THIS MESSAGE IS IMPERATIVE! THE REFORMATION BATTLE RAGES! We are never more than one generation away from total apostasy. Every generation of believers must define, defend, and declare the “faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3). The lost ministry of the elder is found throughout the N. T., but perhaps nowhere so powerfully and concisely as in Titus 1:9-14: “HOLDING FAST THE FAITHFUL WORD AS HE HAS BEEN TAUGHT, THAT HE MAY BE ABLE, BY SOUND DOCTRINE, BOTH TO EXHORT AND CONVICT THOSE WHO CONTRADICT. 10 FOR THERE ARE MANY INSUBORDINATE, both idle talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, 11 WHOSE MOUTHS MUST BE STOPPED, who SUBVERT WHOLE HOUSEHOLDS, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain… 13 This testimony is true. Therefore REBUKE THEM SHARPLY, that they may be sound in the faith, 14 not giving heed to Jewish fables and commandments of men who turn from the truth.” In Gal. 1 Paul sent a public letter to the church of Galatia rebuking them for their compromise of the Gospel. In Gal. 2 Paul gave Peter no private warning or audience, but instead rebuked Peter to his face before all for not being straightforward about the Gospel. Paul wrote in multiple places naming names of enemies of the Gospel for the purpose of warning the church. There are times when grace demands strong and decisive action, warning, and a call to repent. That time is now! |
