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The wrong crowd
You've stood up for the truth when the time was right, getting right to the main issues and speaking with humility and in love. Now what?
In the early days of the church, traveling preachers and rabbis would come into a new community and stay at someone's home. That home would often become a "home base" for them, where they could invite others to listen to the message. The family in the home would be a bit of a support team for this person.
When it came to those who were misleading the people, however, believers were not to support them in any way. John makes this clear in 2Jn 9-11:
"Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house not greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds."
Paul puts it clearly in chapter 3, warning Timothy about the type of people he needs to beware of; money-lovers, pleasure-lovers, self-lovers - Paul says strongly,
"From such people turn away!" (3:5)
People who insist on teaching false doctrine should not even be given a platform to teach. Because doctrine is a representation of Jesus Himself, the apostles took a hard stance against false teaching. They were protective of the Church.
Let's do a quick summary of our 5 steps before we leave the topic . . .
» Handling the TRUTH!
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This article is ©2002 James Cottrill