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“Too Radical!”. Kill the Messenger!. Enemies of truth cast doubt on the messengers of truth, 1 T hs. 2:13-16 Slander , insinuations, slurs, insults, epithets, ill treatment , Gal. 4:16 ( 2 Cor. 11:26 ) “ Killing the messenger” does not change the message!
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Kill the Messenger! • Enemies of truth cast doubt on the messengers of truth, 1 Ths. 2:13-16 • Slander, insinuations, slurs, insults, epithets, ill treatment, Gal. 4:16 (2 Cor. 11:26) • “Killing the messenger” does not change the message! • Are we “too radical” when we preach and demand the word of God? 2 Tim. 4:2-4
What Christians face is not different from what Faithful Ones have Faced in the Past
“Too Radical!” • King Ahab Elijah, 1 Kgs. 18:17-18 • AmaziahAmos, Amos 7:10-13 • The Jews John the baptizer, Matt. 11:18 (3:4)
“Too Radical!” • PhariseesJesus, Matt. 11:19; 12:24 • Enemies of the faith Apostles, Acts 17:6 • TertullusPaul, Acts 24:5-7
“Too Radical!” • Brethren in the recent past… • Opposition to instrumental music in worship … “Divisive” Eph. 5:19 • Opposition to church-supported human organizations … • “Orphan-haters” Jas. 1:27 • “Antis” … “church-splitters”… Yellow tag of quarantine
“Too Radical!” • Brethren today… • Opposition to unity in diversity … “Tradition-bound hobbyists” 2 Jno. 9-11 • Opposition to MDR innovations … “radical watchdogs”, “emotion-based” objections Matt. 19:4-6, 9
Why are such Charges made against faithful brethren and the truth they teach?
Why such charges? • Because when the whole counsel of God is preached it does not scratch itching ears, Acts 20:27; 2 Tim. 4:2-4 • Accusers have lost their love for truth, Psa. 119:97; 2 Ths. 2:10-12 • Hearts are closed to truth, Matt. 13:15; Phil. 1:15-17 • Self is elevated, 2 Tim. 4:3-4; 2 Cor. 5: 11-12; Gal. 6:13
What shall the righteous do? • Remember there is a just cause, 1 Sam. 17:29-30 (26) • Examine ourselves, 2 Cor. 13:5 • In the faith (truth), 2 Tim. 2:15 • Pure motives, 2 Cor. 4:2 (Phil. 1: 15-16)
What shall the righteous do? • Contend for the faith, not ourselves, Jude 3-4; 2 Cor. 10:12-13; 2:17 (Phil. 1:14; Acts 20:20, 27) • Repetition in teaching promotes learning and stability, 2 Pet. 1:12 • Hold up the hands of the faithful, Exo. 17:8-13
“Too Radical”! Follow the example of Jesus and endure hostility Hebrews 12:1-2 (1 Pet. 2:21-24) The opposition of men does not prevent God’s purposes from being fulfilled! Isaiah 55:11