The resurrection of Christ leads to a relationship with God n In our previous study we learned that...

The resurrection of Christ leads to a The resurrection of Christ leads to a relationship with Godrelationship with God


In our previous study we learned that every In our previous study we learned that every Christian experiences a resurrection to a Christian experiences a resurrection to a new life! new life! (1 Cor 6:11-14; 2 Cor 5:17)(1 Cor 6:11-14; 2 Cor 5:17)



1 Corinthians 6:11-141 Corinthians 6:11-14 - And - And such were such were some of yousome of you. But . But you were washedyou were washed, but , but you you were sanctifiedwere sanctified, but , but you were justifiedyou were justified in in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God. 12 All things are lawful for of our God. 12 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. under the power of any.



13 Foods for the stomach and the stomach 13 Foods for the stomach and the stomach for foods, but God will destroy both it and for foods, but God will destroy both it and them. Now the body them. Now the body is is not for sexual not for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. 14 And for the body. 14 And God both raised up God both raised up the Lord and will also raise us up by His the Lord and will also raise us up by His powerpower..



2 Corinthians 5:172 Corinthians 5:17 - Therefore, if anyone - Therefore, if anyone is is in Christ, in Christ, he is he is a new creation; a new creation; old things old things have passed awayhave passed away; behold, ; behold, all things have all things have become newbecome new..



As was the case in establishing the As was the case in establishing the resurrection of Christ, God continues to resurrection of Christ, God continues to

teach us how to think as we seek teach us how to think as we seek the paths to walk as a Christian.the paths to walk as a Christian.



As was the case in establishing the As was the case in establishing the resurrection of Christ, God continues to resurrection of Christ, God continues to

teach us how to think as we seek teach us how to think as we seek the paths to walk as a Christian.the paths to walk as a Christian.

We are in a battle for our hearts and our We are in a battle for our hearts and our thoughts!thoughts!



The Christian’s goal is to be like Jesus.The Christian’s goal is to be like Jesus.



The Christian’s goal is to be like Jesus.The Christian’s goal is to be like Jesus. We are to empty all of our thoughts, We are to empty all of our thoughts,

teachings and practices and replace them teachings and practices and replace them with the revealed words of God. with the revealed words of God.

(Jn 8:28-29; 1 Pt 4:11)(Jn 8:28-29; 1 Pt 4:11)



John 8:28-29John 8:28-29 - Then Jesus said to them, - Then Jesus said to them, "When you lift up the Son of Man, then you "When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am will know that I am He, He, and and that that I do I do nothing of Myselfnothing of Myself; but ; but as My Father taught as My Father taught Me, I speak these thingsMe, I speak these things. 29 "And He who . 29 "And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for Me alone, for I always do those things that I always do those things that please Himplease Him.“.“



1 Peter 4:111 Peter 4:11 - If - If anyone speaksanyone speaks, , let him let him speak speak as the oracles of Godas the oracles of God. If anyone . If anyone ministers, ministers, let him do it let him do it as with the ability as with the ability which God supplies, which God supplies, that in all things God that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christmay be glorified through Jesus Christ, to , to whom belong the glory and the dominion whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.forever and ever. Amen.



This involves a reasoning process that This involves a reasoning process that involves arguments, discerning involves arguments, discerning contradictions, and applying the word of contradictions, and applying the word of God to today’s issues. God to today’s issues. (2 Cor 10:3-5)(2 Cor 10:3-5)



This involves a reasoning process that This involves a reasoning process that involves arguments, discerning involves arguments, discerning contradictions, and applying the word of contradictions, and applying the word of God to today’s issues. God to today’s issues. (2 Cor 10:3-5)(2 Cor 10:3-5)

Jesus will let us often be tested for our Jesus will let us often be tested for our good!good!



Jesus wants all of us – heart, mind and soul! Jesus wants all of us – heart, mind and soul! (Mt 22:37-40)(Mt 22:37-40)



Matthew 22:37-40Matthew 22:37-40 - Jesus said to him, " - Jesus said to him, " 'You shall love the LORD your God with 'You shall love the LORD your God with all your heartall your heart, with , with all your soulall your soul, and with , and with all your mindall your mind.' 38 "This is .' 38 "This is the the first and first and great commandment. 39 "And great commandment. 39 "And the the second second is is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' 40 "On these two commandments yourself.' 40 "On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.“hang all the Law and the Prophets.“



Serving God is more than correct reasoning, Serving God is more than correct reasoning, but correct reasoning is a part!but correct reasoning is a part!



Serving God is more than correct reasoning, Serving God is more than correct reasoning, but correct reasoning is a part!but correct reasoning is a part!

We must know the nature of God and come We must know the nature of God and come to love Him. On that foundation we reason to love Him. On that foundation we reason and discern the paths of our lives. and discern the paths of our lives. (Eph 3:17-19)(Eph 3:17-19)



Ephesians 3:17-19Ephesians 3:17-19 - that Christ may dwell - that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, in your hearts through faith; that you, being being rooted and grounded in loverooted and grounded in love, 18 may be , 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what able to comprehend with all the saints what is is the width and length and depth and height the width and length and depth and height -- 19 -- 19 to know the love of Christto know the love of Christ which which passes knowledge; that you may passes knowledge; that you may be filled be filled with all the fullness of Godwith all the fullness of God

How does understanding of doctrine affect How does understanding of doctrine affect our relationship with God and with others?our relationship with God and with others?How does understanding of doctrine affect How does understanding of doctrine affect our relationship with God and with others?our relationship with God and with others?

The Bible clearly reveals that there are The Bible clearly reveals that there are doctrines that separate us from God and doctrines that separate us from God and should separate us from brethren that hold should separate us from brethren that hold them. them. (2 John 9-11)(2 John 9-11)


2 John 9-112 John 9-11 - Whoever transgresses and - Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christdoes not abide in the doctrine of Christ does does not have Godnot have God. He who abides in the . He who abides in the doctrine of Christ doctrine of Christ has both the Father and has both the Father and the Sonthe Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and . 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrinedoes not bring this doctrine, do not , do not receive receive him into your househim into your house nor nor greet himgreet him; 11 for ; 11 for he who greets him he who greets him shares in his evil deedsshares in his evil deeds..


There were many issues that were There were many issues that were connected to the question of whether Jesus connected to the question of whether Jesus came in the flesh. came in the flesh.


There were many issues that were There were many issues that were connected to the question of whether Jesus connected to the question of whether Jesus came in the flesh. came in the flesh.

The key question was if one was willing to The key question was if one was willing to hear and abide only in the teachings hear and abide only in the teachings revealed by the apostles. revealed by the apostles. (1 Jn 4:1, 5-6; Acts 2:42)(1 Jn 4:1, 5-6; Acts 2:42)


1 John 4:11 John 4:1 - - Beloved, do not believe every Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but spirit, but test the spiritstest the spirits, whether they are , whether they are of God; because of God; because many false prophets have many false prophets have gone out into the worldgone out into the world..


1 John 4:5-61 John 4:5-6 - They are - They are of the worldof the world. . Therefore they speak Therefore they speak as as of the world, and of the world, and the world hears themthe world hears them. 6 . 6 We are of GodWe are of God. He . He who who knows God hears usknows God hears us; he who is not of ; he who is not of God God does not hear usdoes not hear us. By this we know . By this we know the the spirit of truth and the spirit of errorspirit of truth and the spirit of error..


Acts 2:42Acts 2:42 - And - And they continued steadfastly they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrinein the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.the breaking of bread, and in prayers.


The resurrection of Christ points us to the The resurrection of Christ points us to the source of authority and our attitude towards source of authority and our attitude towards that authority! that authority! (Rev 22:18-19)(Rev 22:18-19)


Revelation 22:18-19Revelation 22:18-19 - For I testify to everyone - For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If book: If anyone adds to these thingsanyone adds to these things, God will , God will add to him the plagues that are written in this add to him the plagues that are written in this bookbook; 19 and if ; 19 and if anyone takes awayanyone takes away from the from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Lifetake away his part from the Book of Life, from , from the holy city, and the holy city, and from from the things which are the things which are written in this book.written in this book.


