The instruction Paul is giving in this section is applicable to 'all the churches', as stated at the end of verse 33. God has given His Word simply for it to be understood and obeyed. We must be diligent to study it, to 'cut it straight' and to handle it accurately as we are being held responsible to understand, and accountable to obey it. To deny the clarity of the Word of God is nothing more than a smokescreen to mask an unwillingness to submit to its authority.
God never tells the churches to set aside their differences and all get along. He never tells us to sort through the Scriptures and determine what are the 'majors' and what are the 'minors.' He never intends His Word to be edited nor adapted to the surrounding culture. He never makes allowances for each church, nor each individual, to have their own differing interpretations.
The people of God will acknowledge the Word of God for what it is and what it says. With this recognition is the understanding that in His Word He calls for the church to conduct itself in an orderly and proper manner when it assembles together, acknowledging His Word as the authority and standard by which it aligns itself.
This also means each individual member must be using their gifts in an orderly and proper manner so the Spirit of God can take the Word of God being taught and apply it to the heart and mind of each believer.
Featuring a sermon puts it on the front page of the site and is the most effective way to bring this sermon to the attention of thousands including all mobile platforms + newsletter.
Text-Featuring a sermon is a less expensive way to bring this sermon to the attention of thousands on the right bar with optional newsletter inclusion. As low as $30/day.
“ Great Sermon! ” No names are really necessary in order to discern those who we need to avoid. When we seek the Word of God with a hungry, humble, and prayerful heart, and pray to the Father for wisdom, He has promised give us wisdom to live holy and righteous. This includes the blessing of biblical discernment that will automatically shed the light of truth on false teaching. In all our getting, let us get true understanding from God.
Wes Parr (8/23/2007)
“ Great Sermon! ” Gil is excellent. The only problem I have is that Gil doesn't name names, so it's impossible to know who to avoid when it comes to incorrect or false teaching. See Romans 16:17.
In the fall of 1969, Gil began a full-time teaching ministry as Senior Pastor of Indian Hills Community Church. He also earned his Ph.D. from the California Graduate School of Theology. The focus of Pastor Rugh’s ministry is systematic, verse-by-verse teaching of the Bible. As a...
