Contending For The Faith Should we argue about the scriptures? It is common to hear people say we shouldn't talk about politics and religion. Both get to be emotional subjects and sometimes people get angry, upset. We are to pursue peace. Blessed are the peacemakers. "Argue" sounds bad. Romans 12:18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Our first concern must be God's will. We must be practicing and teaching it. There will always be others who do not want it and there will be trouble. 1. Does it make any difference whether one follows the truth or not? 2. Is everyone following the truth? 3. Do those who know the truth have a responsibility to teach those who don't? Jude 3 "Contend earnestly" is from "epagonizomai" [ep-ag-o-nid'-zom-ahee] "Signifies to contend about a thing, as a combatant" (Vine's) Nehemiah was a righteous man who illustrates Prov. 28:4 (Nehemiah 13:7-9, 14, 15-21, 22, 23-28, 31) Proverbs 28:4 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but such as keep the law contend with them. We should not imitate Nehemiah exactly. He was a political leader under the Old Cove nant, but he demonstrates a willingness to stand for what is right, whether others like it or not. The Teaching and Practice of Jesus Matthew 10:34-38 Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. For I have come to 'set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law'; and 'a man's enemies will be those of his own household.' He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. Sometimes the cross we bear is the conflict that we have because we re main faithful to God's standard rather than compromise with man. Mat 21:23 - 23:39 Gospel of John is a gospel of conflict a. Cleansing the Temple - 2:13-17, b. Controversy with the Jews - 5:19-47, 8:31-59 c. Miracles on Sabbath, knowing they would stir up contro versy. The Teaching and Practice of the Apostles Much of the early teaching was blunt and confrontational, but there was not much argu ing in Acts 2 -4 because there wasn't much that could be said. In Acts 5, confrontation and arguing picks up (5:27-33). Acts 6:8-12 Stephen and the Jews argued (disputed -KJV). It takes two to have an argument or dispute. Stephen stood firm without backing down. Acts 7:51-54 He rebuked them for their sin and angered them further. He could have taken lessons from Dale Carnegie and not offended them, but he chose to take a stand instead. Acts 7:55-56 This is the one time we are shown the Lord standing by the right hand of God. . Acts 9:19-22 "Confounded" is from sugcheo {soong-kheh'-o} 1) to disturb the mind of one, to stir up to tumult or outbreak 2) to confound or bewilder Other uses: a. In Ephesus Acts 19:32 Some therefore cried one thing and some another, for the assembly was confused, and most of them did not know why they had come together. b. In Jerusalem Acts 21:31 Now as they were seeking to kill him, news came to the commander of the garrison that all Jerusalem was in an uproar. Acts 9:28-29 Paul argued with the Jews in Jerusalem. Acts 15:1-2 "Dissension" is from "Stasis" {stas'-is} Mark 15:7 And there was one named Barabbas, who was chained with his fellow re bels; they had committed murder in the rebellion. Acts 19:40 For we are in danger of being called in question for today's uproar, there being no reason which we may give to account for this disorderly gathering." Acts 23:10 Now when there arose a great dissension, the commander, fearing lest Paul might be pulled to pieces by them, commanded the soldiers to go down and take him by force from among them, and bring him into the barracks. Acts 15:6-7 The only way there can be much disputing or debating is if both sides dispute or debate. As soon as one side quits, it is over. Paul gives more information of these events in Galatians 2:1-5 Acts 18:27-28 "Powerfully" or "Vigorously" is from "eutonos" [yoo-ton'-oce], which means "vehemently, forcibly" "Refuted" is from diakatelegchomai [dee-ak-at-el-eng'-khom-ahee]. 1. "to confute with rivalry and effort or in a contest" Enhanced Strong's Dictio nary 2. "to refute completely in a debate, to defeat in debate." Louw and Nida Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament based on Semantic Domains 3. "to confute powerfully, implying that he met the opposing arguments in turn, and brought them down to the ground." Vine's Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 This is the language of warfare. It is the picture of tearing down the defenses of a fortress by a direct attack. All false doctrines must be exposed for what they all. We are not to compromise with deceptions and half-truths, but to aggres sively destroy them so all can see the truth which saves and sanctifies. Philippians 1:27-30 They were to be standing firm, striving for THE faith of the gospel. This is not the personal faith that all must have, but the system of doctrine of the gospel (Jude 3 - Earnestly contend for the faith) Their complete fearlessness would be like an omen of doom to their enemies. They would know they are fighting against those who know they are right (Acts 4:13). 1 Timothy 6:11-12 Some things we run from, some things we are to chase down, and some times we stand and fight. 2 Timothy 4:1-8 Timothy must pick up where Paul is going to leave off. The fight continues through the generations. As we earnestly contend for the faith, we must watch our attitude. The conflict we are involved in is different from the conflict of Israel in the O.T. They fought to destroy their enemies, we fight to save our enemies. The Attitude We Must Have - 2 Timothy 2:24-26 Leviticus 19:17 Galatians 6:1 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Ephesians 4:15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head - Christ. What We Are Not To Do 2 Timothy 2:14 Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers. Titus 3:9 But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless. Trouble that can comes Proverbs 29:9 If a wise man contends with a foolish man, whether the fool rages or laughs, there is no peace. Christ came, not to bring peace, but a sword. As long as there is wickedness, false doc trine in the world, God's servants must fight. Are you fighting the good fight? (both wrong fighting and no fighting must be avoided) Wayne Wells wayneliz@twave.net http://users.twave.net/ncc