18/07/2020 - WHO WINS IN A STRIFE OF WORDS?

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Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers.   2 Timothy 2:14

Ever since the apostles began to preach and shake the world with the power of the Name of Jesus, the devil began his wicked operation among the saved, causing them to contend with words. There was a time when converts claimed to be from Paul’s group and others from Apollos. Now this irritated the apostles, because the work was not being done for them to think this way and to act foolishly.

Throughout church history this has continued to occur. Many were influenced by the attacks of the apologists of the Roman Empire and decided that it was better to prepare intellectually to overcome them rather than consecrate themselves to be used by the Lord with wonders, wonders, and signs. Paul said the Gospel is the power of God (Rom. 1:16), so we must teach the Truth to the people.

Only on Jesus’ return will our body be glorified. Therefore, church leaders are still imperfect. However, that does not mean that they can give in to aggressive and advertising campaigns, for it is the Lord Who adds something to His house. Why politicize the preaching of the Word? When the Master answered the Pharisees, he sent the following message to King Herod: Go and say to that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and perform healing today and tomorrow, and on the third day I am finished (Luke 13:32). This means that He is in control of everything!

As Christ’s Church, we need to proclaim the Good News in its simplicity and purity. Only then will we win the nations to the Lord. As citizens, we can assume what we think is best for the country, but as God’s servants, our mission is to evangelize everyone. If we take a stand in favor of one or another religious philosophy, we will enter the broad door, causing serious harm to ourselves and others.

You cannot understand how a servant of the Lord leaves the ministry of the Word and tries to get elected to any office. Now he was called to occupy the highest position that anyone would ever aspire to in life – that of ministering to the Gospel of Jesus – the King of kings. This attitude means to stoop. It is sad, but many do this and change the course of those who believe in the Most High.

Paul told Timothy to command in the presence of God these things to whom he addressed. Those who like word strife are used by the enemy. Heavenly Father would never have done anything bad, but the evil one. Why would any saved work against the Lord’s efforts, helping the devil in his evil deeds? Care must be taken not to fall (1 Cor. 10:12).

When we receive nothing from God to speak, we should close our mouths. So we will not transgress with our reasons, which often come from the adversary. Be the one who, if you can’t help it, won’t disturb anyone. Remember that we stand before the judgment seat of Christ to explain what we have done good or bad. Have mercy!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares