The Truth in Print Vol. 24 Issue 4, May 2018
A Publication of the Valley church of Christ,
2375 W. 8th Street, Yuma, AZ 85364 (928-782-5058)
Website
Address ~ http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com
Repentance
Simon as a new Christian was commanded by
Peter to repent. Act 8:22 "Therefore repent of this wickedness of yours,
and pray the Lord that, if possible, the intention of your heart may be
forgiven you. Act 8:23 "For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness
and in the bondage of iniquity." Simon was wicked. Simon’s request that
Peter pray for him shows he knew he’d sinned and dreaded the description of the
condition he was in. You don’t see resentment or a reluctant mind.
Paul told Corinth after having rebuked them
in his first epistle “...your sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorry
in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing” (2 Cor. 7:9).
Paul’s rebukes were not a detriment; they were Christ’s love and He expected
repentance. Their being “made sorry” by definition (Thayer’s) means “to affect
with sadness, cause grief, to throw into sorrow...“in a manner acceptable to
God.” Thus 2 Co 7:10 “For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to
salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.”
God’s approval can only be found here.
1)
“repentance” [G3341 metanoia] Strong’s def.: From
G3340; (subjectively) compunction (for guilt, including reformation); by
implication reversal (of [another’s] decision): - repentance.
a)
Thayer’s: [G3341 metanoia] 1) a change of mind, as it appears to one who
repents, of a purpose he has formed or of something he has done.
The Lord concluded His severe rebuke to the
whole church in Laodicea, where you find all lasciviousness, with “As many as I
love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent” (Rev. 3:19).
Again, approval can only be found here.
Rebuke
The charge given to elders included: Titus
1:9 holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able,
by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.
1)
“exhort” [G3870 parakaléō]
– speak to so as to aid, help, entreat, comfort, encourage, give instruction.
2)
“convict” [G1651 elegchō]
Strong’s: to confute, admonish: - convict, convince, tell a fault, rebuke,
reprove.
a)
Extended definitions emphasize that “convict” suggests the shame of the person
rebuked; is used of both exposure and confutation. Thus any attempts to justify
false teaching or inordinate behavior are defeated with sound doctrine.
Whole Households “Subverted”
Concerning these rebellious, empty talkers:
Tit 1:11 whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole households, teaching things
which they ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain.
1)
“subvert” [G396 anatrepō]
Thayer: 1) to overthrow, overturn, destroy.
Paul’s describing corrupt members of the
church not the world. Protect your household from false brethren! And do not
let another’s corrupt your own.
The island of Crete (Titus 1:5) was a large
island about 140 mi. long by 35 mi. wide, with an estimated 100 cities. Crete
had several cities and preachers were gaining entrance into the churches
through households; such “subvert whole households” (Titus 1:11). In a small
church just one large household can consist of 1/3 of a membership; just what
kind influence can one corrupted household have? The word “subvert” is same
word as is translated “overthrow” in 2 Tim. 2:18 “...overthrow the faith of
some.”
Cretans in general are said to be liars,
evil beasts and lazy gluttons (Titus 1:12). Paul confirms this: Tit 1:13 “This
testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the
faith,...” Thus the elders had their charge and Titus
his own. This takes care of “Well
they’ve already been told once! Isn’t that enough?” Strong’s definition:
“Sharply” [G664 apotomōs] - Adverb from a
derivative of a compound of G575 apo meaning
cessation, reversal and temnō (to cut);
abruptly, that is, peremptorily: - sharply (-ness).
Notice the emphasis is upon putting a real
stop to the sinful nonsense! Take the English definition of “peremptory” for
consideration: Am. Heritage Dict.: 1. Putting an end to all debate or action.
2. Not allowing contradictions or refusal; imperative. 3. Having the nature of
or expressing a command; urgent; a peremptory tone. Appeasement or granting
concessions to maintain peace doesn’t fit. When you appease you just get more error!
They might want it to be just your “opinion” vs. theirs, but if they sinned it
needs to be repented of. They might want it to be like “something else” they
say is parallel but when sin it must be repented of.
The purpose of the rebuke is “…that they may
be sound in the faith.” Approval can only be here. Understand that false
motives for not rebuking are the same as motives for compromising —
covetousness with flattery, I might lose them, false love (Pr. 27:5), fear of
the unpleasant task, fear of offending, etc.
Creep into Households
2Ti 3:6
“For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives
of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts,”
1)
“creep” [G1744 endunō]
Strong’s: to sink (by implication wrap (compare G1746 enduo
“to invest with clothing”) on, that is, (figuratively) sneak: - creep.” This
immediately reminds you of wolves in what kind of clothing? (Matt. 7:15-16).
Their “Form of Godliness” Allows Them Access
They are described with “having a form of
godliness but denying its power” (2 Tim. 3:5). We are told to “avoid” such. The
word “form” simply means outward appearance. What do they not consent to in I
Tim. 6:3? The “doctrine that is according to godliness.” Godliness is found in practicing
sound doctrine.
2Ti
3:7 “always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.”
Their victims (Christians) ineptitude or
inadequacy here may be pitifully described as the result of their listening to other
things than the Word and not studying the scriptures.
2Ti
3:8 “Now as Jannes and Jambres
resisted Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds,
disapproved concerning the faith;”
2Ti
3:9 “but they will progress no further, for their folly will be manifest to
all, as theirs also was.”
