There is a sacred responsibility that comes with standing behind a pulpit. When a pastor opens their Bible, raises their voice, and speaks to the flock, they are doing more than delivering a sermon—they are shaping eternal destinies. The Bible doesn’t treat that lightly, and neither should we.

“My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.” — James 3:1

That’s not a suggestion. It’s a warning. One that is too often ignored in the modern Church. Many pastors today are more concerned with filling pews than feeding sheep. They deliver half-truths and motivational messages instead of the Word of God. And while the crowd may applaud, Heaven does not

False Doctrine Has Real Consequences

Pastors are entrusted with guiding the Church into truth, yet many are leading their congregations into confusion. Whether it’s preaching prosperity without repentance, grace without obedience, or a rapture that’s nowhere in Scripture—the consequences are eternal.

“Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the Lord.” — Jeremiah 23:1

When pastors preach lies, they scatter sheep. When they teach doctrines that aren’t in the Bible, they put souls in danger. Jesus didn’t mince words with the religious leaders of His day. He rebuked them sharply—not for their ignorance, but for their willful distortion of truth.

“But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” — Matthew 15:9

False doctrine is not just a theological error—it’s a spiritual weapon used by the enemy to keep people blind, weak, and unprepared.

God Will Hold Them Accountable

God doesn’t take false teaching lightly. The pulpit is not a stage. It’s an altar. To misuse it is to play with fire.

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine… and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” — 2 Timothy 4:3-4

We’re in that time now. And some of the biggest fables being preached today are about end-time prophecy. Entire churches are being told to look up and wait to be whisked away—instead of being taught to prepare to endure and overcome.

“Son of man, I have made thee a watchman… therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.” — Ezekiel 3:17

The role of a pastor is to warn. Not to soothe. Not to entertain. Not to maintain the status quo. But to speak the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable.

And if they refuse?

“His blood will I require at thine hand.” — Ezekiel 3:18

That’s how serious God is about teaching His Word correctly.

Silence Is Not Innocence

Some may argue, “Well, maybe they just don’t know.” But if you’re entrusted with souls, you don’t get to not know. If a pastor hasn’t searched the Scriptures, studied deeply, and sought the Spirit’s guidance before teaching, they are still accountable.

“Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” — James 4:17

Silence is not innocence. Avoiding truth to keep the peace is still disobedience. And turning a blind eye to falsehood—just because it’s popular—is still rebellion.

The Shepherd’s Reward or His Shame

Every pastor will one day stand before God and give an account—not just for their own life, but for every word they preached, every soul they influenced, and every doctrine they passed on.

“Feed the flock of God… being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory…” — 1 Peter 5:2-4

There is a reward for faithful shepherds. But there is also a price for the unfaithful.

“Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord… and then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” — Matthew 7:22-23

Some pastors will be shocked to discover that their ministry was never approved by God.

A Call to the Congregation

This isn’t just a message for pastors—it’s for every believer. We are called to test the spirits. To study the Word. To hold teachers accountable.

“These were more noble… in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” — Acts 17:11

You are responsible for what you believe. Don’t assume your pastor is right. Don’t accept tradition without confirmation. Read the Word yourself. Ask the hard questions. Seek the truth.

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