The Nathan Principle How To Convict the Sincerely

The Nathan Principle How To Convict the Sincerely Deceived of Religious Error

Nathan Principle n 2 Samuel 12: 1 -7 – Goal: n To help someone accept the Truth before pride & emotions get in the way. n To establish the Truth as a foundation before making the personal application.

Nathan Principle. ___________. n How long is this line? n One opinion is as good as another. n Use an accurate std. of measurement. n Is that being too narrow minded? n It’s foolish to reject the correct answer.

Nathan Principle n Bible – the rule of faith & practice (2 Tim 3: 16 -17). n Israel: Law of Moses, 10 commandments. n Church: Word of Christ (Col 3: 16 -17). n Not “I think” or “My church teaches”. n But “Jesus taught” or “the apostles wrote”.

Nathan Principle n Jesus equated Truth with His Word, & knowing the Truth with keeping His word (Jn 8: 31 -32). n 3 things that don’t relate to Truth. n The amount of time something is believed. n The number of people who believe it. n The sincerity of people who believe it.

Nathan Principle n “To draw nigh to hear is better than the sacrifice of a fool” (Ecc 5: 1). n Many have & will continue to make impressive sacrifices to God. n But we must LISTEN to what God wants before we attempt to worship/serve Him.

Nathan Principle - applied n “I am saved by grace…or …faith…or …works!” n Noah was saved by all three (Gen 6: 8; Heb 11: 7; Gen 6: 22) n So are we today (Eph 2: 8; Acts 19: 1 -7; Jas 2: 24)!

Nathan Principle - applied n “God will accept what I offer him, because I’m sincere!” n Law of exclusion: “When God specifies, everything else is forbidden. ” n Noah had to use gopher wood & build the ark to precise dimensions (Gen 6). n God has specified singing (9 NT passages). n Immersion of penitent believers (Ac 8: 35 -38).

Nathan Principle - applied n “My emotions or feelings tell me that I’m right!” n Jacob - emotional state - believed a lie (Gen 37: 32 -35). n Jacob later refused to believe the truth (Gen 45: 26). n Jacob’s emotional belief was proven false by the evidence (Gen 45: 27).

Nathan Principle - applied n “Baptism has no part in salvation!” n Israel “waited” for salvation (Exo 14: 13). n God “saved” Israel (Exo 14: 30). n God did a “great work” (Exo 14: 31). n When Israel was “baptized” (1 Cor 10: 2). n When we are baptized (Col 2: 12).

Nathan Principle - applied n “One church government is as good as another!” n The period of “Judges” characterized tribal autonomy under the Law of God. n But the people wanted a king (1 Sam 8). n The Lord promised to restore His system of government in the church (Isa 1: 26).

Nathan Principle - applied n “I’m saved by grace through faith, not by strict obedience!” n Jericho was a “gift from the Lord” to Israel (Josh 6: 2) n They received the gift “by faith” when they obeyed God (Heb 11: 30) n No logical connection between the action & the gift. n The gift was eventually taken away.

Nathan Principle - applied n “I know what the Bible says, but this way is more effective!” n Samuel’s sons were wicked so Israel wanted a earthly king (1 Sam 8) – Two wrongs don’t make a right. n Members not hospitable, so…fellowship hall. n Singing is poor, so…instruments. n Need more money, so…fundraiser.

Nathan Principle - applied n “As long as I’m doing it for the Lord, it shouldn’t matter what I or how I do it!” n Samuel told Saul, “to obey is better that to sacrifice, & to hearken than the fat of rams” (1 Sam 15: 20 -22).

The Nathan Principle n Teach the Scriptural principle as THE foundation before making THE application (judgment). n Invite the person to apply the principle to his or her point of view.