Titus

[John81]

I just wanted to add that I hadn't realized there were so many qualifications for the pastorate. It shows that God is serious about this position and it shouldn't be taken lightly by those who are pastors or who are thinking of becoming a pastor. In regards to the 2nd point that was brought up, that line of reasoning could actually be applied to all of the 15 of the listed qualifications, all you have to say is: "well, God/the Bible doesn't specifically mentioned my unique circumstances, so it must be okay for me. But it wouldn't be okay for so-and-so because their unique circumstances are different from mine."  This is why women are now accepted as pastors. This is why "Christian" rock music is sung in churches. This is why immorality is running rampant and accepted in churches. Because Pastors are becoming lenient. They are not taking their office seriously. They are not taking the Bible seriously. The Bible is being changed to suit the changing times (and I don't just mean the different versions, some who are KJV only will pick and choose what they want to preach and what they don't touch with a ten foot pole because they themselves might be convicted of something). The Bible does not need to spell out every little thing in our lives. We just need to understand "Thus saith the LORD." and not say "well, everything isn't all black and white. Look at this shade of gray, so pretty." while stepping closer and closer to that black area that used to be so obviously black. The Bible gives multiple warnings about this sort of thing, yet they're continuously ignored or glossed over.

"Thus saith the Lord", with regard to the 2nd point is "husband of one wife". By itself, that's clear, but add in "can't be divorced or married to a divorced woman" and now we've added to the "thus saith the Lord".

That is very different from the issue of women being accepted as pastors since Scripture is totally clear pastors are to be men: "Thus saith the Lord" using male pronouns and referring to the pastor as being a husband.

As to the other issues mentioned, the Lord didn't give us a list of qualifications for music or Bible versions/translations, those are matters we must address through other biblical means.

One of the major problems with regards to many pastors today is the lack of calling. If a man isn't called of God to be a pastor, then he shouldn't be a pastor. Yet many men (and now women) go into the pastorate for reasons other than being called of God. Some because they see it as an easy career choice; some think it's a way for them to "do good", others for various reasons. Only men called of God to be a pastor can serve properly as a pastor.

Then, somewhat coupled with the above, is the problem with the schools prospective pastors attend which are filled with unsaved teachers and professors that confuse and corrupt the minds of future pastors.

[Alan]

I just wanted to add that I hadn't realized there were so many qualifications for the pastorate. It shows that God is serious about this position and it shouldn't be taken lightly by those who are pastors or who are thinking of becoming a pastor. In regards to the 2nd point that was brought up, that line of reasoning could actually be applied to all of the 15 of the listed qualifications, all you have to say is: "well, God/the Bible doesn't specifically mentioned my unique circumstances, so it must be okay for me. But it wouldn't be okay for so-and-so because their unique circumstances are different from mine."  This is why women are now accepted as pastors. This is why "Christian" rock music is sung in churches. This is why immorality is running rampant and accepted in churches. Because Pastors are becoming lenient. They are not taking their office seriously. They are not taking the Bible seriously. The Bible is being changed to suit the changing times (and I don't just mean the different versions, some who are KJV only will pick and choose what they want to preach and what they don't touch with a ten foot pole because they themselves might be convicted of something). The Bible does not need to spell out every little thing in our lives. We just need to understand "Thus saith the LORD." and not say "well, everything isn't all black and white. Look at this shade of gray, so pretty." while stepping closer and closer to that black area that used to be so obviously black. The Bible gives multiple warnings about this sort of thing, yet they're continuously ignored or glossed over.

Yea and amen! Thank you for your posting concerning the aspect of all the qualifications listed by Paul to Titus.  I agree with every word and every thought. One of the major reasons our IFB, and other churches, are lacking in holiness is due to the pulpit lacking in holiness and is full of worldy reasoning and leniency in just about all matters.

 John81 said, "One of the major problems with regards to many pastors today is the lack of calling. If a man isn't called of God to be a pastor, then he shouldn't be a pastor. Yet many men (and now women) go into the pastorate for reasons other than being called of God. Some because they see it as an easy career choice; some think it's a way for them to "do good", others for various reasons. Only men called of God to be a pastor can serve properly as a pastor.

