(8 Key Things to Note)
1. First, be sure that what you actually uphold as true is what Jesus and His holy apostles taught, not just what you heard someone say. Crosscheck, lest you start labelling those truly upholding the truth as causing division in the body of Christ.
Acts 2:42 KJV
And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
2. Be very patient and tolerant with people who don’t yet know what you know. We all were once ignorant, before we met the light. Give people time as you continue to give them the word.
Romans 14:1-3 KJV
Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. [2] For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. [3] Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.
3. You are instructed to mark and avoid those who KNOW what the scriptures say about a thing but choose to deliberately and mischievously say and affirm contrary. This isn’t ignorance; it is rebellion against the word. It is calculated deception.
Romans 16:17-18 KJV
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.
4. You are instructed to only follow good examples. Good examples are those who doctrine and manner of life are after that modelled by Jesus and His holy apostles
Philippians 3:17 KJV
Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.
5. There is safety in repetition. If you do not continually hear the truth, you will soon start developing sympathy for falsehood, and from sympathy you will move to passive participation, then active participation.
Philippians 3:1 KJV
Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.
6. Any local church/pastor who doesn’t teach you discernment and does not warn you against falsehood is not ready to train you. There is no practice of Christianity without discernment! “BEWARE” is a very loud language in the ministry of Jesus and his apostles.
Colossians 2:8 KJV
Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
7. When you find a local church which wholly preaches God’s word as it ought to be taught, stop moving around like ìgbóná(sorry, I don’t know the English word). Sit down, receive training, and grow.
2 Timothy 3:10, 14 KJV
But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, [14] But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them.
8. Guard earnestly against strife. You cannot pursue a defense of the doctrine of Christ while neglecting his manner of life. Take no one as your enemy, even they see you as an enemy. You owe it to God to love withholding nothing. Be full of love. It’s a command!
2 Thessalonians 3:14-15 KJV
And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. [15] Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.
Blessed
Thank you for this teaching Passy.