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The Apostle Paul’s attitude towards other preachers that he did not agree with (excluding false teachings, deception, an unbiblical Jesus, or what’s clearly hate mongering)

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Bill 2The Apostle Paul’s attitude towards other preachers that he did not agree with (excluding false teachings, deception, an unbiblical Jesus, or what’s clearly hate mongering)

By Bill Rhetts, MA

(Disclaimer: This blog post is not referring to, nor in the context of opposing sin, or false teachings.)

I am so thankful for other fellow open-air preachers, but sadly it is such a divided sub-culture. It breaks my heart when I see fellow evangelists tearing each other apart (by name) on social media. I hope and pray that if I were to ever become the subject of such online scrutiny by fellow Christians, that I would be wise and disciplined enough to bridle my tongue. Admittedly, I could not have restrained myself years ago.

Yes we should divide over false teachings, an unbiblical Jesus, or what’s clearly hate mongering. But not over non-essential issues, methodologies, styles, or extra-biblical opinions. While I may not agree with much of the aforementioned, we must not divide over them. Please, don’t take my advice. Here’s some great advice from my ‘evangelism mentor’ (the Apostle Paul).

“12 But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, 13 so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; 14 and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. 15 Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill: 16 The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains; 17 but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice” (Phil 1:12-18).

Through all the problems that Paul experienced, look at his attitude in verse 18. “What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice”.

Paul was more concerned in the salvation of others, than vindicating himself. We know Paul would never condone false teachings (nor sin), but he rejoiced when those others that he disagreed with, preached the Gospel.

Paul gave some more advice that is applicable to social media. In this passage Paul warns of walking (or typing) in the flesh, versus the Holy Spirit.

“16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another (Galatians 5:16-26).

Notice that in verses 19-21 the sins of contentions, jealousies, outbursts, dissensions and envy, are listed right up there with the sexually immoral and murderers? Folks that’s a big ouch – for most of us. Gods will for all of us, is in verse 26. “Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.”

As Joe Rigney says in his below video ~

“When it comes to the ministry of others. Will you be their biggest fan, or their biggest critic? Because when another faithful ministry, becomes a fruitful ministry, the envious pastor sees a threat, a rival; the Gospel driven pastor sees reinforcement. Praise God reinforcement.”

As the Scriptures tell us, I examined myself, and my test results came back ‘sin positive.’ I have the same sin problem as the rest of you. But let us deny ourselves, and allow the Holy Spirit to be our Overcomer. The ministry of third Person in the Trinity (the Holy Spirit), is vitally important.

Have I ever said something inappropriate, in either a post or in comment? Regretfully I have. I’m still a work in progress. Nevertheless I pray that I would be more like Paul. As Paul said in 1 Corinthians 11:1, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.”

Lastly, remember what Christ said in John 13:35. “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Only by the grace of God, so go I.

Here’s an excellent 10-minute message about the sin of ‘Envy, Rivalry and Competition in Ministry,’ by Joe Rigney

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