Then, somewhat coupled with the above, is the problem with the schools prospective pastors attend which are filled with unsaved teachers and professors that confuse and corrupt the minds of future pastors. "

John81,

Thank you for very for your posting. Excellent anyalysis and correct flow of thought concerning the linkage to part of the problem is the schooling that some of these men receive. We apprecitate your comments very much.

Alan

[Rebecca]

 

"Thus saith the Lord", with regard to the 2nd point is "husband of one wife". By itself, that's clear, but add in "can't be divorced or married to a divorced woman" and now we've added to the "thus saith the Lord".

Now, I believe opposite. To me, personally, "husband of one wife" has a crystal clear meaning and saying "divorced men or a man married to a divorced woman are still qualified to pastor" is adding to the Bible. You and the majority of folks here on Online Baptist disagree with me and see a gray area where because God allows divorce under some circumstances, it's perfectly okay for pastors, under some circumstances. I will not debate or discuss this anymore, as there is already a thread dedicated to that subject (and I doubt it will be a fruitful discussion as we are both firm in our belief). And since this thread is dedicated to the study of Titus, I'll not belabor the point.

As to the other things you brought out, I agree there aren't qualifications for certain standards, I was just pointing out that when a pastor doesn't take his role seriously, doesn't take the very words of God seriously, and allows certain things to slide into gray areas in his own personal life, he's leading the church down a dangerous path. So because the pastor allows certain things in his life (whatever it may be), those same or similar things start slipping quietly into the church and the pastor doesn't address them because he himself would be affected, and soon there is less and less preaching against sin and more and more acceptance of sin. Things that used to be crystal clear are now gray and God's people are confused about what is right and what is wrong. Pilate's question to Jesus is becoming commonplace among Christians today - "What is truth?" 

If God holds pastors to a higher standard than laypeople (15! qualifications!), than so should we. A pastor should be above reproach. A pastor should not lead the church God has called him to down a path that leads to sin. God will hold that pastor accountable for everything he says and does behind the pulpit and as a pastor.

#15 - Faithful to the Word. I believe this qualification is very important, but sadly becoming increasingly rare. Titus 1:9 -  ^"holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers." 

[trapperhoney]

I have no intention of trying to start debate (I believe they are pointless anyway) but I wanted to state my viewpoint of this topic. For some time my husband and I been bothered by people taking "bishop" to mean "pastor."  Greek is a very precise language, and Paul was a "lawyer" before his salvation, so I believe that he chose his words very carefully.  Ephesians 4 has been cited above as "proof" that bishop and pastor is interchangeable.  However, if we look at the context (Eph. 4:8) it is clearly speaking of gifts given to the church members.  Pastors and teachers is a gift given to certain individuals for the building up of the body.  The Greek word used refers to a "shepherd."  These are people who are best suited for discipleship -- they are nurturing and able to instruct in an effective way.  Now, in Titus, the word bishop is from a Greek word meaning superintendent or overseer.  That indicates an administration type role.  Also, there is a parallel passage in 1 Timothy 3 where Paul states that the bishop is an office.  So a pastor and a bishop are not the same thing.  I do believe that for someone to hold the office of bishop they need to have the gift of pastor, but not everyone with the gift of pastor should hold the office of bishop.  I fear that because of the association of the word bishop to religions we take strong issue with -- such as the Catholic church, and the cult of the Mormons, we have "thrown the baby out with the bathwater" and have misconstrued scriptures to support our justification for not using that term.  A gift is not gender specific.  I know many women who have the "gift of pastor" -- I think it is somewhat innate to the female to be a nurturer and teacher.  I also think this is why many women mistakenly go into "pastorates" when clearly scripture indicates that the overseer of a church is to be a man.  An office can be gender specific and this one clearly is. 

My husband and I taught a class on spiritual gifts, where we took all the passages we could find dealing with those and compared and studied them very deeply and came to this conclusion for ourselves.  We realize that it is not a popular Baptist belief so we generally keep quiet about it, but I did want to put it out there for other to consider. 

