There are an awful lot of ministers who are limited in what they preach. Whether it is because of doctrinal position, or personal conviction, or lack of knowledge, or even fear, they are only teaching part of the Word of God. If one were to receive their spiritual feeding from one of these ministers, they would have an inadequate diet, because they would not be being fed the fullness of God's counsel.

To be healthy, victorious, believers, we need to apply the counsel of God's Word to each and every area of our lives. Any area where we are not applying it is subject to spiritual illness, attacks, and defeat. But, if we are not receiving the fullness of God's instruction, how will we know how to apply it.

Paul, probably the greatest teacher in New Testament times, wrote on just about every area of life, from marriage, to business, to child raising, to our spiritual growth, to morals, to evangelism, to finances, to holiness. And that's just one teacher. The rest of the Bible supports and confirms what Paul said.

Speaking of his own ministry, Paul said:

Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. ²⁷ For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God

Acts 20:26-27 NKJV

Praise the Lord that Paul was innocent. It is obvious from this verse that Paul understood that his responsibility as a minister included teaching and preaching the whole gambit of what's written in the Bible. But, why did he think that he could be guilty?

There is an obvious implication in this verse that the opposite is also true. That is, any minister who doesn't teach the whole of the counsel of God, leaving out a part he isn't comfortable with, is guilty of the blood of those he has ministered to. Paul was concerned enough with this possibility that he made it part of his final statement to the elders of Ephesus.

But, what about those who don't do as Paul did? What about, for example, a pastor who doesn't teach on the necessity of tithing and giving offerings, because he's afraid of losing his people. Or, how about a pastor who's being controlled by a member of the board, who doesn't want him to preach about helping the poor? Or even, how about someone who doesn't teach something from ignorance, not knowing what the Bible says about it? Finally, what about those whose doctrinal position is in contrary to God's opinion on a subject? Are they guilty?

Looking at what Paul said, I'd have to say "yes, they are guilty." Somehow, or other, they will have to answer to God about what they haven't done. God will ask them why they didn't teach those subjects, and they will have to answer Him.

I don't know about you, but I'd hate to have to answer those types of questions; especially knowing that whatever answer I could give would be wrong. I don't think God would be interested in my excuses, He'd just point to what He said in His Word.

This calling we share, of being God's ministers, carries a great responsibility. The responsibility of seeking God's will, His counsel, and His direction, and then implementing what He has told us to do. Not what an organization has told us, not what a board of directors has told us, only what God the Father, speaking through His Holy Spirit has said.

Anything less than full obedience to God and preaching His full council carries a heavy price. The price of being guilty of someone's blood. That's too great a price for anyone to bear. God the Father had to send His Son, Jesus to bear that price for us, since we couldn't bear it for ourselves. We dare not put ourselves in the place of taking that responsibility.

So, are you guilty for the blood of anyone?