“Beware of Dogs”By Steven F. Deaton |
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Are you tired of hearing brethren exposed as false teachers? Does it bother you when a man is named in the pulpit or print? What about a group of men? If so, you need to read again the words of the apostle Paul. He said
The exposure of error ought to cause us to “rejoice in the Lord.” It means Satan’s hand is not free to manipulate and destroy souls (1 Pet. 5:8). Those who wince at strong, hard preaching, have the wrong attitude—one which undermines the cause of Christ. When the apostles winced at Jesus’ remarks, He responded with additional condemnation for those in error (Matt. 15:7-14). They should have rejoiced, and so should we. The rebuke of false doctrine and the ones who promote it is not a “tedious” exercise, but “safe.” In other words, it is called for and vital, beneficial. The Spirit said, “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them” (Eph. 5:11). Why expose them? Again, it is to clearly show men what will cause them to lose their souls. Some howl and scream when the searchlight of truth comes around, but not those who rejoice in the truth (Jn. 3:19-21). Such helps keep men safe. Faithful gospel preachers are accused of “calling names.” Yet, this is what Paul did when he called the circumcision “dogs,” “evil workers,” and “the mutilation.” The first refers to a street wandering, mangy, filthy, garbage eating canine. “Evil workers” are those who uphold and promote evil—the opposite of good and contrary to God. The latter is a sharp, sarcastic play on words. It is much like Galatians 5:12, a derogatory remark encouraging the circumcision not to stop with cutting off the foreskin! May we employ the same tactics today? Before you answer, read 1 Corinthians 11:1; 4:17; 2 Timothy 2:2. Further, was Paul wrong to say “we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Jesus Christ…?” Did he have a “party spirit” when he referred to “we?” When differences arise among brethren today and a clear distinction is evident, may we say one side rejoices in Christ and worships in the Spirit, while those on the other side are “enemies of the cross of Christ?” Paul’s words do not excuse or condone “hobby riders” or a contentious spirit (Titus 3:9-11). They do, however, show that error must be pointedly addressed. May we rejoice when it is done. |
Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. |