[Alan]

Thank you for your viewpoint.

Ephesians 4:11 and 12, "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ." This, in my estimation, "pastors and teachers" is clearly referring back to the office 'overseer, bishop, in 1 Timothy 3:1and 2 and Titus 1:5 and 7 as generally believed and accepted. I still accept as all three terms; bishop, elder and pastor meaning the one and the same office: commonly called pastor.  The pastor is the overseer of the church and is the office of the bishop. Due to the misuse of the word, and office of the bishop, I feel there is no harm done is using the title pastor instead of bishop.

 

 

Rebecca said,"If God holds pastors to a higher standard than laypeople (15! qualifications!), than so should we. A pastor should be above reproach. A pastor should not lead the church God has called him to down a path that leads to sin. God will hold that pastor accountable for everything he says and does behind the pulpit and as a pastor.

This statement is entirely true. The qualifications for the office of the pastor is more stingent than the qualification for the priest under the Old Testament Law. The pastor of the church will be held more accountable for the direction of the church than the members of the church.

 

 

[Alan]

Reprobates – False Teachers

Verse 10-16, “ For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcism:  Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre’s sake. One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies. This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith; Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn away from the truth. Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.”

Paul now continues his line of thinking on why God gave us sound doctrine, though the scriptures, this was in order for the man of God to refute the erroneous doctrines of the false ministers and reprobates that have been in every age since time began. The unregenerate heart of man is religious in nature. Thus they need a religious belief, a creed and religious ceremonies in order to satisfy their desire to worship. Satan is more than willing to give man religion, as long as he does not get salvation. Therefore, Satan’s ministers will deceive men by using false religious beliefs. As God uses His faithful men to proclaim the truth; Satan uses his men to deceive the lost through false doctrine.

Please note that Paul says that there are, “...many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers...” Satan is the god of this world. And, as such, there will always be more religious deceivers than true believers until the Lord Jesus sets up His millennial kingdom on earth.

The Lord Jesus said, “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” Matthew 7:13 & 14

The Lord Jesus also warned us in Matthew 24:4 & 5, “And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.” Peter added, “But there were false prophets also among the people, even there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.” 2 Peter 2:1 & 2

The sad fact is that many people will remain lost through the efforts of deceitful men. Paul mentioned to Titus that the Cretians were known for their lying and slow bellies, (gluttony). Paul discovered early in his missionary experience, due to the corrupt nature in man, that every country has its own cultural and religious problems. Crete was no different. Modern missionaries discover the same thing.

In Taiwan, one of the first missionaries, that was enabled to stay on Taiwan, was George Mackay, (1844-1901). His early ministry on Taiwan, then called Formosa, was one of severe trials due to the religious superstitions of the Chinese people. After a fruitful ministry of 23 years on Taiwan, in his biography, From Far Formosa, he gave this comment on what one could expect to meet on Formosa, (Taiwan). “The Chinese in Formosa have innumerable gods and goddesses, many religious festivals, and countless superstitions that burden their life. The names of their idols would fill pages, and the details of their beliefs and worship volumes.”[1]

As Paul warned Titus of the various problems he would encounter on Crete, and George Mackay warned about the religious situation on Taiwan. So it is in every age, veteran missionaries need to warn of the problems facing the newer missionaries as they minister to the people they are called to.

Due to so many false teachers, we will only mention two modern day examples. Both of these two heretical groups are strong in America and in Taiwan.

1. The Mormons were started by the false prophet Joseph Smith in 1827 at Palmyra, New York. Through his deceitful teachings many people have been deceived and will remain lost. The Mormons deny the reality hell, the Trinity, the biblical Millennium, salvation by grace through faith, a distorted history of Christ and other cardinal doctrines. They also have their own scriptures, (The Book of Mormon), inspired by Joseph Smith.

