Basis And Limits Of Unity But false prophets

Basis And Limits Of Unity “But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves” (2 Peter 2: 1).

Many Such Warnings § I John 4: 1; Romans 16: 17. § But how do we know who is a false teacher, and who isn’t? § How much does it matter, anyway? § That’s our lesson tonight. Look at a few considerations with me.

Unity Originates In The Being Of God § “I and the Father are one” (John 10: 30) (see also John 17: 21). § Imagine the creation plan, and the argument that ensued between Father, Son and Holy Spirit. § “God” doesn’t argue. They are one. § So should we strive to be – John 17: 21.

The Basis Of Unity Is God § The basis of unity isn’t found in man. § I Cor. 1: 10 – united together in one mind and one judgment. Whose mind? Whose judgment. § Well, mine of course. I mean, I am the preacher. § That attitude itself violates the unity we’re taking about.

The Proper Attitude § Eph. 4: 1 -3. § Proper attitude facilitates the unity of verses 4 -6. § The Ideal – Psalm 133: 1; Acts 4: 32; 2: 42. § John 6: 44 -45 – God draws us to him thru the word. § This Word “Purifies” – I Pet. 1: 22; “brings us forth” – James 1: 18; “completes” – 2 Timothy 3: 16

Limits on This Unity § Until we understand the importance of unity, all “limits” will receive too much attention! If we desire unity we will still find limits; but if we desire limits we will never attain unity. § A “Scriptural” division – Acts 19: 8 -9. § We divide along the same lines we unite – our adherence to the Word – Romans 16: 17. § My study with Ernest K.

But… § What of those young/weak in the faith? § We don’t demand our infant children that they walk and talk the first week. We don’t demand they “get a job” when they’re 1 year old. § Romans 14: 1, 5, 12, 22 -23. § The ideal – Romans 15: 5 -7.

§ What of those falling back into sin? § I Cor. 5: 1 -13. § The “church” must be involved. § One of the main problems in dealing with this problem is the scope of our decision. § I’m in charge of myself, ultimately. Tho the church must act if I violate the boundaries God sets.

§ To what degree do personal differences divide? § Acts 15: 36 -41 § Did Paul and Barnabas ever speak again? § What of Mark, who “caused” the problem? Col. 4: 10; 2 Timothy 4: 11.

Various Considerations § Autonomy of the local church. Who decides for Fry Road? Who for Bellaire? § There are no “brotherhood” wide decisions. § No authority for this. § Elders don’t legislate, they do “enforce” the Will of God, locally.

Considerations From 2 John 9 -11 § “The teaching of Christ” – all that He personally or through His inspired workers taught. § Firm, but not unkind. Eph. 4: 15 “speaking the truth in love”. § It’s possible to teach total truth and still be lost – I Cor. 9: 27.