Contend for the Faith "Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints." |
Biblical preaching is not popular today. In many churches it is not fashionable to preach messages that address sin, the coming judgment or the need of men to repent of their sins. Some have referred to this modern trend as the "Gospel of Niceness." The trend is that any teaching that is offensive to anyone or negative in content is to be shunned and preaching should always be positive in its message. The palate of many, in today's churches, is that old fashioned preaching of "hell fire and brimstone" is distasteful and unacceptable. It is unpopular to mention any particular sin, address the errors of cults and false teachers, or identify by name false teachers and ministries. Any reference to false beliefs other than a vague unspecified reference is considered taboo.
Many pastors have found their hands tied by this way of thinking and have succumbed to the pressure. For the sake of peace (so called) many preachers have turned their backs and looked in the other direction and let doctrinal error go unchallenged in their churches. A doctrinal emphasis in preaching is being abandoned for practical "how to" counseling messages. Instead of preaching messages which focus on doctrine the trend is to topical devotional messages.
The thought behind the tend is clearly stated by the popular radio preacher Chuck Swindoll who said:
Many pulpits of modern America are better defined as stages where Sunday religious shows and entertainment is performed. The music and message delivered is designed to make the congregation feel good rather than repent of sin and draw near to God. Today's Biblical preachers are pressured to buy into the "success" of the "easy believism" movement. Entertainment in church services has become the goal rather than repentance from sin and the life changing affects of true conversion and biblical teaching. Such unbiblical preaching may be for the moment pleasing to the individual, but its temporal pleasure is soon gone and the person is left empty. Peter referred to these false teachers as "wells without water." (2 Peter 2:17)
On several occasions I have been in discussions with other preachers and I have stated a biblical stand on some point of doctrine. Surprisingly, I have been criticized for being too dogmatic and straightforward in my position. Some have suggested that I be less dogmatic , more "caring" and take a more moderate stand against false teaching and those who preach and practice doctrinal error. They have concluded that I should be less critical and more accommodating to those whose teachings are contrary to God's Word. The following is my personal and Scriptural response to those who would pressure me to abandon my calling from my Savior and God, to preach the Word and nothing but the Word.
Cooper P. Abrams, III,
The true believer in the pulpit or pew should be very sensitive to false doctrine and those that propagate it. With spiritual eyes directed by biblical discernment we need to understand that false teaching causes great harm and hurt to God's children and hinders the lost from coming to Christ. God will not and cannot bless error. It is against His very nature to condone sin in any form and surely teaching false doctrine and misleading people in the Lord's name is gross sin. If the truth will set men free, then error will enslave them.
Jesus said it would be better to have a mill stone tied around ones neck and be cast into the depths of the sea than to offend one of His children (Matt 18:6). According to Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible the word "offend" is means to "scandalize," to entrap, i.e. trip up (figuratively, stumble [transitively] or entice to sin, apostasy or displeasure): (make to) offend.
From the context of the verse we see that the "children" Jesus was referring to is all believers, and especially new converts. In verses 7 - 14, Jesus in strong terms condemns those who would cause new believers to stumble (the Greek meaning of the word "offend") in their faith and being lead astray by teaching false doctrine.
A pastor is entrusted with the souls of those God has called him to serve. If he is true to his calling he takes his calling very serious. He will be very straight forward in expressing the truths the Bible so plainly teaches. He will be jealous of each of those whom the Lord has called him to shepherd. Paul first expressed this calling in 2 Corinthians 11:2, when he said, "For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ." Paul wanted those to whom he lead to the Lord to be pure in their beliefs. Holding the truth without error is the basis of purity in one's life. Serious harm comes from false teaching and compromise causes the believer stumble in their faith. Boldness in preaching the truth comes from a deep desire to see Christians living free from error; thus walking in truth and harmony with the Lord. Preaching in both the Old and New Testaments is always done in boldness.
A pastor who loves God will refuse to be a part of this modern tend to try and compromise with the every "religious" whim that comes along. He understands there is no value in trying to compromise with those who water down the Scriptures to appease sinful men. This unwarranted concession has the effect of nullifying the Word of God and aids Satan in his work of trying to destroy the Word of God. The true biblical preacher is true to the One who called him and delivers the message of His Lord. He understands that he is an ambassador who represents Another. The message he delivers is not his own, but that of Almighty God who called him to preach. He is diligent in making absolutely sure that what he preaches and teaches is God's Word.
