Dealing With Error (Matthew 22:23-33)

Introduction Jesus and error –Didn’t run away from it –Those who misrepresent Him worship “another Jesus” (2 Corinthians 11:4) Sadducees –No belief in angels, spirit, or resurrection –They were wrong and Jesus told them so

Realize Error Exists Sadducees were wrong –Didn’t know the Scriptures or God’s power –They “greatly erred” (Mark 12:27) –People can be wrong Various errors –Hymenaeus and Philetus (2 Timothy 2:17, 18) –Paul said they “erred” concerning the faith (1 Timothy 6:20, 21)

Realize Error Exists Others –God rebuked the erring (Psalm 119:21) –Failure to obey is error (Numbers 15:22) Consequences –Punishment (Psalm 119:118) –A departure from the faith (1 Timothy 6:10) –Many sorrows and the loss of one’s soul

Recognize Error Accomplished through study –Recall Paul’s rebuke (2 Timothy 2:17, 18) –Paul’s answer was effort (2 Timothy 2:15, 16) –John’s solution the same (1 John 4:1-6) –Best defense is knowledge, not a phone call to the preacher!

Recognize Error Know the genuine article –“Faith only”? (James 2:24) –Man’s “sinful nature”? (1 Corinthians 10:13) –Any worship acceptable? (John 4:24) –Old Testament practices? (Galatians 5:4) –Marriage and divorce errors? (Matthew 19:9) –Social gospel? (John 6:26; 1 Corinthians 11:21, 22, 33, 34)

Resist Error In our lives –Warned (James 1:16) –Can be led away (2 Peter 3:17) –Can resist (Psalm 119:110) Be not deceived –May be the “leaders” (Isaiah 3:12; 9:16) –Too much consumption of men’s writings –Refuse them (Proverbs 19:27)

Resist Error Stay in the way of holiness –God’s way (Isaiah 35:8) –Keep ourselves from sin

Rectify Error Refuse, resist, and correct –Self-examination first (Matthew 7:5) –Be like Saul (1 Samuel 26:21) Try to correct error in others –Avoid the abuse of Matthew 7:1 –James teaching (James 5:19, 20) –Work of all of us (Acts 20:28-31; 2 Timothy 4:1-5)

Rectify Error Those who refuse reproof are wrong –The Bible calls it error (Proverbs 10:17) –They must be shown that it is error –No measure of comfort can be given –Discipline involves denying them comfort

Refute Error Necessary when it cannot be rectified –Refuted by the Word (2 Timothy 4:2-4) –Many do not like this type of preaching –Necessary at times (Ephesians 5:11) –Titus told to correct certain ones (Titus 1:13, 14) Refuting involves “fighting” –“The good fight of faith” (1 Timothy 6:10-12) –Battle for souls (2 Corinthians 10:3-6) –Fight to win!

Conclusion Can you recognize error? Do you resist it? Do you rectify it in yourself and others? Are you willing to refute it?