Honorable Controversy

Honorable Controversy

Introduction:

What is your attitude toward disagreement? Debate in religious issues? Is this contrary to the spirit of Christ? Should we avoid discussions? Meetings? Avoid issues that would cause controversy? Christians have been called to come out & be separate. (2 Cor. 6:14-16) In our efforts to defend truth in controversy – one can go in 1 of 2 directions: we may do the truth a great deal of damage by the way we conduct ourselves: OR we may do truth the greatest amount of good –when others truly see Jesus w/in us. Honorable controversy can be one of truth’s most powerful tools.

I. Biblical observations of honorable controversy.

A. Jesus

1. Everyday, Jesus was opposed by or opposing error/sin. Mt. 23

2. 16:21-24; 10:34-39 Jesus powerfully & honorable stood against error.

B. Paul

1. Phil. 1:16 – set for the defense of the gospel.

2. Acts 17:2; 18:4, 18 – spoke boldly; reasoned from the Scriptures

3. Acts 18:8 – His defense of the truth had a great effect for good! See also 18:28 and 1 Tim. 6:12; 2 Tim. 4:1-4; 7

C. Jude

1. Entire book – a rebuke to false teachers. It = a warning to believers!

2. How many Christians today would tell Jude that he should have been more positive?

II. Reasons why some are infatuated w/the spirit of compromise:

A. Some shy away from controversy out of convenience.

B. Some overemphasize Rom. 1:29 & 2 Cor. 12:20. (Debate used in KJV)

1. Does “debate” in such passages condemn controversy?

2. The Bringing of truth & error into conflict not under consideration in these passages!

C. A large distaste for dishonorable controversy.

1. Dishonorable controversy is often NOT an appeal to truth – but to prejudice & emotion!

III. Some important things to remember:

A. When entering into controversy – important to examine our motives.

1. Desire to inflict damage for damage’s sake is not only ineffective but SINFUL! Pro. 6:19 – God HATES those who sow discord!

2. Are we operating w/a spirit of love?

3. Are we doing this for the betterment of all involved?

B. Is the debate being entered into w/careful thought & prayer?

IV. When controversy comes – we must have the wherewithal to work through it.

A. Too many content to get up & run away from it.

B. Does our behavior become dishonorable? – Pride leads us to go somewhere else rather than facing the truth & repenting of error.

C. Too many congregations hindered by pettiness & allow it to keep them from growing.

Conclusion:

A. Col. 3:12-17 – Let’s hold up the truth in a Christ-like manner.



Honorable Controversy Introduction: What is your attitude toward disagreement? Debate in religious issues? Is this contrary to the spirit of Christ? Should we avoid discussions? Meetings? Avoid issues that would cause controversy? Christians have been called to come out & be separate. (2 Cor. 6:14-16) In our efforts to defend truth in controversy – one can go in 1 of 2 directions: we may do the truth a great deal of damage by the way we conduct ourselves: OR we may do truth the greatest amount of good –when others truly see Jesus w/in us. Honorable controversy can be one of truth’s most powerful tools. I. Biblical observations of honorable controversy. A. Jesus 1. Everyday, Jesus was opposed by or opposing error/sin. Mt. 23 2. 16:21-24; 10:34-39 Jesus powerfully & honorable stood against error. B. Paul 1. Phil. 1:16 – set for the defense of the gospel. 2. Acts 17:2; 18:4, 18 – spoke boldly; reasoned from the Scriptures 3. Acts 18:8 – His defense of the truth had a great effect for good! See also 18:28 and 1 Tim. 6:12; 2 Tim. 4:1-4; 7 C. Jude 1. Entire book – a rebuke to false teachers. It = a warning to believers! 2. How many Christians today would tell Jude that he should have been more positive? II. Reasons why some are infatuated w/the spirit of compromise: A. Some shy away from controversy out of convenience. B. Some overemphasize Rom. 1:29 & 2 Cor. 12:20. (Debate used in KJV) 1. Does “debate” in such passages condemn controversy? 2. The Bringing of truth & error into conflict not under consideration in these passages! C. A large distaste for dishonorable controversy. 1. Dishonorable controversy is often NOT an appeal to truth – but to prejudice & emotion! III. Some important things to remember: A. When entering into controversy – important to examine our motives. 1. Desire to inflict damage for damage’s sake is not only ineffective but SINFUL! Pro. 6:19 – God HATES those who sow discord! 2. Are we operating w/a spirit of love? 3. Are we doing this for the betterment of all involved? B. Is the debate being entered into w/careful thought & prayer? IV. When controversy comes – we must have the wherewithal to work through it. A. Too many content to get up & run away from it. B. Does our behavior become dishonorable? – Pride leads us to go somewhere else rather than facing the truth & repenting of error. C. Too many congregations hindered by pettiness & allow it to keep them from growing. Conclusion: A. Col. 3:12-17 – Let’s hold up the truth in a Christ-like manner.