In Jeremiah, chapter twenty-six, verse two, “Thus saith the Lord, Stand in the court of the Lord’s house, and speak unto all the cities of Judah, which come to worship in the Lord’s house, all the words that I command thee to speak unto them; diminish not a word.” Knowing that his prophecy would offend people and cause hostility and opposition, Jeremiah may have been tempted to hold back some particularly severe words given him by the Lord; the Lord told him not to omit a single word. The entire message of God must be proclaimed. Faithful ministers should not avoid speaking the harsh words of God’s commands and warnings, even though they know some will turn away from them. Those who ignore parts of God’s Word and accommodate the sins of the congregation are unworthy ministers.
Paul challenges those who have called themselves ministers, pastors, and teachers in First Timothy four, verses one through two, “I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” Anyone who leads the congregation in the house of God must be real, righteous, and obedient to the Word. They will do what the Lord expects: to be faithful and be truthful. Should not all people of God be mindful of Him watching over us instead of those watching in the house of the Lord? In First Timothy four, verse three, “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears.” Some people will not endure sound doctrine because they still have sin inside them.