Our Attitude Toward Those in Error

2000019

Subject: Christian Attitudes

Introduction:

A. Corinthians looked on w/disdain those who disagreed with them religiously. (1 Cor. 4:6-7)

1. looked down on those who they disagreed with. Created strife/heartache/contention/division.

2. as a result: the congregation was on the brink of falling apart.

3. All because they did not have the proper attitude. When it came to dealing with those in error.

B. Same problem exists in many congregations today.

1. while holding up the banner of truth bravely & steadily – the attitude behind the actions needs to be improved.

2. especially when it comes to addressing error in someone’s life or when trying to win someone out of the world to Christ.

C. I am convinced that this could be why churches of Christ not growing as they should.

1. let us evaluate our attitude as we go out to seek the lost.

2. we have some here who have fallen away – what is our attitude toward them?

3. we have some here who are struggling – what is our attitude toward them?

4. Hopefully it not one of disdain, strife, & haughtiness. Must guard against that.

5. Learn to be humble, loving, & tactful in our nature & approach w/others.

6. Hope tonight’s lesson will be of benefit to you.

I. What should the Christians attitude be toward the untaught?

A. An attitude of sympathy – why? They lost?

1. 2 Thess. 1:7-9 – in danger of hell this = the alien sinner – the one that has never come to the Lord.

2. 2 Pet. 2:20-22 – the erring child of God is also in danger of hell fire.

a) one who has gone back into world.

b) Imagine the regret/sorrow the erring Christian will feel on judgment.

B. Note the attitude of Jesus for the Jews – Mt. 23:37-39

C. Need to have an attitude of prayer!

1. Rom. 10:1 – Paul prayed for Israelites that they would come to the Lord.

2. Js. 5:16 – need to pray for the erring Christian – 5:19-20

3. need to be prayerful that they be taught the right way. But one thing to pray then not do anything.

D. How is our desire to teach?

1. Jan. 8:32; Rom. 1:16 – alien must be taught the right way. Must learn that Jesus the Christ. Must learn of the necessity of God rescuing them from their sins.

2. Heb. 5:12 – erring/those falling away need to be taught.

3. Should exhort others w/fervent zeal to get right w/the Lord.

4. Mt. 11:28-30 – just as Christ did w/those outside of Christ.

a) just as Paul did w/the Corinthians in our text: 4:14-16; 2 Cor. 5:10

b) why so important?

5. There ought to be a compelling desire to convert the alien sinner and to turn the erring away from their sin:

a) Acts 3:19

b) Js. 5:19-20

II. Our attitude toward false teachers?

A. If that false teacher is honest/sincere, then we have the responsibility to teach him for that which is right.

1. Acts 18:24-26.

2. Apollos went on doing much good for the Lord AFTER he was properly instructed on the ways of righteousness.

B. If that teacher is set and will not listen – then we are to have nothing to do with him:

1. Mt. 7:15; 1Jhn. 4:1; 2 Jhn. 10-11

2. cause much damage to the church. Lead brethren away.

3. To turn away from them! See 1 Tim 4:7; 2 Tim. 3:5

C. Surely we would all understand that they are not to be used in worship services or trusted with spiritual matters.

III. Our attitude toward trouble makers?

A. Patient, forbearing, hoping that they will change for the better.

1. trouble makers can do great damage to the Lord’s work!

B. However,….after endeavoring to lead them to do right – there comes a time when no other choice but to reject them.

1. 1 Cor. 5:1-6; 2 Thess. 3:6

IV. Our attitude toward the impenitent?

A. Urge them to repent – Js. 5:16, 19-20

B. However,….if they unwilling to refuse the error of their way – obligation lies on us to withdraw from them.

1. 1 Cor. 5:1-6; 2 Thess. 3:6

2. can’t be proud of, puffed up about our sin!

