• Home
  • About This Blog
  • Contact Me
  • Subscribe
  • Comment Policy

Attempts at Honesty

Reflections on the interplay of the Bible and Culture

  • Westminster Shorter Catechism Series
  • Sermon on the Mount Series
Home Bible Reflection Responding to doctrinal weeds (some thoughts on discernment)

Responding to doctrinal weeds (some thoughts on discernment)

Posted on February 6, 2011 Written by Mark McIntyre Leave a Comment


419162-dandelion-fieldI recently was asked about how to respond to a spouse who is enthralled by some false teachers. The points I gave for consideration are these:

  • The Bereans were praised (Acts 17:11) for checking to see if what Paul was teaching is true to Scripture, so it is clearly not wrong to determine if a preacher (or a blogger) is speaking in accordance with Scripture.
  • We are called to exercise discernment. All through Paul’s epistles, he deals with issues within the Church and gives his readers the foundation they need to make good decisions. In some cases, Paul calls people out by name so it is clearly not wrong to exercise discernment with regard to people and doctrine.
  • We are called to be wise as serpents and innocent as doves (Matt. 10:16). We should not be tricked by deceivers but we need to be innocent in the way we respond to them and speak about them.
  • In Ephesians 4:15, Paul commands us to speak the truth in love. Love must be the guiding principle as to how we respond to the false teaching. See also 1 Corinthians 13 for a check list to see how you’re doing with regard to a loving response toward the preachers and your spouse.
  • James 1:20 reminds us that the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Be honest with yourself as to whether your spouse is sensing and responding to anger which prevents your spouse from hearing your legitimate concerns.
  • It is not wrong to be concerned about what these preachers are teaching. It is also not wrong for you to share your thoughts with your spouse. You will need wisdom (James 1:5) and love to share your thoughts in an appropriate way.
  • While these preachers distort Scripture for their own ends (and will be judged accordingly), they are using Scripture. The Holy Spirit can use the Scripture to show your spouse the error in what they teach.
  • Above all else, I encourage you to pray for your spouse so that the Holy Spirit will reveal the error. Remember that “a man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still.” No amount of argument can subdue the will. Only God can do that.

Anything else that should be considered? Please comment back to add to the list, I would like your input.


Filed Under: Bible Reflection, False Teachers Tagged With: Discernment

About Mark McIntyre

A follower of Jesus Christ who shares observations about how Scripture should impact the church and the world. Mark is the original author and editor of Attempts at Honesty.

Follow Attempts at Honesty

Honesty in your Inbox

Grace in Diversity

Witnessing the grace of God

Would someone who visited your home or church walk away rejoicing that the grace of God was on display?

Three

3 Common Discipleship Mistakes All-Too-Easy to Make

Guest author Jeremy Postal provides helpful thoughts on avoiding mistakes in discipleship. Our success depends on our discipleship strategy.

Power

The same power

These words have bothered me. I agree that they are true, I agree that Jesus has demonstrated that power to us. But singing them brought up some questions in my mind.

Have a great summer

Have a great summer

I have decided that this will be my last post until September. Call it a vacation, call it a sabbatical, call it whatever you will, I will be taking a break.

Righteousness, Scribes and Pharisees

Jesus told his disciples that to enter Heaven, their righteousness would have to surpass that of the Pharisees. How could this be done? Should we throw in the towel or is there an answer to this problem?

Post Series

  • Westminster Shorter Catechism Series
  • Sermon on the Mount Series

Categories

Archives

Blogger Grid
Follow me on Blogarama

Copyright © 2022 · Focus Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in