It helps to understand the seriousness of the problem when we understand what compromise is. Webster's Dictionary defines compromise as, "an adjustment in opposing principles, systems, etc. in which part of each is given up." (Webster's New World Dictionary).
Trying to compromise with all the factions of "Christianity" boils down to giving up of Biblical truth, for the sake of a supposed harmony. Surely every born-again Christian loves the truth which is God's Word. The believer should realize he can only be true to the Lord when he is true to His Lord's Word. To compromise the Scriptures means that we have to give up some truth and accept some error. The Lord warns that we should neither add to or take away for His Word. The power of God's Word is in its purity. If it is tainted by man it ceases to be the Word of God and becomes the word of man.
There is no middle road for God's ambassador. He is to faithfully and boldly proclaim God's Word to those to whom he is sent. He must faithfully stand in face of the ridicule and name calling. Recently, I received a severe scolding in some correspondence, by a "brother" who was quite offended at my taking a dogmatic stand on a clear teaching of the Bible. He called me intolerant, unloving, uncaring and ended by comparing me with Hitler and several modern Muslin dictators. What caused such a hostile response? I merely said that the Bible teaches the eternal security of the believer and to teach otherwise is false doctrine. Lest you wonder, my correspondence was very gracious, tactful and written with respect. Most of my reply was simply Scripture passages with very little comment. It was not how I replied, but its content that caused such an emotional response.
Any true man of God will make no apology for stating his biblical convictions in a strong, firm and bold manner. He is well aware that Christ loved us who are sinners and so we too must love those around us. It has been rightly said that we are to love the sinner, but hate his sin. No one can win the lost to the love of Christ who does not himself love souls.
However, the test of true love is not found expressed in emotional sentiments. True love is born in responsibility and caring. It is caring enough to always tell the truth. It is caring enough to bear the scorn of the ones we love in order to help them avoid the disasters that false teaching brings. It is caring enough to chance offending the unbeliever that he might be brought to the blessing of knowing the God's truth. Christ loved Israel enough, to preach the "Sermon on the Mount" knowing that the multitudes would reject his message and even reject Him. He cared enough for them and the world to preach the truth that frees men from the slavery of error. In this true love was demonstrated.
To love God is to love His Word. The true faithful
child of God loves the Bible. He understands that false teaching takes
away or adds to God's Word and understands God's warning against such.
Watering down the Word of God was the sin of the
Laodicean Church. Many students of the Bible believe that we are now living
the age of the Laodicean church (Rev. 3:14-22). The Laodicean church was a church that was neither Hot nor Cold. The Lord said He would spit this church out of His
mouth. What was the problem that caused the Lord to speak so harshly to
them? Basically the problem was compromise with the world. Jesus said they
were naked and blind, in that they were a very tolerant and paid little
attention to doctrine. John Walvood, of Dallas Theological Seminary, states
in his book "The Revelation of Jesus Christ" (a commentary on Revelation),
that:
The Lord said they needed to repent of this sin. In Rev. 4:21 says "to Him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne." He clearly is talking to believers and is addressing reward. Overcoming means getting the victory over sin and error. He was rebuking them for compromise and being too contented with the material things of life.
Walvood further says, "The fact that they are rebuked and chastened is evidence that they are true children of God" (page 96). May I add, it was Christians who were watering down the doctrines to accommodate all who came their way. They were not "hot" on doctrine nor cold in evangelism. They had basically grown stale, content, and satisfied and were not contending for the Faith. Where truth is not defended and upheld it dies.
The Lord directs His pastor to lead his people to see the truth and to help them reject ALL error. A true pastor knows that false teaching keeps believers from receiving the blessing and rewards the Lord has promised. Because the pastor sees this tend today he understands his responsibility is to address it head on as did Christ. See Matthew 23:1-36. It is sad to say that the Laodicean Christians failed to see the end of the course they had chosen and the church as recorded by history as going into apostasy. They chose the road of compromise and it destroyed them. What truth they did have was lost. Clearly, the Lord is telling us we are to hold to ALL truth, without error, because to mix truth with error destroys the truth. If you corrupt truth then it is no longer truth, but a lie.