Doctrinal discernment was commended and Doctrinal discernment was commended and a lack of discernment could result in the a lack of discernment could result in the destruction of a local church. destruction of a local church. (Rev 2:2, 14-16, 20-24)(Rev 2:2, 14-16, 20-24)


Revelation 2:2Revelation 2:2 - "I know your works, your - "I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you labor, your patience, and that you cannot cannot bear those who are evilbear those who are evil. And . And you have you have tested those who say they are apostles and tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liarsare not, and have found them liars;;


Revelation 2:14-16Revelation 2:14-16 - "But I have a few things - "But I have a few things against you, because against you, because you have there those who you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaamhold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak , who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality. 15 "Thus commit sexual immorality. 15 "Thus you also you also have those who hold the doctrine of the have those who hold the doctrine of the NicolaitansNicolaitans, , which thing I hatewhich thing I hate. .


16 '16 'RepenRepent, or else I will come to you t, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth.sword of My mouth.


Revelation 2:20-23Revelation 2:20-23 - "Nevertheless I have - "Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because a few things against you, because you allow you allow that woman Jezebelthat woman Jezebel, who calls herself a , who calls herself a prophetess, prophetess, to teach and seduce My servantsto teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols. 21 "And I gave her time sacrificed to idols. 21 "And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent. did not repent.


22 "Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, 22 "Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds. 23 "I will kill her children with their deeds. 23 "I will kill her children with death, and death, and all the churches shall know that I all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and heartsam He who searches the minds and hearts. . And I will give to each one of you And I will give to each one of you according to your works.according to your works.


In Ephesus they correctly discerned In Ephesus they correctly discerned doctrine but lost their first love. Again, doctrine but lost their first love. Again, discernment is part and not the whole of a discernment is part and not the whole of a Christian’s walk. Christian’s walk. (Rev 2:4-5)(Rev 2:4-5)


We cannot be like the Corinthians that We cannot be like the Corinthians that developed a spirit of pride that concluded developed a spirit of pride that concluded that doctrinal agreement or getting the that doctrinal agreement or getting the “right religious code” was “right religious code” was nevernever an issue an issue for a Christian! for a Christian! (2 Cor 11:2-4)(2 Cor 11:2-4)


2 Corinthians 11:2-42 Corinthians 11:2-4 - For I am jealous for - For I am jealous for you with you with godly jealousygodly jealousy. For I have . For I have betrothed you to one husbandbetrothed you to one husband, that I may , that I may present present you as you as a chaste virgin to Christ. 3 a chaste virgin to Christ. 3 But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christthat is in Christ. .


4 For if he who comes 4 For if he who comes preaches another preaches another Jesus whom we have not preachedJesus whom we have not preached, or , or if if you you receive a receive a different spirit which you have not different spirit which you have not receivedreceived, or a , or a different gospeldifferent gospel which you which you have not accepted -- have not accepted -- you may well put up you may well put up with itwith it!!


The open-ended fellowship approach The open-ended fellowship approach resulted in an “anti-reason” approach to resulted in an “anti-reason” approach to

doctrinal issues. Paul showed the doctrinal issues. Paul showed the absurdity of this position. absurdity of this position. (2 Cor 11:19-21)(2 Cor 11:19-21)


2 Corinthians 11:19-212 Corinthians 11:19-21 - For - For you put up with you put up with fools gladlyfools gladly, since , since you you yourselves yourselves are wiseare wise! ! 20 For you put up with it if one 20 For you put up with it if one brings you brings you into bondageinto bondage, if one , if one devours devours youyou, , if one if one takes takes from youfrom you, , if one if one exalts himselfexalts himself, if one , if one strikes strikes you on the faceyou on the face. 21 To . 21 To our our shame, I say that shame, I say that we were too weak for thatwe were too weak for that! But in whatever ! But in whatever anyone is bold -- I speak foolishly -- I am bold anyone is bold -- I speak foolishly -- I am bold also.also.


