S.Scripture | As we tear down speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, and are ready to punish all disobedience, whenever your obedience is fulfilled. 2 Corinthians 10:5–6
O.Observation | We must be wary, that truth and doctrinal faithfulness to scripture are a growing distaste of the lukewarm church today. Quite the opposite is sought and guarded by many instead, ungodly tolerance and easy believism. As if it was an act of humility for the sake of welcoming more followers many have turned to a loose hold on the doctrines of scriptures. Such is far from humility, but is instead a pride and greed of numbers. A ministry approach not rooted in scripture, but man’s ways. Aimed at getting more to “follow” by tickling ears or quieting those under God’s hand of discipline without true and biblical repentance. Sadly, this has been the common approach in the church’s history when a people have turned to do what is right in their own eyes. Such an approach adulterates the “knowledge of God” and the duty of Jesus’ church to be the “pillar and support of the truth (1 Tim 3:15).” Such an approach is the same tactic the devil used with eve, re-interpreting, twisting and bringing doubt into the hearts of men regarding what God’s Word meant.
I think we often miss that Paul’s response is almost violent when he says “we tear down” what is raised against “the knowledge of God.” This is aggressive language to protect the truth of scripture both in the church and in our own lives, no matter how offensive that truth is to a wayward people. Notice this is not only about lukewarm or false teaching, but even against our own ways of thinking! Paul is so aggressive in this he even says he is ready to punish those in error. Why? For correction. For protection of the flock. To refine and purify the church of the lies and twisting of God’s Word.
A.Application | As a believer, do I support and encourage my spiritual leaders to “tear down” error and even use church discipline to punish those who infiltrated the flock like wolves (Matt 18:15-20; 1 Cor 5:12-13; Gal 6:1-5)? Who can I ask to hold me accountable to the truth and accuracy of the Word of God? Who can I trust with such a task? What difficult parts of scripture or offensive teachings am I tempted to twist to shape the truth so that it’s easier to swallow? What truth do I need to simply believe and obey?
P.Prayer | Father, in this wicked and perverse age of tolerating everything, I confess I have personally sinned by shrinking back from declaring truth when those in sin and error need rescuing. Give me your kind of love that rebukes. Give me an understanding of your Word to correct error, and the fruit of the Spirit to do so with gentleness and patience (2 Tim 2:25). Lead me to ways and a heart that is mutually held accountable in humility. Purify your church to be what you have called her to be, in truth. For your glory alone! Amen.
