|
Home
Archive
November
October
September
Comments
and/or Questions
|
Thursday,
November 26, 2009
Truth or Consequences
Proverbs 11:1-2 A false balance is
abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight. (2) When pride
cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom. (KJV)
All this week we have been on the topic
of tolerance; and what we are discovering is that there is a big difference
between what God tolerates, and what man tries to throw into the mix. One
of the biggest turn offs, and quite frankly a bit obnoxious, are those that
preach nothing but fire and brimstone, basically pointing the finger at
others and threatening them with hell. Today, we have many who preach a
feel good doctrine, like those of the 60’s who decided if it feels good, do
it. For those that are called of God to teach and preach His Word in love,
they know there needs to be a just balance, letting the people know the
truth as well as the consequences, in the manner that God would have it
taught.
2 Timothy 4:2-5 Preach the word; be
instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all
longsuffering and doctrine. (3) For the time will come when they will not
endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to
themselves teachers, having itching ears; (4) And they shall turn away
their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. (5) But watch
thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make
full proof of thy ministry. (KJV)
I am totally convinced that the time Paul
was referring to is now, because as I look around I see many that would
rather cater to the flesh than the Spirit. No matter how far man has fallen
from grace it is still up to us to fulfill our calling, preaching and
teaching the love of God despite the outcome or reaction of many. There are
times when you will be able to exhort, build up, and encourage, while at
other times you will need to rebuke, reprove, and correct with the Word in
the manner the Lord would have it presented. In all things it’s a matter of
discernment, rightly dividing the word of truth so that you can find the
just balance of how the Lord would have you address each and every
situation.
Philippians 1:15-18 Some indeed preach
Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: (16) The one
preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to
my bonds: (17) But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence
of the gospel. (18) What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in
pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and
will rejoice. (KJV)
If you really desire to rightly divide
the word of truth and find the just balance, then you will have to go to
the middle man, the One mediator between us and God, Christ Jesus. Paul
dealt with those that were a bit out of balance, and were preaching more to
build up themselves rather than others. The important part of the whole
equation is in verse 17, letting the love of God be our only motivation
through Christ.
Jude 1:21-23 Keep yourselves in the love
of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. (22)
And of some have compassion, making a difference: (23) And others save with
fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the
flesh. (KJV)
Keeping mindful of the love of God and
His mercy will allow you to have compassion on others, making a positive
difference in their life. With others, like watching someone in a burning
building, you are not going to hold back but will do whatever it takes to
get their attention before they end up burning eternally. Keep yourself in
the love of God, remember His mercy and grace, and let His truth set you
free from a burning eternal consequence that many others have put
themselves back into.
|