How do we deal with the various levels of How do we deal with the various levels of understanding and maturity among understanding and maturity among Christians?Christians?


How do we deal with the various levels of How do we deal with the various levels of understanding and maturity among understanding and maturity among Christians?Christians?

Here is an area where great discernment is Here is an area where great discernment is needed.needed.


Often brethren try to frame this issue in Often brethren try to frame this issue in extremes and push towards easy answers. extremes and push towards easy answers. (Ex. “You must divide on all doctrinal (Ex. “You must divide on all doctrinal issues.” Or “Doctrinal issues have no part issues.” Or “Doctrinal issues have no part of the unity of Christians.”)of the unity of Christians.”)

Key Truths in Unity and Doctrinal Key Truths in Unity and Doctrinal DifferencesDifferences


Resolving doctrinal differences Resolving doctrinal differences is a vital is a vital part of unitypart of unity. . (1 Cor 1:10; 4:6)(1 Cor 1:10; 4:6)



1 Corinthians 1:101 Corinthians 1:10 - Now I plead with you, - Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you Christ, that you all speak the same thingall speak the same thing, , and and that that there be there be no divisions among youno divisions among you, , but but that that you you be perfectly joined togetherbe perfectly joined together in in the same mindthe same mind and in and in the same judgmentthe same judgment..



1 Corinthians 4:61 Corinthians 4:6 - Now these things, - Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively transferred to brethren, I have figuratively transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that you myself and Apollos for your sakes, that you may learn in us may learn in us not to think beyond what is not to think beyond what is writtenwritten, that none of you may , that none of you may be puffed upbe puffed up on behalf of on behalf of one against the otherone against the other..



A position that eliminates the need to A position that eliminates the need to resolve differences is wrong!resolve differences is wrong!



How did brethren resolve doctrinal How did brethren resolve doctrinal differences? differences? (Acts 15:1-2, 5-7, 22)(Acts 15:1-2, 5-7, 22)



Acts 15:1-2Acts 15:1-2 - - And certain And certain men men came down came down from Judea and taught the brethren, "from Judea and taught the brethren, "Unless Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be savedMoses, you cannot be saved." 2 Therefore, ." 2 Therefore, when Paul and Barnabas when Paul and Barnabas had no small had no small dissension and dispute with themdissension and dispute with them, they , they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain others of them others of them should go up to Jerusalem, to should go up to Jerusalem, to the apostles and elders, about this questionthe apostles and elders, about this question..



Acts 15:5-7Acts 15:5-7 - But some of the sect of the - But some of the sect of the Pharisees who believed rose up, saying, "Pharisees who believed rose up, saying, "It It is necessary to circumcise them, and to is necessary to circumcise them, and to command command them them to keep the law of Mosesto keep the law of Moses." ." 6 Now 6 Now the apostles and elders came the apostles and elders came together to consider this mattertogether to consider this matter. .



7 And when 7 And when there had been much disputethere had been much dispute, , Peter rose up and said to themPeter rose up and said to them: "Men and : "Men and brethren, you know that a good while ago brethren, you know that a good while ago God chose among us, that by my mouth the God chose among us, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe.and believe.



Acts 15:22Acts 15:22 - Then - Then it pleased the apostles it pleased the apostles and elders, with the whole churchand elders, with the whole church, to send , to send chosen men of their own company to chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas, Antioch with Paul and Barnabas, namely, namely, Judas who was also named Barsabas, and Judas who was also named Barsabas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren.Silas, leading men among the brethren.



Any leadership that runs from controversy Any leadership that runs from controversy will get greater controversy in time!will get greater controversy in time!



Any leadership that runs from controversy Any leadership that runs from controversy will get greater controversy in time!will get greater controversy in time!

Both personal and doctrinal differences Both personal and doctrinal differences should be addressed.should be addressed.



We must put fellowship with God as our We must put fellowship with God as our first priority. first priority.



