Pastor Bola Bello
[biblegateway passage=”Titus 3:8-9″ display=”Titus 3:8-9″]
There are some things that we must hold firm. Good works make us rooted and firm. The evidence of our faith and belief in Christ is that these things become a reality in our lives. Paul fought fiercely against apostasy, false prophets and heresies. Our focus is that we do not just profess but truly accept what we are taught and begin to live it out.
[biblegateway passage=”Ephesians 5:8-9″ display=”Ephesians 5:8-9″]; [biblegateway passage=”Colossians 1:10-13″ display=”Colossians 1:10-13″]
Our initial configuration is basically darkness, but our transition in Christ means that we are now the children of light. Verse 9 explains what the Spirit of light consists of- “goodness and righteousness and truth.” If before you came into Christ, you used to steal, you no longer steal because it is no longer a part of your configuration.
[biblegateway passage=”Titus 3:11″ display=”Titus 3:11″]; [biblegateway passage=”Lamentations 3:35-36″ display=”Lamentations 3:35-36″]
The enemy of the Church tries to subvert the Grace that has been poured out unto her. There are answers God has not given us. Forcing yourself to search them out will lead you into error. You will become heretic when you try to look for answers to questions like “Where did Cain get a wife from?” Such things add nothing to your faith. The Bible tells us to avoid such “arguments about genealogies” etc.
The aspect of our works is our moral life. Yes, you can come as you are but you must not leave the same way. You are not supposed to continue to live in darkness. Heresies are not a complete departure from faith, but a “twisting” of scriptures to fit one’s will and indulgence.
[biblegateway passage=”Philemon 1:7-9″ display=”Philemon 1:7-9″]
The faith we are in is not one of convenience. Preachers of hyper-grace are against self-denial. As Christians, we must be ready to declare our stand wherever we are. Denounce the works of darkness and never compromise. Paul asked, “Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?” (Paraphrased). When grace comes into a place where sin thrives, it kills the sin. Titus 3:10 tells us what to do when we find ourselves in a place where the Truth is not being preached.
Certain messages might not be heretic but might still be inappropriate for your current level. Feeding consistently on such things will affect your growth.
[biblegateway passage=”2 Timothy 2:14″ display=”2 Timothy 2:14″]
The profit spoken of here has nothing to do with money. The riches of God is His Word. Why else would Paul say he counted all else but “dung” or “loss” for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus? You have no reason to be envious of a rich person, especially one who is living in sin, because you possess something more valuable.
The Church is designed to be a supply to herself. Church members are not the “exclusive property” of their Pastors. Even though they are being taught well within the ministry they belong to, they should still be encouraged to learn from other ministries.
[biblegateway passage=”1 Corinthians 11:18 ” display=”1 Corinthians 11:18 “]
The work of a minister is to build the Church. It is wrong to believe that great men of God are sent to certain denominations alone.
Close:
Scriptures interpret scriptures.
We are all in danger of falling into error especially those who are very opinionated or gullible. This is why we must share whatever revelations we think we have gotten with brethren who will keep us in check.