The Danger Of Compromised Preaching
The Dangers Of Compromised Preaching
The example of churches in the first century teaches us what today's church should be. The churches themselves are not the standard, but by the apostles'
commendation (Phil. 1:3-7) and condemnation (1 Cor. 5:1-5), right and wrong can be determined. Each epistle of the New Testament should be viewed as a letter answering questions and edifying to greater faith. Individual and specific needs are addressed
and principles established for all generations. (Phil. 3-.17).
The first epistle of the New Testament is a letter written to the young church at Thessalonica from their parent in the faith, the apostle Paul. He
commends their work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope (1 Thess. 1:2-4) and encourages them to excel in faith, love, happiness, prayer, and thanksgiving. Their sustaining hope during persecution would be the Lord's
return.
Paul and Silas traveled from Philippi to Thessalonica leaving Luke and Timothy to instruct and organize the young church at Philippi (Acts 17:1). They entered a synagogue and for three Sabbaths "reasoned
with them from the Scriptures" (Vs. 2). Paul "explained" and "demonstrated" (i.e. affirmed and offered proof) that it was necessary for Jesus who is the Christ to die, and be resurrected (Vs. 3). A majority of the new converts were God-fearing Greeks
who were likely idol worshippers (Vs. 4; l Thess. 1:9).
However, because of envy, unbelieving Jews formed a mob, caused a riot, and assaulted the house of Jason who was supposedly hiding Paul and Silas (Acts
17:5) When they could not be found, he and other brethren were dragged to the rulers of the city and accused of harboring men guilty of treason (Vss. 6-7). The accusations were very disturbing to the rulers of the city and the mob, but the officials
permitted Jason and the other brethren to go after making bail (Vss. 8-9). Immediately, Paul and Silas left for Berea (v.9).
Despite severe opposition, a church was established in Thessalonica (1 Thess. 1:6- 7).
But, Paul did not leave the young church to flounder. He sent Timothy, a fellow laborer, to establish and en courage them in the faith (1 Thess. 3:1-10). Paul expressed concern for their faith, but was encouraged by Timothy's favorable report. Early
during Paul's stay at Corinth, he wrote a letter to the young church, probably only six or seven months after it's establishment (1 Thess. 2:17)
"For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that
it was not in vain: But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention. For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of
uncleanness, nor in guile:" (1 Thess. 2:1-3).
Paul and Silas were beaten with rods and imprisoned at Philippi (Acts 16:16-24), but still valiantly preached at Thessalonica. The Philippians were encouraged by
their boldness (Phil. 1:12-14) and likewise, the Thessalonians. Paul and Silas refused to compromise. Their manner of preaching is worthy of imitation.
1. They did not compromise the truth. Paul and Silas
gave no exhortation of error 1 Thess. 2:3) but spoke only the gospel to please God (Vs. 4, 9). The Thessalonians also faithfully "sounded forth" the gospel as Paul and Silas (l Thess. 1:8).
From Jesus' scathing
denunciation of blind leaders (Matt. 15:13-14) to Peter's forecast of doom for followers of destructive doctrines (2 Pet. 2:1-3) false teachers are condemned by the New Testament. Yet, today, some are demanding a "new hermeneutic" which is merely a
euphemism for, "We're going to do what we want." " Hermeneutics " is simply the methodology of interpretation (Webster's II New College Dictionary). Traditionally, Bible authority is established by direct state ments of truth (e.g., The seven "ones in
Eph. 4:4-6), expressed commands (e.g., Repentance is commanded in Acts 17:30-31), approved apostolic examples (e.g., The Lord's Supper is to be observed on the first day of the week according to Acts 20:7), and necessary inferences (e.g., The frequency
of the Lord's Supper is inferred in Acts 20:7). Some claim that approved apostolic examples and necessary inferences are not essential to establishing Bible authority - only direct statements of truth or expressed commands. Why? Some want to
attempt to authorize sinful practices in the work and worship of the Lord's church including instrumental music and others. When preachers fail to establish the inspiration and all sufficiency of the Scriptures (2 Tim. 3:16-17), it's no
surprise that some would replace God's will with man's will (Mark 7:1-23). We must continue to walk in the old paths of truth.
2. They did not compromise the truth with culture. Paul and Silas gave no
exhortation of uncleanness (1 Thess. 2:3) and did not seek glory from men (Vs. 6). The Thessalonians were idolaters who had become worshippers of the true God (1 Thess. 1:9-10). Like the Corinthians (see Merrill C. Tenney's New Testament Times),
perhaps the Thessalonians had committed fornication in the name of religion. But, they became completely converted to Christ (l Thess 1:9-10; 2-6).
Some advocate culture as a "change agent" to broaden the role of
women in the Lord's, church. Is the Biblical definition of the woman's role in the church simply a by-product of first century culture? Since today's culture is different, should the woman's role in the church also be different? The woman's role is
restricted because Adam was formed first and Eve was deceived, not Adam (l Tim. 2:8-15). The creation principle cited by Paul has not changed and therefore, the woman's limited role has riot changed either. Clearly, sinful aspects of culture must be
resisted. Christians are commanded not to live like the unforgiven (Eph 4:17-19) and urged to live honorably (1 Pet. 2:11-12). The church at Pergamos had tolerated the compromising doctrine of Balaam who taught Christians to participate in fornication
as worship to idols (Rev. 2:14). They are warned, "Repent, or else" (Vs. 16) The church at Corinth was "puffed up" and would not correct an incestuous man (1 Cor. 5:1-5). They are instructed "purge
out the old leaven" (Vs. 7).
Moral decay and doctrinal corruption lead to wholesale apostasy.
3. They did not preach the truth deceitfully. Paul and Silas gave no exhortation deceitfully (1 Thess. 3:3) and flattering words were not
used to disguise covetousness (Vs. 5). Likewise the Thessalonians were persuaded by the truth (Acts 17:4) and became examples of faith and evangelism (1 Thess. 1:7-8).
"Slaves of corruption" will deceive (2 Pet.
2:19). Insincerity is not easily detected except in day to day living. Hypocrisy is universally detested and the absence of it is essential to motivating men and teaching the truth. The stories of greedy television evangelists are well known and
unfortunately, have given Christianity a bad name. Yet, a dedicated preacher of the gospel will be an example to all believers "in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity" (1 Tim. 5:12). David Lipscomb wrote, "The loudest, clearest,
most eloquent, and most unanswerable proclamation of the gospel is the unconscious testimony of Christian living" (A Commentary On The New Testament Epistles Vol. 5).
The social gospel has transformed
denominationalism and consequently, softball teams and youth groups have become the main attraction. God did not intend for the gospel to renovate man socially (Rom. 1:16). The world needs to hear the distinctive ring of the gospel's saving call.
It
worked in Thessalonica and it still works today.
Jeremy D. Joy
January, 1997 Volume 3 Issue 1 Index
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