2. The Jehovah’s Witnesses were started by the false prophet Charles Taze Russell of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1874. Again, like most false teachers and prophets, Mr. Russell started the Jehovah Witnesses in direct opposition to sound biblical doctrine. They deny the existence of hell, salvation by grace through faith, the deity of Christ and other sound doctrines of the faith. They also have their own inspired set of scriptures, (The New World Translation of the Scriptures).

Through their heretical doctrines, both of these cults deceive people into believing lies and to not to get saved.

Paul here had mentioned specifically that there were numerous false teachers among the “...circumcision...”, this of course, are Jews. Paul mentioned that they were teaching “...Jewish fables...” verse 14. Like most false teachers, they were teaching their own religious commandments, not God commandments.

In Acts 15:1-11 we have an example of how false Jewish teachers were teaching that the saints needed to keep the Law, (the Jewish commandments), in order to be saved. This was, and is still today, an error. Salvation is a free gift of God to those who believe in Jesus Christ as their Saviour. We cannot do any work to obtain salvation, nor can we do any work to keep ourselves saved. Salvation, in all aspects, is a free gift from God.

False teachers, of any denomination, teach that an individual must keep a certain set of religious commandments in order to obtain salvation in one form or another.

For Example – the Roman Catholic Church.

The Roman Catholic Church teaches, through the Pope, Cardinals, bishops and priests, that in order for a person to be saved they must be a Roman Catholic and keep the teaching of the church. Namely, they must be baptized and confirmed into the Catholic Church, the individual must go to mass, say confession to the priest and other religious ceremonies in order to deceive the people.

The Roman Catholic Church, like other false churches, subvert whole households with their false teachings, “...for filthy lucre’s sake.” False religious teachers are not interested in winning lost people to Christ; they are interested only in money and religious recognition.

False teachers of the Bible use the Bible, and their religious recognition among the people for their own personal or denominational gain. Their loyalty, and devotion, is to their own denominational beliefs and not to the Bible. They use the Bible, and the things of the Lord, for their own personal gain.

They are like the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas in 1 Samuel 2:12-17. Both of these men used their position as priests of their Lord for their own personal gain and did not love the Lord; they used the Bible, but were not faithful to it, they used the people and their sacrifices, but did not love them. They loved and served themselves and just used the Lord. God knows what is going on and He will judge accordingly in His due time.

Ten Characteristics of Reprobates - False Teachers

False teachers can sometimes be noticed by the following characteristics. Please take notice. Not all heretics, false teachers, apostates have all of the characteristics, nor do they exhibit these characteristics in public. Most of these characteristics are spiritual and doctrinal.

     1. Nothing is pure.

    They find fault with, and criticize, those things that are pure. For example the word of God, the Bible, is pure, (Psalm 12:6 and Proverbs 30:5), both in its inspiration and in its preservation, but, they find fault with it. Haven’t you ever noticed that almost all heretical groups reject the Authorized Version of the Bible and write their own Bible?

     2. They are defiled.

       This is not talking about a physical defilement that a person can see and observe. It is referring to a spiritual defilement. The mind and the conscience of false teachers, heretics, and apostates, are unclean.

     3. They are unbelievers.

        They doubt many of the doctrines of the scriptures. In our age they doubt that the Authorized Version, or the KJV of 1611, is the preserved word of God. They doubt hell, they doubt the Flood of Noah’s day, and they do not believe in eternal security, they do not believe in the literal Millennial Reign of Christ, they do not believe in the restoration of the nation of Israel.

     4. They profess to know God, but they do not. They are spiritual liars.

“Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” 2 Timothy 3:5. They are religious, but they are not from God. Remember Hophni and Phinehas? 1 Samuel 2:12 says, “Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD.” Even those both of these men were priests of the Lord; both of these men were unsaved. They were spiritually lost and are spending eternity in hell.

     5. They are abominable.

           In the sight of God, Balaam, Hophni, Phinehas, and the heretics and reprobates of our age, are abominable.

     6. They are disobedient.

This refers to being disobedient to the written word of God. They may be obedient to their religious denomination, but, they are disobedient to the written word of God.

