Why do Christians need to be taught?
Christians need to be taught so they are not beguiled, confused, or deceived by false teachers and unstable souls. Without instruction, they can be blown about by every wind of doctrine, following corrupt ways like Balaam’s, who loved the wages of unrighteousness rather than the right way.
Les teaches that false teachers are described as having eyes full of adultery, unable to cease from sin, and skilled at beguiling and confusing unstable souls. That is why he continually emphasizes that people have to be taught; otherwise they will be blown away, as Paul says, with every wind of doctrine. He illustrates this with Balaam, who forsook the right way because he loved the wages of unrighteousness and wanted wealth from Moab. Les applies the same warning today: some use the Word of God to line their own pockets, which he calls Balaamism. He distinguishes this from pastors and preachers who are due their salaries; the problem is using the Word solely to enhance one’s own financial status.
That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;