Scripture Reading: Acts 24:1-9

Too Radical

Intro.

1. Enemies of God’s truth have always cast doubt upon the messengers of that truth, 1 Ths. 2:13-16.

2. Rather than accept truth, some react against the messengers of truth with slander, insinuations, slurs, insults, epithets, ill treatment, Gal. 4:16 (2 Cor. 11:26). “Killing the messenger” does not change the message (Kill The Messenger, Tom Roberts, Guardian of Truth, 2/6/1997, 16-18).

3. Are we “too radical” (“extreme”) when we preach the word and demand the message of truth that needs to be heard? 2 Tim. 4:2-4

I. WHAT CHRISTIANS FACE TODAY IS NOT DIFFERENT FROM WHAT FAITHFUL ONES HAVE FACED IN THE PAST.

A. Ahab to Elijah, 1 Kgs. 18:17-18.

B. Amaziah (priest of Bethel) to Amos, Amos 7:10-13.

C. The Jews of John the Baptizer, Matt. 11:18 (3:4).

D. Herod to John the Baptizer, Mk. 6:16-28.

E. Pharisees to Jesus, Matt. 11:19; 12:24.

F. Enemies of the Faith of the Apostles, Acts 17:6.

G. Tertullus of Paul, Acts 24:5-7.

H. Brethren in the Recent Past:

1. Opponents of societies and instr. music in worship (“divisive”).

2. Opponents of church support of human organ. (“orphan-haters”; “antis”; “church-splitters”; Yellow tag of quarantine).

I. Brethren Today:

1. Opponents of unity-in-diversity (tradition-bound hobbyists).

2. Opponents of innovations on MDR (radical watchdogs, "emotion-based" arguments), Matt. 19:4-6, 9.

II. WHY ARE SUCH CHARGES MADE AGAINST FAITHFUL BRETHREN AND THE TRUTH THEY TEACH?

A. Because when the Whole Counsel of God is Preached it does not Scratch Itching Ears, Acts 20:27; 2 Tim. 4:2-4. (Do not want to hear it!)

B. Because these Accusers have lost their Love for Truth, Psa. 119:97; 2 Ths. 2:10-12.

C. Because Hearts have been Closed to the Truth, Matt. 13:15.

-Hearts have been opened to personal agendas, Phil. 1:15-17.

D. Because Self has been Elevated beyond Measure, 2 Tim. 4:3-4 (these glory in appearance, 2 Cor. 5:11-12); Gal. 6:13.

III. WHAT ARE THE RIGHTEOUS TO DO IN THE FACE OF SUCH CHARGES?

A. Remember, there is a Just Cause, 1 Sam. 17:29-30 (26).

-Truth and the salvation and protection of souls. Gal. 4:16

B. Examine Ourselves, 2 Cor. 13:5:

1. First that we are in the faith (the truth), 2 Tim. 2:15.

2. Also, that our motives remain pure, 2 Cor. 4:2 (Phil. 1:15-16).

C. Continue Contending for the Faith, nor for Ourselves, Jude 3-4; 2 Cor. 10:12-13; 2:17.

-Plainly speak all the word of God, Phil. 1:14; Acts 20:20, 27.

D. Remember that Repetition in Teaching Promotes Learning and Stability, 2 Pet. 1:12; Phil. 3:1.

E. Hold Up the Hands of those Who Teach the Truth, Exo. 17:8-13.

Conclusion

1. Follow example of Jesus and live for righteousness, 1 Pet. 2:21-24.

2. Opposition of men does not prevent God’s purposes, Isa. 55:11.

By: Joe R. Price

Posted: March 7, 2014