     7. They are reprobates.

This is a direct reference to the incorrect interpretation, and the improper use of the scriptures. They have been rejected, unacceptable and condemned.

   8. They are; “...slow bellies...”

      Hmmm? Can this refer to gluttony? Oh! I am afraid to comment on this phrase!

 9. They love money.

False teachers, and even some saved brethren, use their office, or position in the church, for personal gain, or the personal gain of their denomination. A study of Philippians 3:18 & 19 and 2 Peter 2:14 and 15 will reveal their true motives. The motive of reprobates for serving the Lord is wrong. For a more complete study or false teachers, and their motives, the reader is directed to 2 Peter 2

     10. They believe in (religious) fables.

Paul is not talking about Aesop’s Fables or the fables of the different cultures of world. Paul is talking about false doctrines, the false historical stories such as the Mormon golden tablets, Buddhist and Taoist fables, Apocrypha, goblins, witches, ghosts, and other religious stories not having a biblical foundation.

Conclusion of the Characteristics of Reprobates – False Teachers

When you hear teachers that have any of the above personal, and/or, religious characteristics, than you can be sure that they are false teachers and are not from God. The true man of God needs to follow the admonition of Paul the Apostle and rebuke false teachers. We need to earnestly contend for the faith, (Jude 3), in order to try to turn people away from believing in false doctrine and believe in the truth.

I think most of us would agree that Paul the Apostle had a true love for those that he preached to. This includes the false teachers of his day. It broke Paul’s heart that his own people rejected the Lord Jesus as their Saviour and taught false doctrine.

Therefore, Paul rebuked those heretical teachers. If we truly love others we will warn them of false doctrine and those who teach it. Like salvation, if a man dies believing, and/or teaching, false doctrine, God will judge him for his error. I would suggest the reader studies 2 Peter 2:1-22 to see examples of false teachers, the motive of the false teachers, and the end result of false teachers.

Through the inspiration of God, Paul warned us through the scriptures to learn sound doctrine and to expose heretics and their heretical doctrines.

 

 

[1] Mackay, George L. D.D., From Far Formosa. (London: 1896; Taiwan: 1991) Page 126.

Edited August 20, 2016 by Alan
spelling Aug. 21, 2016

[Ronda]

Hi! I'm joining in on the study a few days late (sorry).  I wanted to say it's been an excellent study so far, Alan! As far as the first thread of conversation went, my 2 cents is: 1. I'm thankful Paul was an apostle because although he did spread the gospel to the Jews, but he was also called to spread the gospel to the gentiles! In 2nd Timothy 1:11 it tells us that Paul is: " appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles."  

2.  I used the words "called to spread the gospel" above because the account of how Paul came to be an apostle is quite interesting! In Acts chapter 9 Paul was on his way to Damascus, and the Lord basically knocked him to the ground and temporarily blinded him! Talk about a "wake-up call"! 

3. Paul had in the past persecuted believers and delivered them up to be killed, and other disciples were a bit wary of him... why wouldn't they be, right? But God makes it clear he CHOSE Paul in Acts 9 verse 15 the lord said of Paul: "he is a chosen vessel unto me to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel" 

4. I tend to agree with the above interpretations about bishops being the leaders of churches, whether called pastors or other names meaning the same as the head of the church (not above the Lord, of course), that they should adhere to the biblical teachings, not to add or take anything away from the word of God.  I also agree that the bible clearly teaches that women should not be the head of a church.  I think many of the problems of today's churches stemmed from adding to or taking away from the words the bible states and after they dip their toes into the "gray areas", it then leads further and further away from the word of God.  

5. Now as to the current topic of study: false teachers and false doctrines: Paul was talking about certain people back then spreading false doctrines and he gave some characteristics of those people.  That topic is VERY relevant today... there are a slew of false teachers and false doctrines, teaching the "commandments of men" (as verse 14 states) and gullible people are following right behind them saying "Amen"!!!! There is no substitute for READING the word of God yourself and studying.  I know we are in Titus in this study, however I have to say that each one of us should be able to follow 2nd Timothy 2:15 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."  God expects us to read and study His word and not just "take someone's word" for the doctrine they teach.  I agree with Alan (and more importantly, the bible... GOD's word)  that we should call out and expose those who are teaching false doctrine. 

