Some evangelical believers regard formal learning with suspicion and doubt. Part of this may be a fear of the unknown. To the person with no education after high school, university training may seem quite foreboding. To many, a man with a PhD may be very intimidating. Consequently, some delight in demeaning education–especially theological education with its study of Hebrew and Greek.
The exhortation of Paul to Timothy shortly before his death was: “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15, nkjv). The force of it is to cut straight, to get the intended meaning from the Word of God. Another translation is, “who correctly handles the word of truth” (niv). The teaching of God’s Word requires diligent study on the part of the teacher if he is to discharge his responsibility faithfully. It is a study which he should pursue all of his life.
Formal education is certainly not required to be a faithful servant of the Lord. Apparently none of the twelve apostles had much formal education. Many people read widely and are self-educated.
However, some may desire college work or other education to prepare for a vocation and also to broaden and to discipline the mind. There are subjects one is required to study which he might not study on his own. And then there is always the stimulation of interaction with a good teacher. While talking with Jim Elliot when he was in college, Jim commented to me that he believed his experience there would sharpen his mind and could be useful to the Lord. Jim went on to glorify God in missionary work and by giving his life for the Lord in Ecuador.
Some who feel called by God to teach His Word may wish to acquire a working knowledge of Hebrew and Greek and of related biblical subjects. One who does not know the original languages may find it difficult at times to evaluate commentaries and their discussion of a passage. Some knowledge of church history, theology and background subjects may be useful. This knowledge may be acquired through the study of correspondence courses, at a Christian college, university or seminary.
Paul had a good education at the feet of Gamaliel, the outstanding rabbi of his day. Luke was educated as a physician and handled the Greek language beautifully. Both of these men were used by the Holy Spirit to give us much of the New Testament. Apollos was a learned teacher of the Word from Alexandria, who strengthened the churches. The church would be the poorer without their contributions.
Many of the early brethren in England during the 1800’s were well educated. One thinks of George Mueller, J. N. Darby, William Kelly, Samuel Tregelles, George Wigram and others. These were men who knew the original languages of the Scripture and were diligent students. In more recent years there have been men such as W. E. Vine and F. F. Bruce who have used their education for God and remained in fellowship with a New Testament assembly.
Having said this, it must be recognized that there are dangers in the field of education. The educated person may be prone to pride: “knowledge puffs up.” It is very easy to look in a condescending manner upon the person who lacks formal training. This spirit God hates. Degrees and pride are to be left outside the door of the assembly. Here we are all brethren, enjoying the common grace of God (Mt. 23:6-11).
It is possible to become too intellectual in one’s study and teaching of the Bible. Biblical study can become an academic exercise, a mind game, quite devoid of spiritual life and power. There are scores of seminaries and professors who deny the inspiration of Scripture. Yet they study the Bible rigorously. Beware of subjecting your mind to the intellectual pressure of such. We need to cultivate the spirit of awe and reverence as we open the pages of Sacred Writ. “But on this one will I look: on him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at My Word” (Isa. 66:2, nkjv).
Some become enamored with higher critical theories concerning the writing of Scriptures and lose confidence in its inspiration. Spiritual life cannot flourish without reverence for the Word of the living God. If the Bible is not the inspired message of God, man is left without a revelation, without guidance as to how to know God and to please Him. Avoid like the plague this tendency to destroy confidence in Scripture.
Another danger is indoctrination into one scheme of theology. For the one who studies theology in a seminary, it is very difficult not to develop a mindset for life concerning Scripture. If he goes to a Reformed seminary, he will find it difficult not to adopt covenant theology and amillennialism with its rejection of a literal millennium. It is better to acquire one’s theology gradually from the Bible than to have a certain systematic theology form a plastic, young mind into a rigid mold.
Another danger for those from simple assemblies is to become infatuated with becoming a “pastor.” In most schools, the teaching staff believe in a clergy system with a hired pastor. It is hard to resist this influence. There is the prestige of being a “Reverend” and of having a salary and position of authority. Most assemblies are smaller; there is the allure of speaking to hundreds or even thousands in large churches. Would it not be a waste of one’s education and knowledge to spend time with these small assemblies? And financially there is not much security.
Years ago, a well-known teacher among assemblies was asked to become the pastor of a large church. He struggled with the decision and with his conscience over the issue, but finally decided to take the position. His rationale was that he could speak to so many who needed teaching. When Alfred Mace, a gifted servant of the Lord, was asked about the decision, he commented, “I don’t believe any man’s gift is too big for God’s principles.”
God desires to use men and women with their gifts in different ways. Certainly formal education is not a requirement. However, if some desire more advanced education for a vocation or to further their study of God’s Word, let us recognize that God can use this for His honor and glory.
All of life for the believer is sacred. A vocation is not simply to earn money to put bread on the table. It can be a ministry for God and bring glory to Him. Bach would write at the head of his composition, “Help me, Jesus.” At the end he would conclude, “To the glory of God.” And we thank God for his magnificent music.
One thinks of Handel writing the Messiah, whose music and words have moved millions. A servant, bringing his meal to him, saw tears streaming down his face and heard him say, “I did think I did see all heaven before me and the great God Himself.” Were these not serving God, using the unique gifts He had given them? May each of us as believers desire to do this as well: “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men” (Col. 3:23, nkjv).