Studies In The Scripture When Brethren Disagree…

Introduction - I Corinthians 1:10 teaches that we should all strive to teach the same things and have no divisions among us - One of the problems in religion is that people do disagree on various Bible topics and beliefs, some of which are very important and even critical unto our salvation! - What should we do when brethren disagree? If we have babes and mature Christians in a local church, we will probably have people who have different beliefs on Bible topics….even very important Bible topics. - While God certainly understands that babes in Christ do not know the same as mature Christians, how should brethren behave when in disagreement?

Reasons for Disagreement - Stages of growth differs in individuals - Lack of proper study of God’s Word - Improper understanding/interpretation of God’s Word - Deciding to “agree to disagree” knowing one or both in error - Dishonest teachers - Prejudice against a conclusion prior to studying - Willful disobedience

Matthew 4:4 “But He answered and said, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.' " - NKJV

John 8:31,32 “ Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." - NKJV

I Corinthians 1:10 “ Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” - NKJV

Ephesians 4:3 “by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ), ” - NKJV

Acts 17:17 “ Therefore he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and with the Gentile worshipers, and in the marketplace daily with those who happened to be there.” - NKJV

Acts 19:8 “ And he went into the synagogue and spoke boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading concerning the things of the kingdom of God.” - NKJV

Philippians 1:17 “ but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel.” - NKJV

Jude 3 “Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.” - NASB

I Peter 3:15 “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;” - NKJV

Hebrews 5:12-15 “ For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. ” - NKJV

Acts 18:24-26 “ Now a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man and mighty in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus. This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things of the Lord, though he knew only the baptism of John. So he began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. ” - NKJV

Helpful Biblical Approaches - Express love for each other – I Cor. 13; Eph. 4:15 - Express a love for truth – 2 Thess. 2:10; Ps. 119:97 - Exhibit patience and longsuffering in disagreement - Realize the devil wants disagreement and God unity/truth - Have open minds and Bibles – Acts 17:10 - Consider the opposing viewpoint carefully – I Thess. 5:21 - Give digestion time after study - Don’t forget to re-visit issues over which brethren are divided that affect our soul’s eternal destiny!!!

Helpful Biblical Approaches 1. Read ALL of God's Word on a particular subject matter. 2. Remove ANY PREJUDICE you may have from your study. 3. HARMONIZE all of God's Will on the subject under consideration. 4. TEST your conclusions reached at any time. 5. Keep your ATTITUDE OF HEART open to truth at all times, being willing to change if you find that you are in error. 6. Speak the truth in LOVE when teaching others. 7. Be willing to study with those who DISAGREE with you...seeking first to understand THEM and then seeking to be understood by them in good, loving dialogue.

Conclusion - We should expect that there will be some disagreements in religious matters, even among brethren. - But we should also know that truth is not ambiguous, and is not contradictory! We should strive to know, believe and obey the truth! - Many differing and conflicting teachings/doctrines are taught today as part of so-called “Christianity”, but only ONE doctrine is correct. - If we understand the Bible and New Testament correctly, we will understand it alike…the problem we must strive to overcome is ridding ourselves of error and growing into the truth on all important Bible topics!