Thanks for including me in on this study and I hope to "get to know" others here for fellowship and study. 

 

[Alan]

Ronda, Rebecca and the other Fine Ladies on Online Baptist,

Thank you very much for 'liking' the various posts!

I am very glad that the lessons are a blessing to you and an encouragement.

I also want to let all of the ladies on OnLine Baptist know that your comments, or any areas of discussion, are welcomed. We would enjoy your participation.

Alan 

Edited August 31, 2015 by Alan
spelling

[wretched]

I have no intention of trying to start debate (I believe they are pointless anyway) but I wanted to state my viewpoint of this topic. For some time my husband and I been bothered by people taking "bishop" to mean "pastor."  Greek is a very precise language, and Paul was a "lawyer" before his salvation, so I believe that he chose his words very carefully.  Ephesians 4 has been cited above as "proof" that bishop and pastor is interchangeable.  However, if we look at the context (Eph. 4:8) it is clearly speaking of gifts given to the church members.  Pastors and teachers is a gift given to certain individuals for the building up of the body.  The Greek word used refers to a "shepherd."  These are people who are best suited for discipleship -- they are nurturing and able to instruct in an effective way.  Now, in Titus, the word bishop is from a Greek word meaning superintendent or overseer.  That indicates an administration type role.  Also, there is a parallel passage in 1 Timothy 3 where Paul states that the bishop is an office.  So a pastor and a bishop are not the same thing.  I do believe that for someone to hold the office of bishop they need to have the gift of pastor, but not everyone with the gift of pastor should hold the office of bishop.  I fear that because of the association of the word bishop to religions we take strong issue with -- such as the Catholic church, and the cult of the Mormons, we have "thrown the baby out with the bathwater" and have misconstrued scriptures to support our justification for not using that term.  A gift is not gender specific.  I know many women who have the "gift of pastor" -- I think it is somewhat innate to the female to be a nurturer and teacher.  I also think this is why many women mistakenly go into "pastorates" when clearly scripture indicates that the overseer of a church is to be a man.  An office can be gender specific and this one clearly is. 

My husband and I taught a class on spiritual gifts, where we took all the passages we could find dealing with those and compared and studied them very deeply and came to this conclusion for ourselves.  We realize that it is not a popular Baptist belief so we generally keep quiet about it, but I did want to put it out there for other to consider. 

Very interesting and seems very reasonable IMO. I am not sure of the history of why IFBs stay away from the term Bishop. I suppose the catholic association but ? There is certainly a difference between the two in Scripture.

[Alan]

Hi! I'm joining in on the study a few days late (sorry).  I wanted to say it's been an excellent study so far, Alan! As far as the first thread of conversation went, my 2 cents is: 1. I'm thankful Paul was an apostle because although he did spread the gospel to the Jews, but he was also called to spread the gospel to the gentiles! In 2nd Timothy 1:11 it tells us that Paul is: " appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles."  

....... 

5. Now as to the current topic of study: false teachers and false doctrines: Paul was talking about certain people back then spreading false doctrines and he gave some characteristics of those people.  That topic is VERY relevant today... there are a slew of false teachers and false doctrines, teaching the "commandments of men" (as verse 14 states) and gullible people are following right behind them saying "Amen"!!!! There is no substitute for READING the word of God yourself and studying.  I know we are in Titus in this study, however I have to say that each one of us should be able to follow 2nd Timothy 2:15 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."  God expects us to read and study His word and not just "take someone's word" for the doctrine they teach.  I agree with Alan (and more importantly, the bible... GOD's word)  that we should call out and expose those who are teaching false doctrine. 

Thanks for including me in on this study and I hope to "get to know" others here for fellowship and study. 

 

Ronda,

Thank you very much for joining the discussion. Anytime you want to add your   to the discussion please feel free to do so. Thank you for the hearty Amen!