The word "faith" stands for the whole body of truth embodied in the Scripture. The word "contend," is the Greek word, "epagonizomai." It is a strong word, meaning that we are to contend about this thing as a combatant. The word "earnestly" is added to convey the intensive force of the preposition (Vines Expository Dict. of the N.T., pg 235).
We modern believers have no less a mandate than the early Christians. Please note that Jude characterized these men as "ungodly men who turned the grace of God into lasciviousness," which means wantonness or shameless conduct. He said they denied the Lord Jesus Christ. How can any believer and especially a pastor, not understand this clear truth and compromise with the false teachers of today. How can we see them as anything but what God says they are.....ungodly men. As Paul said in 2 Cor. 6:15-16, "And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? "
I think it is significant that He, with deep compassion
and love, tried to show them the truth. Yet, it is evident He knew they
would reject it as do most people.
Least anyone misunderstand, Jesus was always compassionate in every case with the unsaved individual, no matter how gross was their sin. For example, He showed great compassion for the woman caught in the act of adultery, yet his dealing with the accusing crowd was pointed and sharp. (John 8:1-11). "He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her" (John 8:7). The example of Christ and all those of the New Testament was to show compassion for the unsaved, but sharply rebuke false teachers and leaders who were leading the people astray. There is a clear distinction made in the Bible between how the lost individual and lost false religious leaders are to be viewed and treated.
The Apostle Paul
ROMANS: He addresses the relationship of Law vs Grace. He condemned the "moralist," the influence of the Judaizers, those that who refused to believe the promises of God, those who condoned sin, and the Jew's refusal to accept Christ as their Messiah, the relationship of Christians in the church, in society, to the government, and to other believers. He exhorted them to imitate Christ and live sacrificial lives unto to the Lord.
In Romans 15:15, we can denote the tone of his preaching:
"Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God" (Romans 15:15). He states the reason in verse 16, "That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost."
CORINTHIANS: Paul in the beginning of the Epistle begs for
unity. he says:
He attacks gross immorality that was being practiced among them and even their failure to trust him as the minister of God. He does so in a very straight forward manner throughout the Epistle. Quite strikingly he expresses his feelings towards those that were leading this church astray saying, "But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we" (1 Corinthians 11:12). The word "cut off" is a strong word meaning: "accept" ; to exscind; figuratively, to frustrate: -cut down (off, out), hew down, hinder. (Strong's, #1581).
Note what preceded this statement: Paul said, "But though I be rude in speech, yet not in knowledge; but we have been thoroughly made manifest among you in all things" (2 Corinthians 11:6). They were accusing Paul of being "rude" in his preaching! This is the only place in the Bible this word is used. It is the word "idiotes" {id-ee-o'-tacet}; and means a private person, i.e. (by implication) an ignoramus (compare "idiot"): -ignorant, rude, unlearned. (Strong's, #2399). They were calling Paul an ignoramus! Why? They called him that for preaching boldly the truth and standing uncompromisingly in the face of sin and error.
GALATIANS: He writes, "I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ, unto another gospel" (Gal. 1:6). Paul had been pressured to give in to false teaching, but he stood firm. "For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ" (Galatians 1:10). It is clear that for him to preach error would have pleased men. But you see, the true preacher is a servant and messenger of the Lord. He is not called by men, but by the Holy Spirit and appointed to carry the Truth. (See Acts 20:28, I Cor. 12:28, Eph. 4:11). He says he is accountable unto Christ for his faithfulness and that of his congregation. (See Hebrews 13:17).
In verse 9 and 10, he twice says he desires these false teachers be "accursed." The Greek word is "anathema," meaning given over to destruction. He addressed the current issues of that church and made no bones about it. This is a strong as statement of condemnation as you could make.
I wonder how many of our modern churches would tolerate the Apostle Paul if he was to preach in our churches today. I am afraid he would be rejected today in much the same way as he was when he preached in New Testament times. But stop and think for a moment. Is he not in reality still preaching what God inspired him to preach as we read his Epistles from the pages of the New Testament? We must answer a resounding, yes! Sadly, things have not changed and God's message and messenger is still not in vogue with the religious lost of our day. In Chapter 2, Paul explains to the Galatians how that he had even rebuked Peter for his hypocrisy (Verse 13) in shunning the Gentiles. Paul addressed them as: "O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?" (Galatians 3:1) Paul in a straightforward manner he confronted the issues of false teaching that was plaguing this church and condemned those that were leading the church away from truth.
