“Confronting Error” Jude 3-4

“Confronting Error” We are going to study the matter today so we can see (from the Bible) why it is absolutely necessary for us to challenge religious error.

You need to know what it takes to be a Christian. Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 8:12; 16:14-15; 31- 34;18:8; 22:16; Romans 6:3-4; Galatians 3:26-27. Those who are teaching things otherwise are wrong! Peter warned of those who ignorantly lead others to destruction, 2 Peter 3:16-18!

Are we willing to live as outcasts? Jesus said the way is narrow, Matthew 7:13-14 The Hebrew writer instructs the faithful to endure as strangers and pilgrims, Hebrews 11! Peter wrote of how the prophets realized the value of the salvation they foretold, 1 Peter 2:10-12!

Examples in confronting error... Stephen was killed for his stand, Acts 6:8- 10; 7:51-52. The apostle Peter spoke sternly when it was appropriate, Acts 8:18-23. People sought to kill Paul because of his preaching, Acts 9:20-23.

Examples in confronting error… Paul did not waiver in the face of adversity, Acts 13:44-46. Paul Barnabas confronted error and contended in the midst of controversy, Acts 15:1-2! Paul understood the danger that comes from false teaching, Acts 20:28-31. Good men sometimes need correcting from their brethren, Galatians 2:11-14

We’ve been instructed to confront error… “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.” (Eph 5:11 NKJV) 1 Timothy 1:3-4; 18-20; 6:3-5, 20-21; 2 Timothy 2:14-18; 4:1-5; Titus 1:9-11.

We’ve been instructed to confront error… “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” (1 John 4:1NKJV) “Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; 11 for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.” (2 John 1:9-11 NKJV) Some of our spiritual brethren were commended for not tolerating error, whereas some were rebuked and warned by the Lord, Revelation 2:2-6, 14-16, 20!

The commands and example of Jesus… Jesus challenged all to surpass the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, Matt. 5:20. He criticized their hypocrisy, Matt. 6:1-18. He told His followers to beware of false prophets, Matt. 7:6, 15. Jesus exposed the traditions of men that supplanted God’s word, Matt. 15:1-9. Jesus cleansed the temple -- twice. 1st occasion: John 2:13-22. 2nd occasion: Matt. 21:12-13, Mark 11:15-18, Luke 19:45-48.

Confronting Error… That which we fail to defend and proclaim will soon be forgotten. That which we refuse to speak against will soon be tolerated. That which we tolerate will eventually be accepted and then embraced.

Jude 3-4 “Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. 4 For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ.” (NKJV)