Also, you are correct, it is  very relevant in our day and age, and it is still the responsibility of the man of God, ye, every student of the scriptures, to expose false doctrine.

Wretched,

Thank you for your comments.

Alan

[trapperhoney]

Very interesting and seems very reasonable IMO. I am not sure of the history of why IFBs stay away from the term Bishop. I suppose the catholic association but ? There is certainly a difference between the two in Scripture.

Thank you, wretched, for your thoughts.  While not looking for debate, I am interested in other's thoughts/reactions to my opinion.  I appreciate your response.

[Thaddeus]

Thanks for your invite, Alan

 

God bless,

 

Thaddeus

[Alan]

Chapter 2

Sound Doctrine

      Verse 1, “But speak the things, which become sound doctrine.”

Paul is continuing his theme from 1:9, “Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.”

1 Timothy 4:16, “Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.” A heart belief in sound doctrine is able to save the soul from hell.

After a person is saved he needs to know and believe sound doctrine. Why? Sound doctrine, from the Bible, will give the person true security, a solid foundation for life, personal holiness, good works before God and man, and a personal relationship with God. It is God’s desire for us to walk with Him in a personal way. In order to walk with God, we need to find out what He thinks and agree with Him. The prophet Amos said, “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” Amos 3:3. The answer is no. To walk with God, to abide in Jesus Christ, is, first of all, to agree with what they say. Therefore, we need to agree with what God says and what is taught in the Bible. These beliefs are called doctrine.

A sincere, and heart, belief in sound doctrine produces good works and a proper relationship with God.

Some examples of sound doctrine are as follows.

     1. The Inspiration and Preservation of the Scriptures. 2 Timothy 3:16 and Psalm 12:6-8

     2. The Trinity. 1 Timothy 3:16 and 1 John 5:7

 3. A Literal Heaven. John 14:6

     4. A Literal Hell. Luke 16:19-31

     5. God Created the World in a literal Six Days. Genesis 1:1-31

     6. One True God. Deuteronomy 6:4

     7. The Literal Second Coming of Christ. Acts 1:9-11 and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

     8. The Sinful Nature of Man. Romans 3:23

     9. The Virgin Birth of Christ. Isaiah 7:14 and Matthew 1:23

     10. Salvation by Grace Alone. Ephesians 2:8 & 9

     11. The Atonement by Christ on the Cross for the salvation of the soul. Hebrews 10:5-19

    12. The literal restoration of the nation of Israel as foretold by the prophets of the Old Testament and confirmed in the New Testament by the Lord Jesus and Paul the Apostle. Isaiah 1:25-27, 49:5-26, Romans 11:1-5, 12, 23, 25-29 and Romans 15:8, “Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers.”

The Man of God is commanded to speak Sound Doctrine

Paul told Titus to, “...speak thou the things which become sound doctrine.” The man of God needs to know, preach and teach sound doctrine to his people in order for them to be saved and to know the truth. The Lord Jesus said, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:32. Sound doctrine will set us free from sin, self and the deceitfulness of Satan. False doctrine, through the teaching of reprobates, deceives people and will destroy and trap them for eternity in hell and will cause them to be reprobate concerning good works.

It is the responsibility of the man of God to speak (to preach), the truth concerning the whole counsel of God. Paul had related this truth to the church at Rome when he asked them this spiritual question, “...and how shall they hear without a preacher?” Romans 10:14. It is the responsibility of the man of God to preach sound doctrine in order for their hearers to know the truth concerning the things of God. Sound doctrine produces salvation and good works.