EPHESIANS: This Epistle was also to be delivered to all the churches in Asia Minor, he stressed doctrinal issues to be accepted and lived by these Gentile Christians. Further he exhorted them to turn from the pagan philosophies which in truth was doctrinal error. Today many pastors put great stock in the vain and corrupt philosophies of "Christian psychology" and counseling. God warns us to keep the Gospel pure based solely on the Word of God and to reject the corrupt philosophies of men.
In chapter 6: , He begs them to put on the whole armor of God that they be able to withstand the "wiles" of the Devil, which included "spiritual wickedness in high places".
PHILIPPIANS: This was a church of people who were faithfully serving the Lord. Paul commends them for their devotion and sacrifice for the Lord. He also warns them of holding on to the truth mentioning that, "For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: (Philippians 3:18). Note that Paul states he warned them of these "enemies of the cross of Christ" often. In very unflattering terms, Paul says about them, "Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things" (Philippians 3:19).
Paul named two women in this church who were at odds with each other. "I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord" (Philippians 4:2). In other Epistles Paul named those who had opposed him and the Gospel. If a preacher follows the biblical example, as set forth in this passage, he has precedent to name those that cause trouble among God's people.
COLOSSIANS: Paul addresses agnosticism which was a doctrinal issue caused by the outside influence of the current philosophy of that day in Colosse. He warned them against their being "beguiled" by false doctrines and teachers of that time. (Col. 2:4). He was greatly concerned that, "That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgment of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words" (Colossians 2:2-4).
Paul warned them further saying, "Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshiping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God" (Colossians 2:18-19).
1 & 2 THESSALONIANS: Paul addresses the problem in this church of those who were falsely teaching that the Second Coming of Christ had already taken place, and who were leading this church astray. He makes some statements that to some may seem to be unkind about these false teachers, "Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tabulation to them that trouble you; And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day" (2 Thessalonians 1:6-10).
Paul urges them to, "Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle" (2 Thessalonians 2:15).
He asked for them to pray for him. "Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith" (2 Thessalonians 3:2). Paul asked them to pray with him that he be unhindered in continuing to boldly preach God's Word in the face of the great opposition of the false teachers.
He gave them clear commandments concerning how the church was to respond to those who would not receive the Truth. "For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busy bodies. Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing. And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother" (2 Thessalonians 3:11-15).
I & II TIMOTHY: In the beginning of I Timothy 1:3, Paul urges Timothy to command those there to stop teaching false doctrines, stating admonishment was from love and a pure heart.
"As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do. Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned: from which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling; Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm. But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully" (1 Timothy 1:3-8).
Note that the reason Timothy was being told to remain at Ephesus was that he might "charge some that they teach no other doctrine". The word here is "paraggello" meaning to transmit a message, i.e. (by implication) to enjoin: -(give in) charge, (give) command(-ment), declare. (Strong's Concordance, 3853). It is clear the addressing and exposing of false doctrine was very important to Paul.
Here again, Paul calls them by name who were erring from the faith and teaching false doctrine. "Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme" (1 Timothy 1:20). He publicly and openly used strong language in saying he had delivered them over to Satan!
He told young Timothy that, "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; (1 Timothy 4:1-2). He told Timothy, "If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, where unto thou hast attained" (1 Timothy 4:6). He instructed him to, "Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear" (1 Timothy 5:20).
Again Paul instructs how Timothy is to react to those who teach false doctrine: "If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmising, Perverse disputing of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself" (1 Timothy 6:3-5).
In his second letter to Timothy Paul again urges
him to be bold in his preaching. "Hold fast the form of sound words, which
thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy
1:13). Called the "preachers commission," Paul commands Timothy to, "And
the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit
thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also" (2 Timothy
2:2 ). Note what he says in verses 14-15:
Concerning the Word of God Paul says, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works" (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Note Paul 's charge to Timothy:
"Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works: Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words" (2 Timothy 4:14-15).
