1. Christians and Tolerance (3) Answering Arguments

2. What is Tolerance? “A fair, objective, and permissive attitude toward those whose opinions, practices, race, religion, nationality, etc., differ from one’s own. Freedom from bigotry!” (www.dictionary.com)

3. In previous lessons: We CANNOT tolerate sin! But we must maintain a godly attitude! Today, answering passages!

4. Matt. 7:1-5 “The Bible says not to judge…” Jesus is dealing with hypocritical judgments.

5. Matt. 7:1-5 The passage itself calls for godly judgments ( Vs. 6 ) John 7:24 - Judge righteous judgment 2 Tim. 2:22, Eph. 5:11 – passages call for judgment

6. Matt. 7:1-5 Passages dealing with withdrawing and avoiding 2 Cor. 6:14, 17; 1 Tim. 6:5; 1 Cor. 16:17, 2 Tim. 3:5, etc.

7. John 8:7 Consider the account John 8:1-11 Jesus again dealing with corrupt leaders seeking to entrap Him. He exposed their hypocrisy

8. John 8:7 A lesson about forgiveness God does care about our sins - Jn. 3:16, 1 Pet. 2:24 Woman told to sin no more (.vs 11) Jesus could forgive sins – Matt. 9:6, Lk. 23:42 Our forgiveness – Rom. 6:3-4

9. John 8:7 Did Jesus condone her adultery? Absolutely not! Jesus NEVER condones sin! Where does He teach us, ever, to tolerate sin???? Do not confuse forgiveness with approval!!

10. John 8:7 “Go and sin no more” – she was expected to repent!

11. John 8:7 “Neither do I condemn you” Consider this with Old Law! 1)2 Witnesses – Deut. 17:6 2)Adultery – both to die – Lev. 20:10 3)What was intent of rulers? 4)Witness first to cast a stone Deut. 17:7 5)Jesus could NOT “condemn her” according to Old Law

12. John 8:7 Thoughts: If we are guilty of sin, 2 wrongs don’t make a right! If one uses this argument, are they admitting their conduct is sinful? As we judge sinful conduct, is our attitude right?

13. Romans 14 “Receive one who is weak in the faith” “To his own master, each one stands or falls” The context dealing with matters about which God is indifferent

14. Romans 14 Principles that govern our conduct toward others Dealing with “weak” brethren 15:1, 14:1 Our conduct affects them 14:15-16 Pursue peace and edification 14:19 Clear conscience 14:22-23

15. Romans 14 Does text teach tolerance of sinful conduct or false doctrine? Absolutely not! The matters of this text - liberties – i.e. particular foods, particular days 14:2-7 NOT dealing with sinful practices or morality

16. Romans 14 NOT teaching tolerance with compromise! (Esp. brethren) Not ignoring sinful conduct! We must help brethren in sin ( Gal. 6:1; Jas. 5:19 )

17. Psalm 133:1 “How good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” AMEN! God wants unity! But NOT at the cost of truth! 1 Cor. 1:10, Jn.17:20-21

18. Psalm 133:1 Paul taught the same thing everywhere – 1 Cor. 4:17 AMEN! God wants unity! WE must reject error and false teachers – 2 John 9- 11, Gal. 1:6-9 Let us pursue unity according to God’s standard!

19. Sinful behavior does NOT justify a hateful response!

20. Let us stand with God and those who stand with Him!