Doctrinal compromise is viewed as Doctrinal compromise is viewed as adultery! adultery! (Jer 23:14-17)(Jer 23:14-17)



Jeremiah 23:14-17Jeremiah 23:14-17 - Also I have seen a - Also I have seen a horrible thing in the prophets of Jerusalemhorrible thing in the prophets of Jerusalem: : They They commit adulterycommit adultery and and walk in lieswalk in lies; ; They also They also strengthen the hands of evildoersstrengthen the hands of evildoers, , So that no one turns back from his So that no one turns back from his wickednesswickedness. All of them are like Sodom to . All of them are like Sodom to Me, And her inhabitants like Gomorrah. Me, And her inhabitants like Gomorrah.



15 "Therefore thus says the LORD of hosts 15 "Therefore thus says the LORD of hosts concerning the prophets: 'Behold, I will concerning the prophets: 'Behold, I will feed them with wormwood, And make them feed them with wormwood, And make them drink the water of gall; For from the drink the water of gall; For from the prophets of Jerusalem Profaneness has gone prophets of Jerusalem Profaneness has gone out into all the land.' "out into all the land.' "



16 Thus says the LORD of hosts: "16 Thus says the LORD of hosts: "Do not Do not listen to the words of the prophetslisten to the words of the prophets who who prophesy to you. prophesy to you. They make you worthlessThey make you worthless; ; They speak a vision of their own heart, Not They speak a vision of their own heart, Not from the mouth of the LORD.from the mouth of the LORD.



17 17 They continually sayThey continually say to to those who those who despise Medespise Me, 'The LORD has said, ", 'The LORD has said, "You You shall have peace"shall have peace" '; And '; And to to everyone who everyone who walks according to the dictates of his own walks according to the dictates of his own heartheart, they say, , they say, 'No evil shall come upon 'No evil shall come upon youyou.' “.' “



God strongly warns against extending God strongly warns against extending fellowship to “those who despise Me” fellowship to “those who despise Me” (Jer 23:17; 1 Jn 2:19; 1 Cor 11:18-19)(Jer 23:17; 1 Jn 2:19; 1 Cor 11:18-19)



Jeremiah 23:17Jeremiah 23:17 - They continually say - They continually say to to those who despise Methose who despise Me, 'The LORD has said, , 'The LORD has said, ""You shall have peaceYou shall have peace" '; And " '; And to to everyone everyone who walks according to the dictates of his who walks according to the dictates of his own heart, they say, own heart, they say, 'No evil shall come 'No evil shall come upon youupon you.' “.' “



1 John 2:191 John 2:19 - They went out from us, but - They went out from us, but they were not of usthey were not of us; for if they had been of ; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but us, they would have continued with us; but they went out they went out that that they might be made they might be made manifestmanifest, that none of them were of us., that none of them were of us.



1 Corinthians 11:18-191 Corinthians 11:18-19 - For first of all, - For first of all, when you come together as a church, I hear when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you, and in that there are divisions among you, and in part I believe it. 19 For there part I believe it. 19 For there must also be must also be factions among youfactions among you, that , that those who are those who are approved may be recognized among youapproved may be recognized among you..



The leadership of Israel said God’s “peace” The leadership of Israel said God’s “peace” was with upon those that despised God’s was with upon those that despised God’s way and that “no evil shall come upon way and that “no evil shall come upon you.”you.”



When Jeremiah tried to openly reason with When Jeremiah tried to openly reason with these grace and love advocates suddenly all these grace and love advocates suddenly all of this tolerance was of this tolerance was not shown towards not shown towards JeremiahJeremiah. . (Jer 18:18)(Jer 18:18)



Jeremiah 18:18Jeremiah 18:18 - Then they said, "Come - Then they said, "Come and and let us devise plans against Jeremiahlet us devise plans against Jeremiah; for ; for the law shall not perish from the priest, nor the law shall not perish from the priest, nor counsel from the wise, nor the word from counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophet. Come and the prophet. Come and let us attack him let us attack him with the tonguewith the tongue, and , and let us not give heed to let us not give heed to any of his wordsany of his words.“.“



Years ago I heard Hiram Hutto say “Preach Years ago I heard Hiram Hutto say “Preach the truth and fellowship will take care of the truth and fellowship will take care of itself!” My experience has been that open itself!” My experience has been that open Bibles and open hearts will bring the fruit Bibles and open hearts will bring the fruit God wants.God wants.



