IT IS NOT ALWAYS “EITHER/OR” in bible discussions. We acknowledge that discussing from an “ego – driven” perspective is wrong. When a person speaks from the need for personal victory, he is not pleasing God. But, seeking victory is not always a personal thing! Tit 1:9 “Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both TO EXHORT AND CONVINCE THE GAINSAYERS.10 For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision:11 WHOSE MOUTHS MUST BE STOPPED, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucres sake.” VICTORY is the stated goal of the bible teacher: Not “personal” victory, but the victory of suppressing error – sometimes it can only be done by face – to – face, or word –to- word confrontations. This MUST be done (above text), but it need not be personal. There is always a need to check the internal clock we have, to remind ourselves of the proper spirit to be maintained! (2 Cor 13:5). Paul reminds us in 1 Cor 13 that the best of actions has no value apart from a spirit of love…. He also warns us severely about the danger of forgetting that our goal is to exalt Jesus and Him crucified (1 Cor 2), and trust in His words more than ours. James tells us “Jas 3:14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife (“self seeking”) in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.” But later says, “the wisdom from above is FIRST pure” (v.17). So, “contending for” (Jude 3), and defending the “purity” of the message must still be done. There is never a time when it is not appropriate to examine self, and be reminded of these tendencies. All that being said, we must still strive for “VICTORY”! While the first victory must be over “self”, the greatest victory is to defend and exalt truth. The ultimate victory is to triumph in both! These thoughts: None are perfect, either in teaching, or in “judging” others who teach (from both directions)/ One’s personal motive is not as critical as the content of his teaching (Phil 1:9-18) Not everyone comes with either pure motives or pure message. (Matt 7:15-21) There is a difference between those in error, so there must be a difference in our reaction (Jude 22, 23) My own perspective – VICTORY must be the goal…I do not need to advertise self, and I cannot assume I am always right..I will be just as happy for someone else to strive, in a more perfect way, so long as the goal of “stopping the mouths” of those in error is diligently pursued. It is possible to have both – death of self, and preservation of truth. (acb)
Posted on: Sat, 20 Dec 2014 16:47:39 +0000