Pimps in the pulpit: Part 1

Matthew 7:15

This piece is going to cause some problems; I know this from the start. Never the less it is something that needs to be said. I do not want to come across as judgmental I just want to compare what we see in our churches in the area of leadership with the Word of God.

To classify one as a pimp we must allow God’s word to define for us what a true man or woman of God is! False teachers are false according to the ways and revelation of the Lord. The Bible tells us what to do in the area of false teachers, and preachers: John 4:1

The best way to guard yourself against falsehood and false teachers is to know the truth. To spot a counterfeit, study the real thing; therefore, one should study the Bible and judge all teaching by what the Scripture says.

Preachers and teachers are not the only ones God is revealing his word to. Unfortunately we believe false teachers are always going to be on TV or in some other country while not understanding false teachers are right in our midst. Let’s examine a few questions that may arise:

1. 1 Chronicles 16:22 ~ what about when God says “touch not mine anointed”?

a. If he’s a false teacher he is not God’s anointed.

2. 2 Corinthians 11:14-15 ~ he looks like a preacher, and he sounds like a preacher, he must be a preacher; right?

a. Satan knows what preachers look like and sound like also.

3. Philippians 3:17:17-19 ~ The preacher is a man first; so what if he lives a sin filled life

a. Preachers are called to uphold a high standard by God. False teachers are not those who have made a mistake; they are those who have adopted a sub-standard lifestyle and are comfortable with it.

4. Matthew 7:1 ~ doesn’t the Bible say we are not to judge?

a. The word “judge” in this verse means to “condemn” the apostle Paul says “he who is spiritual judgeth all things.” 1 Corinthians 2:15

Christ said we know trees by the fruit they produce: Matthew 12:33. Let’s look at some fruit we should be looking for:

o What he says about Jesus:

1. Matthew 16:15-16

2. 2 John 9

3. 1 John 2:22

o Is he preaching the Gospel?

1. 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

2. Galatians 1:7-9

o Does he live a life that lines up with Scripture?

1. Jude 11

2. Matthew 7:15-20

3. 2 Corinthians 11:14-15

When a man or woman of God fleeces the flock, and is more concerned with what they can get rather than what they can give it is a sure thing we have a pimp in the pulpit!

We are servants of God to serve the people. Servant in the Greek is:

Greek Strong's Number: 1401

Greek Word: δοῦλος

Transliteration: doulos

Phonetic Pronunciation:doo'-los

Root: from

Cross Reference: TDNT - 2:261,182

Part of Speech: n

Vine's Words: Bondman, Bondmaid, Servant

from (deo); a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency) :- bond (-man), servant.