Thursday, September 27, 2007

IF A SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER HAS COMMITTED ADULTERY IN SECRET BUT HAS REPENTED SHOULD HE STILL BE TEACHING THE CLASS?

Hello Rick and also James

It seems that the both of you have asked the same question. It is a very serious one. As I considered the question other questions crossed my mind including:

1. How long ago did this adultery occur,
2. If the adultery was long ago has their testimony since been one that is without reproach?
3. If not long ago why does this teacher want to teach?

Because you both asked the same question I have the feeling this issue is recent if that is so then to be short and to the point this teacher should not teach.


Let’ see what the Bible has to say about all of this.

I. A Leader’s Character

A. Above reproach

“Here is a trustworthy saying: if anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. Now the overseer must be above reproach…(1 Timothy 3:1-2a)

“Deacons likewise are to be men worthy of respect; sincere….They
must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. They must first be tested and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.” (1 Timothy 3:8-12)


Likewise teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live … to teach what is good…then they can train the younger woman… (Titus 3:1-5)

Repeatedly we see the same picture. People who lead must be above reproach and people who are teachers have to have the confidence of the people they teach. We cannot be teachers standing for a righteous GOD and be tainted with a bad testimony at the same time.

B. Can Character be restored?
Of course character can be restored. But it does not become restored in a day, week or even month. It takes time and consistency. A person who has truly repented should understand this. Restoration of confidence in a leader is similar to what happens in any relationship.


It is interesting to note that in personal relationships such as romance we give trust to someone very easily, in a way it comes “cheap”. However if that trust is ever violated it is very “expensive” to restore. Again it takes effort, time and consistency to be restored.


“For though a righteous man falls seven times,
he rises again,
But the wicked are brought down by calamity.”
----Proverbs 24:16



II. The Particular situation of this Teacher

A. How long ago was this situation?
In your question you did not state how long ago this issue occurred. This is important. If for example it was long ago and this person has had ample time to reveal true repentance by the way they live their life then we are to accept that person back as a restored one. (Galatians 6:1-10).

B. If not long ago
If this sin occurred fairly recently then we have to ask ourselves why do they want to resume this position so soon. We already know they can’t because they are not above reproach.

C. It is GOD’S timetable and Kingdom
What is the point in service to GOD if GOD is not in it? It is a privilege to serve GOD in any capacity. What is the point in serving Him contrary to the way He has told us to serve? The answer to that is there is no point.

So assuming that a person has repented and truly wants to be used of GOD then let GOD put them where He wants them to be when He wants them to be there. If GOD is GOD and we submit to Him than this will happen just that way. Nothing can prevent it.



Humble yourselves before the LORD,
And He will lift you up.”
----James 4:10




Rick and James this was a very important question. I hope that the scriptures we shared have shed sufficient light upon it.


Don
Galatians 1:10; 6:1

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