We should distinguish between collective We should distinguish between collective practices and individual practices.practices and individual practices.



When I am put in a position to personally When I am put in a position to personally be a part of that which I believe to be wrong be a part of that which I believe to be wrong then I must separate myself from that then I must separate myself from that relationship. relationship. (2 Cor 6:14-18)(2 Cor 6:14-18)



2 Corinthians 6:14-182 Corinthians 6:14-18 - Do not be - Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For For what fellowship has righteousness with what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessnesslawlessness? And ? And what communion has what communion has light with darknesslight with darkness? 15 And ? 15 And what accord what accord has Christ with Belialhas Christ with Belial? Or ? Or what part has a what part has a believer with an unbelieverbeliever with an unbeliever? ?



16 And what agreement has the temple of 16 And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will dwell in living God. As God has said: "I will dwell in them And walk among them And walk among them. them. I will be their I will be their God, And they shall be My people." 17 God, And they shall be My people." 17 Therefore "Therefore "Come out from among them And Come out from among them And be separatebe separate, says the Lord. , says the Lord. Do not touch what Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive youis unclean, And I will receive you." ."



18 "I will be a Father to you, And you shall 18 "I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the LORD be My sons and daughters, Says the LORD Almighty.“Almighty.“



When I am put in position of supporting When I am put in position of supporting men that do not abide in the doctrine of men that do not abide in the doctrine of

Christ, then their work is put on Christ, then their work is put on my account. In a positive way this is true of my account. In a positive way this is true of

supporting faithful men. supporting faithful men. (2 Jn 9-11, 3 Jn 4-8)(2 Jn 9-11, 3 Jn 4-8)



2 John 9-112 John 9-11 - Whoever transgresses and - Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not does not bring this doctrine, do not receive receive himhim into your house nor into your house nor greet himgreet him; 11 for ; 11 for he who greets he who greets him shares in his evil deedshim shares in his evil deeds..



3 John 4-83 John 4-8 - - I have no greater joy than to I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truthhear that my children walk in truth. 5 . 5 Beloved, you do faithfully Beloved, you do faithfully whatever you do whatever you do for the brethren and for strangersfor the brethren and for strangers, 6 who , 6 who have borne witness of your love before the have borne witness of your love before the church. church. If If you send them forward on their you send them forward on their journey in a manner worthy of Godjourney in a manner worthy of God, you , you will do well, will do well,



7 because they went forth for His name's 7 because they went forth for His name's sake, sake, taking nothing from the Gentilestaking nothing from the Gentiles. 8 . 8 We therefore We therefore ought to receive suchought to receive such, that , that we we may become fellow workers for the truthmay become fellow workers for the truth..



We must give time for growth and We must give time for growth and development.development.



We need to be longsuffering as one grows We need to be longsuffering as one grows in Christ. in Christ. (Eph 4:1-3, 14-16)(Eph 4:1-3, 14-16)



Ephesians 4:1-3Ephesians 4:1-3 - - I, therefore, the prisoner I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, 2 the calling with which you were called, 2 with all lowliness and gentlenesswith all lowliness and gentleness, with , with longsufferinglongsuffering, , bearing with one another in bearing with one another in lovelove, 3 , 3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peaceSpirit in the bond of peace..



Ephesians 4:14-16Ephesians 4:14-16 - that we should no - that we should no longer be children, longer be children, tossed to and frotossed to and fro and and carried about with every wind of doctrinecarried about with every wind of doctrine, , by by the trickery of menthe trickery of men, in , in the cunning the cunning craftiness of deceitful plottingcraftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, , 15 but, speaking the truth in lovespeaking the truth in love, may , may grow up in grow up in all things into Him who is the headall things into Him who is the head -- Christ -- Christ



16 from whom the whole body, joined and 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes every part does its share, causes growth of growth of the body for the edifying of itself in lovethe body for the edifying of itself in love..



