They Taught Others, but did not Teach Themselves

You then, who teach another, don’t you teach yourself? (Romans 2:21a, HCSB)

This passage is part of a larger set of verses in which Paul exposes Jewish leaders' accountability before God. From his simple question we are challenged to consider whether we are actually learning and living what we teach. We have been given so much as believers. We have been additionally honored to be set aside as Bible study teachers; yet the question still looming before us is, "Are we teaching ourselves?"

Paul goes on to state the resulting tragedy for those who aren't, " For, as it is written: The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you." (Romans 2:24, HCSB) The late theologian-apologist, Francis Schaeffer connects Paul's words to the church today:

When the man with the Bible treats it as an external thing only, it causes the man without the Bible to dishonor the God of the Bible. Surely, then, the man with the Bible is justifiably under God's wrath" (Holman New Testament Commentary, Volume 06, Romans)

Teacher (Jesus), teach me so that I might teach my brothers and sisters in Christ and so the man without the Bible might see You in me.