Just Preach the Word

Philippians 1:15-21

Last week, I watched part of a program about teenage pregnancy. They were quite concerned with the dramatic rise in the last two years, despite years of sex education and the approval of abortion and various birth control methods. I can only hope that the concerns will lead to a pressure to eliminate portraying promiscuity as heroic, and start making people at least aware of their responsibilities for the pregnancy.

As a result of the concern, some states have realized that the problem is not pregnancy, but sexual promiscuity. I applaud their efforts to encourage abstinence, but am concerned that they are not founded on a deep seated logical or moral foundation, depending merely on a personal commitment, with the result that while many are signing up, few successfully fulfill their commitment.

Most of the sex education programs approach the problem from the idea that pregnancy and STD’s are the main problem and focus on “safe sex”. While they have been instrumental in preventing a lot of unwanted births, and some spread of STD’s, and have increased public awareness, they have enabled or even encouraged the root problem.

Some of those in Paul’s day were preaching a distorted or false Gospel. Even those who did so called attention to the fact that there was truth available. Those who were concerned could then verify what the truth was. As a result Paul could rejoice despite the erroneous teaching.

“Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel. What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.“ (Philippians 1:15-17)

Paul hated false doctrine, even wishing that those promoting it were cut off, but recognizing that God would judge them at the proper time, as he states in Galatians 5:10-12. “I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be. And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased. I would they were even cut off which trouble you.”

Because he hated false doctrine, Paul instructed us to notice who was teaching such doctrine and not associate with them in Romans 16:17. “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.” He did not direct us to waste time showing teaching about their doctrine, or attacking them. He could rejoice that despite their false teaching, Christ was preached. Paul charged Timothy to preach the word instead, regardless of what others did.

“I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” (II Timothy 4:1-4)

We will never turn others to the truth by pointing out their error. There is an old but valid saying that “a man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still.” Human logic will never be able to change men’s hearts, and Paul chose not to use it, as it might well put man’s faith in the wrong thing. “And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” (I Corinthians 2:4-5)

Titus 1:9-11 tells us that sound doctrine can stop the false teachers, and encourage them to find out the truth. “Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.”

A complete, fully developed scriptural doctrinal stance will leave no openings for false doctrines. For example a fully developed doctrine of marriage, incorporating all the verses on the subject will not permit many of the things currently taught. To develop such a sound doctrine requires examining nearly 1200 verses relating to marriage, and many are unwilling to expend the effort, but a hit or miss approach leaves openings for false doctrine in various related areas

The sound doctrine that has been taught, and the faithfulness in teaching it will produce rewards for the teachers, despite opposing doctrines. The struggles and opposition, even of false doctrine, are used of God to encourage others to follow him. They will redound to our account.

“For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:19-21