However, when men seek to draw disciples However, when men seek to draw disciples to themselves then quick action needs to be to themselves then quick action needs to be taken. We must discern the difference! taken. We must discern the difference! (Rom 16:17-18; Gal 4:16-17)(Rom 16:17-18; Gal 4:16-17)



Romans 16:17-18Romans 16:17-18 - Now I urge you, - Now I urge you, brethren, brethren, note those who cause divisionsnote those who cause divisions and offenses, and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which contrary to the doctrine which you learnedyou learned, and , and avoid themavoid them. 18 For those . 18 For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth smooth words and flattering speech deceive the words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simplehearts of the simple..



Galatians 4:16-17Galatians 4:16-17 - Have I therefore - Have I therefore become your enemybecome your enemy because because I tell you the I tell you the truthtruth? 17 ? 17 They zealously court youThey zealously court you, , but but for for no good; yes, they no good; yes, they want to exclude youwant to exclude you, that , that you may be zealous for themyou may be zealous for them..



As a new Christian I knew very little about As a new Christian I knew very little about crucial questions in the Bible. I always tried crucial questions in the Bible. I always tried to learn more and move forward because of to learn more and move forward because of my love for God. my love for God. (Heb 11:6)(Heb 11:6)



Hebrews 11:6Hebrews 11:6 - But without faith - But without faith it is it is impossible to please impossible to please Him, Him, for he who comes for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and to God must believe that He is, and that that He He is a rewarder of is a rewarder of those who diligently seek those who diligently seek HimHim..

Empty approaches that cause people to Empty approaches that cause people to ignore doctrinal differencesignore doctrinal differences


A misapplication of Romans 14. A misapplication of Romans 14.



A misapplication of Romans 14. A misapplication of Romans 14. There is a specific kind of difference There is a specific kind of difference

addressed in this chapter! All positions addressed in this chapter! All positions mentioned are right with God within mentioned are right with God within themselves. themselves. (Rom 14:1-4)(Rom 14:1-4)



Romans 14:1-4Romans 14:1-4 Receive one who is weak Receive one who is weak in the faith, in the faith, but but not to disputes over not to disputes over doubtful thingsdoubtful things. 2 For one believes he may . 2 For one believes he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats eat all things, but he who is weak eats only only vegetables. 3 Let not him who eats despise vegetables. 3 Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not him who him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats; does not eat judge him who eats; for God for God has received himhas received him. .



4 Who are you to judge another's servant? 4 Who are you to judge another's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand.able to make him stand.



Paul takes one of the issues and clearly Paul takes one of the issues and clearly expounds upon it. expounds upon it. (Rom 14:14)(Rom 14:14)



Romans 14:14Romans 14:14 - - I know and am convincedI know and am convinced by the Lord Jesus by the Lord Jesus that that there is there is nothing nothing unclean of itselfunclean of itself; but to him who considers ; but to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him anything to be unclean, to him it is it is unclean.unclean.



If all doctrinal differences are placed in the If all doctrinal differences are placed in the instructions in this chapter then: instructions in this chapter then:



If all doctrinal differences are placed in the If all doctrinal differences are placed in the instructions in this chapter then: instructions in this chapter then:

(1) No doctrinal difference should have an (1) No doctrinal difference should have an impact on fellowship with God or with impact on fellowship with God or with brethren. brethren. (v3)(v3)



(2) We would be sinning to tell another they (2) We would be sinning to tell another they are wrong about a matter and then trying to are wrong about a matter and then trying to teach them! teach them! (v4)(v4)



A refusal to apply scriptures to modern day A refusal to apply scriptures to modern day questions.questions.



A refusal to apply scriptures to modern day A refusal to apply scriptures to modern day questions.questions.

