… and will bring the way of truth into disrepute.
Summary: Jesus did not come to make us perfect. He came to redeem us from being imperfect. (1 Timothy 2:3-5)
The “Way of Truth” is finding salvation in God through his Son, Jesus Christ (John 1:17, 3:14-15). Bringing the “way of truth” into disrepute is to disparage that message or dilute it. Would you like an example? We do not have to go far to find one.
In Matthew 22: 37-40 Jesus summarizes the entire Law and the Prophets as love God above all else and your neighbor as yourself (my paraphrase). And what would be the sign that this is happening? The answer is simple: “complete unity” (John 17:22-23)
When church leaders (and members) argue about who is right or who is in authority, are they in complete unity?
No.
It is embarrassing. God’s church, supposedly submitting to God and each other in love, reduced to childlike bickering. And it has been like that for centuries.
Does this qualify as “depraved conduct?” I am sad to say, yes, in my opinion, it does.
To be clear, I am not talking about brothers or sisters in the faith discussing their views on the Bible in a loving way. What I have in mind are those who demand that other people agree with them on their views. This sets up a choice for those who are listening; they can submit to the views of those making demands, or they can remain faithful to what the Lord has shown them in his Word.
It is true that Scripture tells us to submit to authority (Hebrews 13:17, Matthew 22:21). Yet, when it comes to Biblical authority we are not told to submit to anyone who claims authority. Rather those in authority are marked by their commitment and submission to God (Titus 1:7-9).
Do arguments about who is “right” bring honor and glory to our Lord, or is the church in disrepute because of our behavior? Personally, I find it tragically embarrassing to have to explain this to someone seeking the Lord. “Jesus loves you and wants you to be with him forever.” That is wonderful news to share with anyone. Then we often have to explain, “But his church is really messed up.”
Perhaps you think I am being too stringent with my analysis of what it means to teach a “destructive heres[y]” or to deny the sovereign Lord? Jesus himself tells us where the bar is when he says:
“You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.” (Matthew 5: 21-22)
If we murder in our hearts, we are liable for judgment. How much more if we put our pride before our faith in God?
Of course, you probably realize where this is all going.
As people, we are all by nature less than perfect (Romans 3:9-11). Getting along with other believers, let alone other people, is a tall order. It falls on us, as individual believers, to be the church that our Lord Jesus wants us to be.
Application: Know the way of truth and live it.
Food for Thought: What advice do you have for helping to ensure the way of truth remains in good repute?
Take captive every thought to Christ Jesus. 2 Corinthians 10: 5; Colossians 2: 8.
Dear Rich,
You leave too much to the imagination! 🙂
My cartoon brain is picturing a new kind of “thought police” running around taking “every thought” captive. Of course, the only thoughts we can control are our own, so that kind of limits the field of play, doesn’t it?
It is amazing how following Jesus ends up turning every thought of human origin on its head.
I like to think that it’s all of our jobs and work together to ensure the way of truth remains in good repute. One big way is unity showing the world the love of Christ. As Christians we need to love one another. We should understand what the requirements are to be saved and not be divided by small details or personal preference of things. Follow scripture, love in all things, have grace and understanding for one another. Be a reflection of Jesus.
Also share it and defend it.
Well said, Mr. T!
Finding ways to “work together” is an important link in developing unity. Good communication is key. Showing grace and understanding over the “small details or personal preferences” is essential.
10-23-2021, 2 Peter 2:2b, What advice do you have for helping to ensure the way of truth remains in good repute?
We are all imperfect beings seeking to serve our perfect God. What could go wrong???
I recall a time when I first walked into a church, seeing all the older, “good christians” there, and wondering how a sinner like me had made it past the door, feeling I could be struck by lightening at any moment. In time, in my mind I knew why I was there and wondered why many of the other’s were, the full truth was to come later.
Romans 3:10, Psalm 14:3, Matthew 7:5
The first step to spiritual maturity is to fully accept exactly who we are and develop an overpowering desire to serve God who has given us life. Taking a look at our true selves requires the supernatural power of God if we are to see the unaltered version, and it can be more than a little frightening. However it is necessary if we ever hope to effectively serve Him. We must become and remain humble before Him, as strive to live in His will over our own. True humility will come when we ask our God to “fully reveal our sinfulness to us”. Take us beyond the revelation which first brought each of us to repentance, caused us to turn from our sins and seek Christ. Show us the depth, and weight of our corruption and let us feel the great, accepting love God has for each of us. Hold onto this truth as we begin to fully understand the True, Great Sacrifice made by Christ for the pitiful beings we are and live with some concept of the great debt we owe our Lord.
Luke 14:11, Romans 12:16, Matthew 18:4, Mark 12:28-31
As we begin to seek our God and His righteousness above all else, we will find ourselves automatically loving our neighbor as ourselves. This is not a Sunday morning, Wednesday evening command, it is a way of life to be sought after, treasured, and protected by all who believe in Jesus Christ. A church filled with people like this will remain in good repute as truly humble beings serve God.
1 Chronicles 22:19, Proverbs 8:17, Matthew 6:33
Ron,
What could go wrong, indeed!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts today. They are excellent. Humility before God is essential.
While I was reading your words, I was still digesting Rich’s and Mr. T’s as well. Unity in a congregation requires the same thing that our individual spirit needs: humility before God and knowledge of his Word.
Who wants to stand before Jesus and hear the words, “Have you never read in the Scriptures…?” (Matthew 21:42)
Focus on God’s Word is essential. As Paul writes to Timothy:
“Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.” (1 Timothy 4:13)
You are right sir, and I also believe the comments by Rich and Mr T were spot on. Think of how unified in Joy we could be if we were to all focus on sanctification through the study and application of God’s word now.
Paul wrote “train yourself to be godly” or “exercise yourself to godliness” 1 Timothy 2:15, 4:7, 2 Timothy 2:21, Acts 7:51,
Romans 6:19, 1 Corinthians 1:2
Thank you for sharing Ron. I always enjoy your comments of experiences and can usually relate.
” I recall a time when I first walked into a church, seeing all the older, “good christians” there, and wondering how a sinner like me had made it past the door, feeling I could be struck by lightening at any moment. ”
That seems like last year to me at church and also on this blog with all you ………. more experienced, ” good christians”.
Reading how much Christ has done in your life so quickly, is amazing.
I would say empathy is key as in Romans 3:9-11, especially in the increasingly polarized and politicized environment. Thanks for the intuitive words 🙂
Davo,
Welcome!! Thank you for joining in!
Yes, empathy is key, especially when combined with personal humility. Ultimately, we are all in the same boat.