TITUS: Paul instructs Titus that he must hold firmly to the trustworthy message he had been taught. He told Titus to hold to the truth so that he could encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it. "For there are many rebellious people, mere talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision (Jews). They must be silenced, because they are ruining whole households by teaching thing they ought not teach" (Titus 1:1-16).
Paul uses forceful language in stating that those who taught false doctrine mouths "must be stopped" (Verse 11). In Chapter 3:10, he instructed Titus, that after a person had been admonished twice and refused to turn from error.. he was to be rejected! This is the only place in the New Testament this word is used. "Reject" is the word: "paraiteomai. " It means to beg off, i.e. deprecate, decline, shun: -avoid, (make) excuse, entreat, refuse, reject. (Strong's Concordance, 3868).
HEBREWS: This Book addressed the current problem of
the Jewish Christians from 64 to 68 AD. Among them were many who were leaving
the truth of the faith, for idle worthless error. In strong terms the author
warned them of abandoning the Faith, saying "it was a terrible thing to
fall into the hands of an angry God" He refers to this letter as a, "word
of exhortation" (Hebrews 13:22). To exhort means to "build up. "The writer
was building them up in the faith by addressing the apathy and unfaithfulness
of the Jewish Christians. Note what is said in Chapter 4:11-12,"Let us
labor therefore to enter into that rest, "lest any man fall after the same
example of unbelief. For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper
than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul
and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts
and intents of the heart" (Hebrews 4:11-12).
In Chapter 2, he compelled them to "desire the sincere milk of the word" ( 1 Pet. 2:2). He warns them to abstain from "fleshly lusts which war against the soul" (v11). In Chapter 4:11, Peter says, "If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ. . " (1 Pet. 4:11).
Peter concluded the Epistle by warning, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world" (1 Pet. 5:8-9). The only hope for living for Christ and winning others is in being "steadfast in the faith."
2 PETER: Peter in the first Epistle urges them to live godly lives dedicated to the Lord, and in the second Epistle in no uncertain terms denounces the false teachers of their day ( 2 Peter 2:1-9).
Peter urged them to add to their virtue (moral
uprightness) "knowledge." One of the most profound statements Peter makes
is that many people will follow pernicious ways and the result of it is
that the truth shall be evil spoken of! (2 Peter 2:1-3). This is the strong
language Peter uses to describe these evil men who would speak evil of
God's preachers who is true to his calling and preaches without compromise
God's Word:
This means that there were people in the congregation who believed and taught false doctrine. Any preacher who does not firmly deal with error gives these unbelieving church members the opportunity to lead others in the church astray. 2 JOHN: In 2 John 7-10, the Apostle John warns of the coming of many deceivers and stresses we are not to even bid god speed to false teachers who do not hold to sound doctrine. He warns that to even bid them "God speed" is to be a partaker of their evil.
3 JOHN: In this little Epistle John with vigor denounces people in the church which are evil. (Verse 11). John like Paul names the man who was causing trouble in the church. In very revealing terms he refers to Diotrephes, as "one who loves to have the preeminence among the brethren." John openly accused this man in a position of leadership in the church of: (1) Refusing to receiving the Apostle John, (2) Making malicious statements against the apostles, (3) Refusing to receive missionaries, (4) Leading the church to kick out those that were missions minded.
J. Vernon McGee, said, "I am of the opinion he tried to keep his pastor under his thumb in order that he could preside. Diotrephes is a man who was self-opinionated. As I am saying all of this, I wonder if you recognize this fellow. In many churches today, there are men like Diotrephes, men who want to run the church" (II John, III John and Jude, Thru the Bible Books, Pasadena, CA, 1979, pages 54-55). Diotrephes, would not submit to the preaching of the Apostle John, and I am sure no other God called pastor either. He wanted to be the chief. (Ref. "A Translator's Handbook on the Letters of John," Haas De Jonge and Swellengrebel, United Bible Societies, 1972, page 154-155).
REVELATION: John in the book of Revelation records Christ's strong admonishment in each of the seven churches mentioned in Rev. 2 - 3.
To Ephesus: Rev. 2:2 "I know thy works, and thy labor, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil; and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars." The Church at Ephesus is commended by Christ for not being able to bear them which are evil, who are false apostles in the church. He calls them liars. What was their lie? They taught false doctrine in the church.
To Pergamum: Rev. 2:14, "But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which I hate."