Some are taking the view that only issues Some are taking the view that only issues specifically named in the scriptures should specifically named in the scriptures should we be concerned with.we be concerned with.



I have seen different lists by brethren but I have seen different lists by brethren but here are a few items named: drug abuse, the here are a few items named: drug abuse, the use of instrumental music in worship, multi-use of instrumental music in worship, multi-church organizations, understanding church organizations, understanding baptism to be essential to salvation, the day baptism to be essential to salvation, the day of the Lord’s Supper and giving and pre-of the Lord’s Supper and giving and pre-millennialism and like issues! millennialism and like issues!



Please note that Satan has for years just Please note that Satan has for years just changed the name of a thing and people changed the name of a thing and people

went along! Consider this simple went along! Consider this simple statement in the works of the flesh “And the statement in the works of the flesh “And the like.” like.” (Gal 5:21)(Gal 5:21)



Galatians 5:21Galatians 5:21 - envy, murders, - envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, drunkenness, revelries, and the likeand the like; of ; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told told you you in time past, that those who in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.kingdom of God.



Extending forgiveness and fellowship Extending forgiveness and fellowship without correcting false doctrinal practices.without correcting false doctrinal practices.



This is similar to the position many take in This is similar to the position many take in Romans 14. “Continuous Cleansing” or Romans 14. “Continuous Cleansing” or automatic forgiveness means that since God automatic forgiveness means that since God accepts you, then others must as well. accepts you, then others must as well.



We need to depend upon the We need to depend upon the conditional conditional promises of Godpromises of God and let God handle all the and let God handle all the special situations one may envision. special situations one may envision. (1 Jn 1:7-9; Acts 8:22)(1 Jn 1:7-9; Acts 8:22)



1 John 1:7-91 John 1:7-9 - But if we - But if we walk in the lightwalk in the light as as He is in the light, we have fellowship with He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say that Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.



Acts 8:22Acts 8:22 - "Repent therefore of this your - "Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and wickedness, and pray Godpray God if perhaps if perhaps the the thought of your heart may be forgiven youthought of your heart may be forgiven you..



Too many have developed a philosophical Too many have developed a philosophical approach to doctrinal differences that ends approach to doctrinal differences that ends with closed Bibles and conclusions without with closed Bibles and conclusions without serious study! serious study!



Too many have developed a philosophical Too many have developed a philosophical approach to doctrinal differences that ends approach to doctrinal differences that ends with closed Bibles and conclusions without with closed Bibles and conclusions without serious study! serious study!

Those who take these approaches also Those who take these approaches also commonly scapegoat brethren who say we commonly scapegoat brethren who say we must work out our doctrinal differences.must work out our doctrinal differences.



Division, despair among brethren and bad Division, despair among brethren and bad attitudes are all attributed to those who want attitudes are all attributed to those who want open study and resolve questions that come open study and resolve questions that come amongst us. The “Pharisee” label is amongst us. The “Pharisee” label is abundantly used by the grace advocates!abundantly used by the grace advocates!



Division, despair among brethren and bad Division, despair among brethren and bad attitudes are all attributed to those who want attitudes are all attributed to those who want open study and resolve questions that come open study and resolve questions that come amongst us. The “Pharisee” label is amongst us. The “Pharisee” label is abundantly used by the grace advocates!abundantly used by the grace advocates!

It something has value you will learn to It something has value you will learn to fight for it!fight for it!



We ought to fear God rather than men! We ought to fear God rather than men! (Jer 7:9-10)(Jer 7:9-10)



Jeremiah 7:9-10Jeremiah 7:9-10 - "Will you steal, murder, - "Will you steal, murder, commit adultery, swear falsely, burn commit adultery, swear falsely, burn incense to Baal, and walk after other gods incense to Baal, and walk after other gods whom you do not know, 10 "and whom you do not know, 10 "and then then come come and stand before Meand stand before Me in this house which is in this house which is called by My name, and say, called by My name, and say, 'We are 'We are delivered to do all these abominations'delivered to do all these abominations'??

The resurrection of Christ leads to a relationship with God n In our previous study we learned that...

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