Conclusion

A. Summed up, a Christian has a wide obligation toward those in error.

B. Must work on getting them into the fold of the Lord.

C. What is your attitude toward those who are erring?

D. I N V I T A T I O N



Our Attitude Toward Those in Error 2000019 Subject: Christian Attitudes Introduction: A. Corinthians looked on w/disdain those who disagreed with them religiously. (1 Cor. 4:6-7) 1. looked down on those who they disagreed with. Created strife/heartache/contention/division. 2. as a result: the congregation was on the brink of falling apart. 3. All because they did not have the proper attitude. When it came to dealing with those in error. B. Same problem exists in many congregations today. 1. while holding up the banner of truth bravely & steadily – the attitude behind the actions needs to be improved. 2. especially when it comes to addressing error in someone’s life or when trying to win someone out of the world to Christ. C. I am convinced that this could be why churches of Christ not growing as they should. 1. let us evaluate our attitude as we go out to seek the lost. 2. we have some here who have fallen away – what is our attitude toward them? 3. we have some here who are struggling – what is our attitude toward them? 4. Hopefully it not one of disdain, strife, & haughtiness. Must guard against that. 5. Learn to be humble, loving, & tactful in our nature & approach w/others. 6. Hope tonight’s lesson will be of benefit to you. I. What should the Christians attitude be toward the untaught? A. An attitude of sympathy – why? They lost? 1. 2 Thess. 1:7-9 – in danger of hell this = the alien sinner – the one that has never come to the Lord. 2. 2 Pet. 2:20-22 – the erring child of God is also in danger of hell fire. a) one who has gone back into world. b) Imagine the regret/sorrow the erring Christian will feel on judgment. B. Note the attitude of Jesus for the Jews – Mt. 23:37-39 C. Need to have an attitude of prayer! 1. Rom. 10:1 – Paul prayed for Israelites that they would come to the Lord. 2. Js. 5:16 – need to pray for the erring Christian – 5:19-20 3. need to be prayerful that they be taught the right way. But one thing to pray then not do anything. D. How is our desire to teach? 1. Jan. 8:32; Rom. 1:16 – alien must be taught the right way. Must learn that Jesus the Christ. Must learn of the necessity of God rescuing them from their sins. 2. Heb. 5:12 – erring/those falling away need to be taught. 3. Should exhort others w/fervent zeal to get right w/the Lord. 4. Mt. 11:28-30 – just as Christ did w/those outside of Christ. a) just as Paul did w/the Corinthians in our text: 4:14-16; 2 Cor. 5:10 b) why so important? 5. There ought to be a compelling desire to convert the alien sinner and to turn the erring away from their sin: a) Acts 3:19 b) Js. 5:19-20 II. Our attitude toward false teachers? A. If that false teacher is honest/sincere, then we have the responsibility to teach him for that which is right. 1. Acts 18:24-26. 2. Apollos went on doing much good for the Lord AFTER he was properly instructed on the ways of righteousness. B. If that teacher is set and will not listen – then we are to have nothing to do with him: 1. Mt. 7:15; 1Jhn. 4:1; 2 Jhn. 10-11 2. cause much damage to the church. Lead brethren away. 3. To turn away from them! See 1 Tim 4:7; 2 Tim. 3:5 C. Surely we would all understand that they are not to be used in worship services or trusted with spiritual matters. III. Our attitude toward trouble makers? A. Patient, forbearing, hoping that they will change for the better. 1. trouble makers can do great damage to the Lord’s work! B. However,….after endeavoring to lead them to do right – there comes a time when no other choice but to reject them. 1. 1 Cor. 5:1-6; 2 Thess. 3:6 IV. Our attitude toward the impenitent? A. Urge them to repent – Js. 5:16, 19-20 B. However,….if they unwilling to refuse the error of their way – obligation lies on us to withdraw from them. 1. 1 Cor. 5:1-6; 2 Thess. 3:6 2. can’t be proud of, puffed up about our sin! Conclusion A. Summed up, a Christian has a wide obligation toward those in error. B. Must work on getting them into the fold of the Lord. C. What is your attitude toward those who are erring? D. I N V I T A T I O N