I find Paul's example of the farmer to be a little mysterious. He simply says, "The hardworking farmer must be first to partake of the crops." Then he adds, "Consider what I say and may The Lord give you understanding" (2 Timothy 2:8-7). His only hint at sowing seed, watering the fields or how to harvest the crop is to call the farmer hardworking. Why the emphasis on being the first to partake of the crop? What is his message that he hopes God will reveal to Timothy?
Paul wrote to the believers in Rome, "I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ has not accomplished through me, in word and deed..." (Romans 15:18). In order for us to teach others accurately, we must first live what we teach.
That is not to say teachers have every spiritual gift or are used by God in all types of ministries. But to say, as teachers we are required to live a consistent righteous life before we attempt to shepherd others.