 

Edited September 1, 2015 by Alan
grammer

[Ronda]

Very good study!   I've enjoyed many of your forum posts on bible study, Alan.   I joined this site to have fellowship with other Independent Fundamental Baptists.  I've heard MANY other denominations and other teachings on the word of God, however, I believe the IFB teachings are those which match the scripture... taken literally, and rightly divided (as 2 Timothy 2:15 tells us to do).  There is much confusion in other denominations about this (rightly dividing), and yet if you can realize which dispensation the speaker was speaking to and what time period the speaker was referencing, the bible makes perfect sense!!! Without knowing these things, a person would just apply (wrongly) everything to themselves.  Now I know ALL scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness (as 2 Timothy 3:16 states). So we can learn from all parts of the bible, however, it's important to note which parts of the bible are speaking directly to the church age and which parts are not.  How do we learn that? By STUDY! (once again 2 Timothy 2:15).  Like I said I joined to have fellowship with other believers of the IFB. However, I have noticed that there are any others here refuting IFB teachings.  For instance, I wholeheartedly agree with your above statements in regard to "sound doctrine", and one being #12 (above): the literal restoration of the nation of Israel.  God has not cast away Israel! The church does not replace Israel! Romans 11 clearly teaches this! I can't even see how someone could "spiritualize" or "twist" Roamsn 11 to say anything else!!! We (the saved by grace through Jesus Christ) are grafted in. Verse 28 states: "but as touching the election, they are beloved". God isn't done with the Jews and the bible clearly teaches this! We (the church) are grafted in (and thankful for it!)  This is also taught in every IFB church I've ever attended as well as any sermon I've heard on sermon audio and other sites from IFB churches. However, I've seen several people here on this site trying to refute this obvious truth, and MANY other teachings which are scripturally sound doctrine.  I honestly wonder about the motivations of those people???? 

 I joined this group because it's called the IFB and I expected to see IFB doctrine followed here.  I can't say in all honesty that's the case here.  I've followed several bible studies here (and they were GOOD and biblically sound bible studies such as the ones you post, Alan) and noticed a few "members" who continually try to tear down others who are actually trying to study God's word... I've seen a few "members" who claim to be IFB and yet they are trying to teach things contrary to IFB teachings and beliefs.  I wonder what they are doing here? Obviously they are NOT here for fellowship and are here to attempt to cause discord among Independent Fundamental Baptists and try to "persuade" some to join their way of thinking.  I wonder WHY they don't just go form another forum for whatever denomination they truly are? My opinion is if they joined an IFB group should they not also be IFB???  Is sowing discord and tearing others down glorifying the name of the Lord??? Does it save any souls or spread the gospel??? I think not! If a person or persons is/are getting satisfaction from trying to disrupt a bible study don't you have to wonder what their motivation is? Is that what the Lord would have us do?  I understand that honest discussions and disagreements can arise from time to time, and I also understand that a person who misunderstands certain scriptures may need to be shown why they are in error, and new Christians may need the help of those who have studied the word of God for many years, and honest discussion and even debate can arise.  But when certain "members" who claim to be independent fundamental baptists are trying to teach things contrary to doctrine and trying to interfere with bible study on a continuous basis we need to be asking what the motivations are? If that person would spend even HALF of their time and effort trying to win LOST souls to Christ as they do trying to sow discord, imagine what might be done for the Lord! Imagine how many might be saved!!! 

I also have to say I've seen several posting comments using other bibles.  I also believe the KJV is the best and true translation of God's word, and is not corrupted. Many other versions have been  corrupted (on a side note: do you know they now have an abomination called the "queen james version" specifically tailored to the LGBT community? What a horrible thing!).  Using other corrupted bibles can only lead to confusion and chaos, and we know God is not the author of confusion nor of chaos.  

This may not be the place or time to make this post, I'm not sure where the right place might be, lol.  I just wanted to say I enjoy the studies here very much (those which are scripturally sound and follow IFB doctrine), and have made a few IFB friends here for fellowship. I hope to make more friends and enjoy more studies here.   Sorry to have made such a long post... I just thought it was time someone said something about the continual non-IFB views being spouted on just aout every bible study.  Thank you for your faithfulness in posting studies for those of us who are truly here for fellowship and growth! God bless!!!

 

 

[bjshuf]

Is there a difference between IFB and southern baptist? Maybe I have been away from church for so long that I just don't recognize the termonology. From what I have read on this site about IFB beliefs, it's also what I and the baptist church I attend's beliefs. Just wanting clarification. Thanks in advance.