Subject: Can we agree? |
Bible Note: Kelkat: It is called discernment. All Christians are called to distinguish between true and false teachings using the word of God. The people of Berea did it (Acts 17:11). Paul himself spoke out against false teachings to the Galatians. If Paul is any kind of model for Christian conduct, then it is not out of line for us to question other human beings regarding sound doctrine. Or was Paul wrong to speak up against the Judaizers or John wrong to speak out against the Gnostics? Both groups claimed to be Christian, after all. Paul also told Timothy to watch his doctrine closely: "Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you." --1 Timothy 4:16 Therefore, it is possible for believers in the pulpit to be wrong in their teaching. Should we then automatically accept all that they say? It is not fault-finding; it is pursuit of God's truth. "As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming" --Ephesians 4:14 --Joe! |