Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 10
Chrysostom fears that repeating truth without obedience may “make the condemnation heavier,” and the speaker calls that a warning for leaders and hearers; what would it look like for a church to take seriously the idea that exposure to more teaching can increase accountability—and how should that shape preaching, discipleship, and your personal media/sermon consumption?
Another way to ask: What would it look like for a church to believe that more Bible teaching also means more responsibility, and how should that affect preaching, discipleship, and what you choose to listen to?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
A church taking this seriously would treat teaching as increased responsibility: leaders would aim for obedience-producing instruction, and hearers would limit “content intake” without practice, fearing that repeated exposure without response could deepen condemnation.
- Chrysostom’s warning: “We fear… by continually saying the same things… we may make the condemnation heavier for your disobedience.”
- The speaker calls it “a warning for leaders and teachers” and says it’s “right and proper… to teach… as long as they need to be taught.”
- He adds the pastoral goal: pray “that the Spirit will open up the hearts… to take in the milk and produce a faith that produces righteousness.”
- He warns hearers: those who hear “over and over… but never get off the milk” may face “greater condemnation… for their disobedience.”
- Chrysostom rejects teaching as entertainment: not “display and ambition… seek your applause,” but “for your profit.”