Are We Strengthening the Hands of the Wicked?
Lesson Three
INTRODUCTION.
A. This is the last lesson in a series of lessons showing how we can strengthen the hands of the wicked. So far in this discussion, we are shown that:
1. We strengthen the hands of the wicked when we commit sin with them.
2. We strengthen the hands of the wicked when we support their sin, upholding the sinner, even if we do not engage in their sin.
3. We strengthen the hands of the wicked when we fail to confront the sin and the sinner.
B. In this lesson, we will consider one more way in which we can strengthen the hands of the wicked.
I. WE STRENGTHEN THE HANDS OF THE WICKED WHEN WE HINDER TRUTH, THEREBY HELPING ERROR.
A. Consider the following examples.
1. Pharaoh’s Magicians. (Exodus 7:11,22; 8:7,18)
2. Ahithophel. (2 Samuel 15:12,31)
3. Elymas. (Acts 13:6-10)
4. The Jews would stir the good folks up. (Acts 13:42,44-46,50;14:2)
B. Many people who hinder truth are motivated by envy, pride, malice, etc. Many people opposed men like Moses, David, and Paul. Even today, there are people who oppose those who teach the truth.
C. You hinder the truth when you gossip, whisper, spread rumors about, and slander faithful men. Paul was accused of preaching false doctrine. (Romans 3:8) Consider also the actions of Diotrephes. (3 John 9-10)
1. Down through the years, people have been throwing about accusations against preachers. For instance, . . .
a. Some preachers are too harsh. The don’t love other people.
b. Some preachers are selfish righteous.
c. Some preachers are preaching only for the money and the “easy” job status.
d. Some preachers cater to the members to keep their jobs.
2. While in some instances, the accusations may be true, in most of the cases, they are not true.
3. These false accusations are thrown about by people with motives of revenge and anger, and passed on by sheep or “cheerleaders” of the false accusers.
D. We hinder truth and help error when we engage in hypocritical actions. Consider the case of Peter. (Galatians 2:11-14)
1. Peter knew the truth regarding eating with Gentiles. (Acts 10:9-16,25-28,48; 11:1-4)
2. Peter refused to eat with the Gentiles fearing the brethren. (Galatians 2:12)
3. The question that must be asked is do we defend Peter because of his past faithfulness?
4. Peter stood condemned.
5. Although Peter did not preach error, he practiced error. This is hypocrisy.
6. This hypocrisy went so far that even Barnabas was ensnared. (Galatians 2:13)
7. Peter strengthened the hands of the Jews who bound the circumcision.
8. Paul openly rebuked Peter. (Galatians 2:14)
9. Did Peter stay mad at Paul? Certainly not. (2 Peter 3:15)
E. We hinder the truth and help error when we apologize for the truth.
1. There were those who would not stand with Paul. (2 Timothy 4:16,17)
2. Are you guilty of:
a. Apologizing for truth on baptism, church practices, modest apparel, social drinking, attendance?
b. Criticizing preachers who refute error and name error or doctrine?
c. Defending able men when they err?
d. Lending your ear or influence to those who support error? NOTE: Our ears are not garbage cans. Do not listen to gossip, backbiting, worldly or ungodly influences.
F. We hinder truth and help error when we refuse to restore and receive penitent persons.
1. It is our duty. (Galatians 6:1; James 5:19,20; Jude 1:22-23)
2. We are to receive and accept those who change. (2 Corinthians 2:7-8)
3. Remember the case of the older son in the story of the prodigal son. (Luke 15:1l-32)
4. If we do not forgive, then we will not be forgiven. (Matthew 6:14,15)
5. Remember, no one is perfect. We may unintentionally snub one another, we may not speak, we may even inadvertently offend others. The question is will you forgive when it happens to you. Remember, we all, at sometime, will need to apologize for something.
G. Those who hinder the truth are no better than Alexander the coppersmith. (2 Timothy 4:14,15)
CONCLUSION.
A. If you are a child of God, then you should be fighting on the Lord’s side. Anytime you strengthen the wicked, you are fighting against God, His Son, His word, and His people. If you are guilty of this, then repent today, turning back to the right course and standing strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
B. If you are not a Christian, give serious thought to becoming one today by turning to Jesus and His commands towards salvation. Then, you can fight the good fight of faith, wearing that armor of God.
1. John 3:16
2. Act 2:38
3. Romans 10:9,10
4. Mark 16:16; Romans 3:3-4
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Are We Strengthening the Hands of the Wicked? Lesson Three -- May 11, 2003 -- File # 1377
by John Duvall (adapted from a series of lesson by Larry Hafley) - Lawton, OK