Christ warned this church about letting in those who do not hold to strong doctrine. The reason is they cast a stumbling block before others in the church. The Nicolaitanes were a sect in the church, who are believed to have come from the teachings of Nicolas of Antioch (Acts 6:5) or another unidentified Nicolas. Basically he taught a "liberated" Christianity. The root of this philosophy was in the Nicolaitanes "hiring" themselves to do religious work for material gain. They wanted to control the people and establish a hierarchy in the churches. This "professionalized" the office of the pastor naturally lead to a watering down of doctrine to make Christianity more palatable to people. The root of the word comes from Greek nikao, meaning to conquer or overcome, and laos, which means people and is the word "laity" comes from. The two words together especially refers to the earliest form of what we call a priestly order or clergy which later on in church history divided people allowing for leadership other than those led by the Lord Jesus Christ. This philosophy led to the acceptance of the idea of a "universal" church grew into the Roman Catholic church. Their error was that Jesus Christ was dethroned as the Head of the church and His word as the sole authority for faith and practice. Church leaders became the authority and tradition based on church counsels and degrees by popes replaced
The point is that Christ named names and exposed error with strong warnings. Christ said that He hated their "deeds" false and misleading teachings (Rev. 2:6,15).
To Thyatira: Christ wrote concerning the "Jezebel" that this church was allowing to teach and seduce the members into spiritual adultery. Christ warns that He would soundly destroy her and her followers. Note that in verse 23, Christ commends some in the church for not holding to her false "doctrine."
To Sardis: Christ instructs to be "watchful," and says that a few had not "spoiled" their garments. Verse 3 says they are to hold fast the doctrine the had heard and repent from any turning from it.
To the Philadelphia: Christ warmly commends them because they had kept the Word of God and not denied His name. He also states there were others who were of the "synagogue of Satan" who were liars. Again, may I state that their lie was false doctrine.
To the Laodicea: Christ warned them about complacency towards letting the world influence them. They were compromisers of the Word of God, and their philosophy was "don't rock the boat."
The modern philosophy today is moving toward ecumenicalism, or of putting away of doctrinal differences, "so we can all work for the Lord and see folks saved." This is gross error! The work of the Lord from salvation to maturity is SOLELY based on Scripture which is doctrine. If a church believes, holds to, and teaches false teaching it limits Gods ability to bless in that area. It also denotes a serious flaw in their understanding of the Scriptures and being unable to correctly understand that each doctrine effects to some degree other areas of their teaching and ministry. God cannot bless error. A church that allows false doctrine to be preached can honestly be questioned in regard to whether it is a legitimate work of the Lord.
Of great importance in understanding the pastor's role and message is to understand that the messages in the Book of Revelation were addressed to the "angels" or messengers of the various churches. Christ addressed each church through its pastor! That is God's expressed plan in the Old and New Testaments.
This puts an awesome, but not unfulfillable responsibility on the man who steps into the pulpit or teacher's podium and proceeds to speak for God. When he addresses God's children he best know of what he speaks and that takes a lifetime commitment to be a student of God's Word.
We are instructed to, "study to show ourselves approved, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, RIGHTLY dividing the word of God" (2 Tim. 2:15). Note that the strong emphasis of this verse is to study to be able to rightly divide the Word without error. Some have claimed that this passage is only addressing godly living meaning we should should "study" on how to live for the Lord. But I believe they miss the point. How can you "study" to live for the Lord and not know what "thus saith the Lord?" One can only rightly divide the word of God he knows it.
Paul defended himself against his critics this way: "I hope you will put up with a little of my foolishness; but you are already doing that. I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him" (2 Cor. 11:1-2). Verse 11, further says that Paul did what he did, to literally "cut off" occasion or opportunity for those who teach error to cause the Corinthians to stumble and be lead astray.
In Titus 1:10-16, Paul addressed those in the church at Crete which were ignoring doctrine and allowing error to come into the church, "For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake." This is a major problem today many churches. Many preachers today compromise God's word for the sake of money (filthy lucre). They know that if the preached the whole counsel of God's word they would lose their financially profitable churches. Thus they have become the "hirelings" Jesus spoke of who will not protect the flock from the wolves. (John 10:12-13) Woe unto that man who compromises God's word and correspondingly his responsibility as God's preacher for money!
