Relevant Teaching

by Gilbert Alexander

 

When Peter spoke to the Jews on Pentecost, he talked to them about their actions and needs (Acts 2). He did not center his lesson upon the Gentiles, who were not there to hear his words. When he spoke the gospel to Cornelius and the Gentiles with him, he gave them information which they needed in order to please God (Acts 10). When Peter wrote his letter to those of the Dispersion, he taught them things relative to their needs as those set apart to God (I Peter). Note how many times the word "you" is used in these three passages. He was talking to his hearers about those things relevant to their obeying God and remaining faithful. He didn't talk in vague generalities so as to avoid hurting someone's feelings or "offending" some who then would go away and be lost.

When Paul preached to the Gentiles at Athens, his approach was suited to the needs of his audience (Acts 17). He did not spend his efforts talking to them about the sins and needs of the Jews. When he talked to pagans, he pointed out to them the errors and vanity of paganism (Acts 14:11-18). When he wrote to the saints at Corinth, he addressed their errors and told them what to do to correct what was amiss (1 Corinthians). Each letter he wrote was relevant to those to whom it was written: Romans to the saints at Rome, Galatians to the churches of Galatia, Colossians to those at Colossae, etc.

Our teaching today needs to be relevant to the audience before us. We need to say those things which will inform, encourage, and correct those who hear. The Scriptures are our text, handled aright (2 Timothy 3:16,17; 4:1-5). In warning about dangers and dangerous men, Paul named names and was specific (1 Timothy 1:19,20; 2 Timothy 4:10,14,15; 2:14-18; 1 Corinthians 15:12; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12). We, too, need to deal with specific truth specifically, so that people will know what we are talking about, what the Scriptures say, and what the responsibility of each one is. Preachers, do you preach so as not to make anyone uncomfortable, or do you, in love, tell your hearers what they need to hear in language that they will not misunderstand? How often do you use the word "you" in teaching others what they should do? Note Acts 2:37;38.

 

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