Last week A Ministers Minister Romans 15 21

Last week: A Minister’s Minister Romans 15: 21 -16: 16 The work of ministry is only as strong as our ministry to one another.

KEY POINT #1 Defending truth is defending the lives and ministry of God’s people.

A Minister’s Warning: Protecting Against False Teachers Romans 16: 17 -20

Rom 6: 16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? 17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. 18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.

KEY POINT #2 Faithful obedience to doctrine is the difference between a lost person and a Christian

We believe the bible is truth because… 1) The seamless complexity 2) The fulfilment of prophecy 3) The volume of witnesses 4) The uniqueness of its teaching

The bible declares it’s own authority 2 Pe 1: 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake [as they were] moved by the Holy Ghost. 1 Th 2: 13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received [it] not [as] the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

The bible declares it’s own authority Jhn 7: 38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 2 Pe 3: 14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. 15 And account [that] the longsuffering of our Lord [is] salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; 16 As also in all [his] epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as [they do] also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

The bible declares it’s own authority 2 Ti 2: 15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

KEY POINT #3 Truth has been and always will be under attack

John 8: 44 Ye are of [your] father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

Romans 16: 17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. Division means discord Offences means stumbling blocks Mark means to identify Avoid means to avert

KEY POINT #4 Preferring scripture over human opinion will make us defenders of truth and protectors of people.

Rom 16: 19 For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil. 20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

Mat 28: 18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen.