“LET ME ASK MY PREACHER”

Galatians 2:11-21

 

Introduction: In many of the denominational churches and even among churches of Christ there can be found countless numbers of people who have tied themselves to the preacher. They place an unbelievable amount of trust in the man to deliver their souls. It matters not so much what the word says, but "What does my preacher say about the matter?"

            A. Knowing God's will is each person's responsibility

                        1. 2 Timothy 2:15 -- must study for yourselves

                        2. 2 Corinthians 13:5 -- must examine and prove yourselves

                        3. Philippians 2:12 -- must work out your own salvation

            B. With the best of preachers one must search the Word for himself (Acts 17:11).

                        1. Preachers are not infallible -- they do make mistakes and some go astray

                        2. We should not  heed anyone that does or teaches contrary to the word.

 

I. Preachers are human! (Overhead #1)

            A. There are those who are sincere and honest who may, unknowingly teach error.

                        1. Apollos taught error concerning baptism (Acts 18:24-28)

                        2. He demonstrated an honest and good heart (vs. 26-28)

            B. There are those who teach the truth but are not sincere (Phi. 1 12-18).

            C. There are those teach the truth but practiced error (Gal. 2:11-14)

                        1. Such would cause others to be carried away in error                      

                        2. The erroneous practice hindered the effect of the gospel

            D. There are those who were insincere and taught error

                        1. Some did it for dishonest gain (2 Cor 2:17) --explain

                                    a. See 2 Peter 2:3

                                    b. See 1 Timothy 6:3-6

                        2.  Some did it to be divisive (Rom. 16:17)

                                    a. Draw men to themselves instead of Christ (Acts 20:29)

                                    b. The people's intolerance of truth cause such (2 Tim. 4:3-4)

                        3. Some did it because of a corrupt mind (1 Tim 3:6-9)

           

II. One must be willing to put the spirits to the test (1 John 4:1) (Overhead #2)

            A. A sound preacher will always hold up Christ

                        1. Will encourage all to be imitators of Christ (1 Cor. 11:1)

                        2. Will preach Jesus' doctrine and nothing else (1 Cor. 2:1-5)

            B. Will preach the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth (Acts 20:20,27)

                        1. His teaching will be consistent with his practice (Acts 20:18)

                        2. He will make sure that his influence is never jeopardized ( 1 Cor. 9:27)

                        3. Is not afraid of the consequences of truth (2 Cor. 13:8)

                        4. He is willing to be open to examination (2 Cor. 11-12:13)

                                    a. He preaches for the truth's sake (11:5-9)

                                    b. He seeks the praise of God (2 Cor. 10:12-18)

 

II. Conclude with the reading of 1 Thessalonians 2 -- Go to Jesus in His word.