The ability to discernment between right and wrong is a direct result of knowing the Bible's principles. Because there is a lack of biblical preaching in many churches there also correspondingly is a lack of discernment that allows the false brethren an audience and opportunity to mislead.
Paul instructed young Titus to, as verse 13 says, "rebuke them "sharply", that they may be sound in the faith." In 2:15, he again says to "rebuke them with all authority. Let no man despise thee." In I Tim. 4:12, Paul commanded Timothy to devote himself to public reading of Scripture, preaching and to doctrine.
The apostle noted the importance of doctrine and in 2 John 9, stated "Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the DOCTRINE of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the DOCTRINE of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son."
This Scripture clearly reveals that trusting Christ is accepting the doctrine of Christ and all the truth of Scripture. A redeemed sinner becomes a follower of God and is indwelled by the Holy Spirit. He has a new nature that is the nature of God. His new nature gives him the desire and need to follow the Lord. Jesus said that His sheep knew His voice and that they would not follow another.
As stated earlier John went on to say how the believer should treat the one who refused to receive the Word of God. In verse 10, "If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed. For he that biddeth him God speed is a partaker of his evil deed" (2 John 10).
These and many other Scriptures gives God's pastor the Scriptural basis to name names of those who teach error, and direct him to be separated from them that they would not even by association, even innocently appear to support doctrinal error. Other references are 2 Thess. 3:6 "In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers, to keep away from every brother who is idle and does not live according to the teachings you received from us"(see verses 14 and 15) 2 Cor. 6:14, instructs, "Do not be yoked together with unbelievers" (See I Tim. 6:3-5, Gal. 1:6-10).
Paul said expressively in Gal. 1:10, that he sought to please God and be the servant of Christ and not be a "man pleaser" or one who would allow error to go uncorrected so as to please men or not offend anyone.
You today cannot turn on the TV or even read a
Newspaper without seeing something about modern Christianity. Most of what
is said and presented as Christian is blatantly not biblical and subjects
the lost world to many convincing false doctrines. 2 Cor. 11:14-15, says
these false teachers appear even as "angels of light!" These false teachers
look very good to a world ignorant of God's Word. These men are worse than
medical "quacks" whose false practice causes physical harm. These men are
the handy work of Satan himself in spreading religious lies and entrapping
men's soul in damnable heresies.
It should be understood that the Bible gives overwhelming evidence from Scripture that the man of God loves the truth and "hates" false teaching and rejects and rebukes those who perpetrate it. This is not different from the feelings of the Lord Jesus. It must be a pure hatred that stems from a deep love of truth and commitment to the Lord. Psalm 139:21-22 says, "I hate them, O Lord that hate thee. I hate them with a perfect hatred." It is not a hatred of the individual person, but of the lie that all false doctrine is.
Christ in Rev. 2:6, stated He "hated" the
deeds of the Nicolaitanes which were false teachers. In the Old Testament,
there are many references admonishing us to hate evil and false teachings.
A few are: Prov. 6:16, 8:13, Isa. 61:8, Psa. 97:10, 101:3, 119:104, 113,
128, 163, Jer. 44:4, Amos 5:15, Zec. 8:17. In Ephesians 4:26, Paul says
"be angry and sin not." This verses teach there is anger that is not sinful,
however we are told that to let it continue is sin, inferring it could
cause bitterness and lead to sin.
The faithful pastor will always pray that God would make him a better preacher, and more a useful tool. Every pastor prays that God would remove their rough edges and that they would become polished mature preachers of the Bible. In closing, it is the pastor's heart to stand and not compromise the Truth, or speak in deceit, immorally, in guile nor seek the approval of men rather than God ( I Thess. 2:1-12, Gal. 1:9-10). He must not use flattery, or any means but the truth to bring men to repentance, and thus to salvation and then church membership.
The man of God has no other calling. He has no other course to take but to follow his Lord's command to, "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season, reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and DOCTRINE" (I Tim. 4:2). And to, "...commit to FAITHFUL men, who shall be able to teach others also" (II Tim. 2:2).
In conclusion may I urge each who take the time to read this article to do as the Bereans, to be noble and "received the Word of God with readiness of mind and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so" (Acts 17:11).
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