Many times I have heard christians talk about how they follow the bible only. That Jesus is the only one that they follow. That they don't follow a man...as if this is somehow not only the right thing, the correct doctrine, but somehow makes them better than those other believers who don't follow what they consider to be "correct doctrine".
Often considering themselves not only better than other believers, but to then say that the other believers are not really believers because they don't hold to the same private interpretations. I am weary of this and so tonight I'm gonna just write about what I think is the truth...according to the scriptures...and if you dont agree with me...its okay...I believe in soul liberty...unlike Diotrephes.
Are believers not supposed to "follow a man"? Are they to be under the authority of Christ alone as their Head?
The answer according to the scriptures. It is never taught one single place in the bible that believers, whether they be Old Testament or New, are not supposed to follow other men. Yes there are scriptures which can be personally interpreted to mean that, but they can also be interpreted otherwise.
1) Eve was to follow Adam.
2) Men were supposed to follow Noah.
3) They were supposed to follow Moses.
4) Joshua was another leader they were to obey.
5) David
6) Solomon
7) The Prophets
Here in the Old Testament were leaders...there were others who were to be obeyed as well.
God has always used men as leaders of His people...this truth has not changed.
Yes, we are supposed to follow Christ. Yes, He is the Authority. Yes, the Bible is His words and we should do our best to obey them as He leads...BUT...
1)2 Thess 3:7 For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;
I would suggest further study of the rest of the chapter. Its rather obvious, that these men considered themselves to be in a position of authority...based upon their behavior.
2) Heb 13:7 Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.
Well, if the most obstinate, hard-headed believer ought to be able to understand this verse clearly.
3) 3 John tells the story of two men, both believers...one of them, Diotrephes is behaving poorly...John calls his actions "evil"...the other man, Demetrius has a "good report of all men"...John then tells the believers..."follow not that which is evil, but that which is good"...he effectively split the church.
The point here is that the believers were supposed to follow...a man...a good man.
4) 1 Tim 3:5 shows clearly that A) there are bishops (baptists call them "pastors") and B) these men are leaders who are supposed to be able to "take care" of the church of God. They should do this not as Diotrephes, but as Demetrius.
5) 1Tim 5:17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
Well...that's interesting isnt it? Elders ruling? Double honor? I know a lot of pastors who'd be happy with just a little honor.
6) Heb 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
Obey and submit...rather strong words, huh?
7) Heb 13:24 Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. They of Italy salute you.
What does "have the rule over you" mean?
8)1Co 4:16 Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.
I guess Paul is a liar.
9)Php 4:9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
Hmmm...I think Paul is confused...believers are supposed to "do" what he says...
10)1Thess 4:1 Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.
You want to walk to please God? listen to Paul.
11) 2Tim 2:7 Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.
Want understanding? Consider Paul's words.
12) 2Tim 4:17 Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
You want to fully know? Understand the preaching? Follow Paul.
Further study.
(1Co 11:1) Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.
(Php 3:17) Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.
(1Th 1:6) And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:
(1Th 2:14) For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews:
So...does the bible really say that you're not supposed to follow a man?
Books by men are good. The bible says that we have been given teachers as a gift, but...
(2Tim 2:15) Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Don't lie to yourself anymore.
No comments:
Post a Comment