Here Paul says things come to a close, folly
is recognized, and there is no compromise!
“Silly Women” Taken Captive
They were loaded down with sins, and led
away with divers lusts. This example of their
persuasion had to do with weak “sisters” in Christ; “Silly” (“little”
diminutively) women — not a compliment — they were much less than godly
members. As if to hear from such, “Oh, Paul mentioned me but that’s just Paul!”
And today “Oh, the teacher mentioned me but don’t mind him at all!” No they
were “little” indeed.
Certainly divers
lusts are the works of the flesh. But an important thing often overlooked is
that they want a change in doctrine, and that comes with wanting a different
kind of teacher and preacher (2 Tim. 4:3-4). Such will protect the teenagers by
their anger after lessons on partying. You’ll hear “You’re going to lose the
young people!” Beware of the ones who really don’t mind if their kids drink.
And pay attention to kids who come to church and talk about all the beer cans
left in the back yard after their parent’s party.
You Must Love the Word More
I’m sure Titus got over the fear of having
to do it. The elders had their work and he had his. Those who love the Word
will give the instruction and rebuke whether they hear or will not hear (Ezk. 2:4-5); rebuking is the duty of all members not just
some (I Th. 5:14). When one is resisting the truth don’t analyze to the point
of taking out the sinful thing that is really there; if concessions are made
there will just be more demands. Some learn just how far they can push and
still get by.
You can identify patterns of forsaking
assembling (Heb. 10:24-25). “Where are they?” is a question often without an
answer; those who make announcement are left without explanations as to why
someone isn’t there. “Where were you?” is a question often not answered
correctly. Appeasement just means you’ll be flooded with more of the same. When
it comes to demands the one who seeks to act without scriptural authority will
make theirs; you be sure you make yours.
Don’t be ashamed of the Word (2 Tim. 1:7,
8). Make it clear and identify both the error and the one in error (Gal.
2:11-14; Col. 4:4). After Paul’s rebuke of Peter and Barnabas we know they
repented for he approved of their works following. Don’t think for a minute
proper rebukes are anything other than a desire to benefit brethren (I Jo. 5:2;
Pr. 15:32). Know that some who are wise and need them will desire them (Ps. 141:5;
Pr. 9:8).
Some Things That Need Reproof:
o Immodest
Dress. And don’t worry if parents get mad at you for telling both them and
their child.
o Buying
concert tickets knowing beforehand it was going to cause them to miss worship.
o Missing church
for the Ball Game on Sunday; all day Sunday at the Beach / Lake / River for
quality family time; at the Fair rather than in church.
o Civic &
sports clubs attended on Wed. night rather than church. Most human
organizations offer advantages for the materially inclined and some brethren
don’t handle their offers well at all. For some the “social” aspect is just too
important.
o Drinking
parties. Again some at the civic, service and sports clubs.
o Dating the
wrong kind of person (I Cor. 15:33). Parents often know when sin is involved
and sigh in relief when the “bad” boy or girl leaves. That doesn’t solve the
problem for without repentance they’ll just repeat it again.
o Fornication
(Heterosexual, Homosexual, Lesbian).
o Adultery.
One adulterous relationship tolerated in a church leads to two, two to three,
etc. (I Cor. 5:6). Adultery among marrieds leads to fornications among
children.
o Not Giving
as one should which is covetousness (I Cor. 5:11).
o Putting members
in as teachers who do not care for sound doctrine just as a quick fix; this is
often done for appeasement and by compromise just hoping they clean up their
act.
Churches often take someone who has a
problem, and realizing the problem put them in for service, prayer, the Lord’s
Supper, singing, teaching class, etc. When a member sins have I done my work?
Or did I just put them back in the saddle without seeking their repentance?
Here boy let me help ya right back in that there
saddle! Teachers must instruct, exhort, convict, reprove and rebuke; those not
thinking and living right won’t do these.
When they leave (things do come a close
through various periods of time) don’t just look at where they go when they
leave sound teaching, but think at times where they came from — often their
coming was for some other reason than sound teaching. When they support their
husband who gets mad at the teacher for a lesson on alcohol they’ll leave with
him. When they say they’re starting a “house church” isn’t that often to avoid
sound doctrine?
The Invite: Come with us and your house can be
just like ours.
From those who subvert households; from men
“men corrupt in mind” (I Tim. 6:5); from the corrupted who had grown worse (I Cor. 5:6).
The Come to Dinner Invite Just Before They
Leave
You will repent of having accepted such from
deceitful members, and when disgusted with their true character realize that
your compliments were wasted (Pr. 23:6-8). Such will try and seduce you through
the lusts of the flesh (2 Pet. 2:18). The seductions come from those who hated
reproof (Pr. 9:8). Some will be so bold as to state their immoralities — here’s
what’s really going on at our house and in our marriage and “come with” and you
can do these too. Members must learn to “inform” the church (I Cor. 1:11; 5:1
“reported”). It doesn’t matter whether they are going to leave soon or not.
Having left they’ll still brag about their immoralities and false beliefs. The
“love” they say you didn’t have would have been compromising with immorality
and error. The “compassion” they say you lack would have been appeasement for
the sake of peace.
Valley Church of Christ
2375 W. 8th Street, Yuma, AZ 85364
(928) 782-5058 ~
http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com
Sunday Services – Classes ~10:00;
Assembly 10:50 am; Evening: 6:00 pm.
Wednesday evening – 7:00 pm
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