 Timothy 1:12)
