Prove All Things!
A. FOUR THINGS IMPLIED BY THE TEXT:
1. We can know the truth (2 Tim. 3:16-17; Eph. 3:3-4).
2. We must test everything (1 John 4:1; Rev. 2:2).
3. We must hold fast that which meets the standard.
4. We must give up and avoid all that does not.
B. TWO QUESTIONS:
1. What shall we have for a standard in proving all things?
2. What are to do with that which stands the test?
A. JAMES SPEAKS OF A LAW OF LIBERTY WHICH WILL JUDGE (Jas. 1:25; 2:12).
1. John 12:48. Jesus says his word will judge us (Rom. 2:16).
2. 1 Cor. 9:21. Under law to Christ. “law” = nomos, “under law” = ennomos.
B. THE LAW OF CHRIST HAS ITS OPPOSITE.
1. Matt. 7:21-23. The Will of the Father vs. Iniquity.
2. Iniquity (anomia) is sin (1 John 3:4).
C. THE NEW TESTAMENT EMBODIES THE TEACHING OF JESUS.
1. The New Testament is the law of Christ.
2. What Jesus did not teach is iniquity – not of the law – sin.
3. What is not in the New Testament is sinful, and we must avoid it, or (Matt. 7:23).
A. STANDARDS OF INIQUITY.
1. Conscience
a. Conscience ruled by what we have been taught. What if we are taught wrong.
b. Wrong to violate conscience (Rom. 14:23).
c. The Case of Saul of Tarsus (Acts 23:1; 2 Tim. 1:3; 1 Tim. 1:12-16).
2. Feelings.
a. Encouraged to follow our hearts (Jer. 17:9). Disney Philosophy.
b. Better felt than told? I just know it in my heart. What makes you feel good?
3. Family Religion – “Give me that old time religion.”
a. Paul again (Phil. 3:4-7).
b. Jesus predicted a conflict (Matt. 10:34-37; Luke 14:26).
4. The Majority.
a. What society dictates (Matt. 7:13-14; Rom. 12:2).
b. This is not a democracy – we don’t vote, we study (Ex. 23:2; Matt. 28:18).
c. What about votes on doctrine by different denominations?
5. The Church.
a. Can the church be wrong? (1 & 2 Cor.; Gal.; Acts 20:28-20; 2 Thess. 2:1-3).
b. When the church makes law it becomes its own head (Eph. 1:22-23).
6. Tradition.
a. Antiquity of Practice. This is what we’ve always done and taught.
b. The Pharisees relied on tradition (Matt. 15:3, 6).
c. Is there a binding tradition? (2 Thess. 2:15).
7. Self.
a. We are not wise enough (Jer. 10:23; Prov. 16:25; 1 Cor. 3:18-19).
b. We are not strong enough on our own (1 Cor. 10:12), but (Phil. 3:14).
8. Human Philosophy.
a. Stands opposed to what is revealed (Col. 2:8: Rom. 1:21-22).
b. Don’t trust anybody, even old preachers (1 Cor. 4:6; Acts 17:11).
c. Preacheritus can be a problem.
9. Civil Authority.
a. Obey the Law (1 Pet. 2:13-17).
b. What if there is a conflict? (Acts 5:29).
10. Good Accomplished.
a. A common justification for forsaking the pattern.
Entertainment, recreation, social programs, raffles.
b. Wasn’t that an aspect of the problem Jesus mentioned? (Matt. 7:21-23).
c. Does the end we seek justify the means? (Rom. 3:8; 2 John 9).
B. WHAT STANDARD WAS USED IN NEW TESTAMENT TIMES?
1. The Noble Berean synagogue (Acts 17:11). The Scriptures.
2. The teaching of the apostles (1 John 4:1, 6).
C. GOD'S REVELATION IS COMPLETE AND COMPLETELY FINISHED!
1. 2 Tim. 3:16-17.
2. "Once for all." ( Jude 3; Heb. 10:10:12 ).
3. Not even an angel can change it ( Gal. 1:8-9; 1 John 4:1-6 ).
A. HOLD FAST THAT WHICH IS GOOD (1 Thess. 5:21).
B. BUY THE TRUTH AND SELL IT NOT (Prov. 23:23).
C. BE FAITHFUL, CONTINUE IN THAT WHICH IS GOOD (John 8:31-32).
A. THE STANDARD IS THAT BY WHICH WE ARE TO BE JUDGED.
B. ARE YOU HOLDING FAST THAT WHICH IS PROVEN TO BE GOOD.
