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MaintainingMaintaining
BALANCEBALANCEIn Times of ControversyIn Times of Controversy
Phil. 4:5
Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
[By Ron Halbrook]
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Maintaining Maintaining BALANCEBALANCEIntroduction:
1. Phil. 4:5 Mature, Well-balanced Attitude “Moderation:” Noble Generosity & Gentleness,
Forbearance & Fairness, Reasonable & Patient“Graciousness with Strength & Poise of Character
….Opposite of Obstinacy” (A.T. Robertson, Paul’s Joy in Christ, p. 129)
Not Overreact, Not Thrown Off Balance“Unto All Men:” Poise, Patience in All Cases
Secured by Focus on Christ’s Presence & Promise, Not on Earthly Conditions!
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Maintaining Maintaining BALANCEBALANCE
Introduction:2. Phil. 1:9-11 Pray for Maturity, Balance
Grow in LoveGrow in KnowledgeGrow in Judgment, Discernment:“Selects, classifies, & applies”
(Vincent, Word Studies in N.T., 871)“Proper sense of the relative value of things”
(Weaver, Philippians, 24)Approve Things Excellent, Distinguish Things that Differ, Have a Sense of What Is Vital“See what things are relatively…most important &
…put the emphasis in the right place” (Robertson, Paul’s Joy in Christ, 38)
Act in View of “the Day of Christ”
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Maintaining Maintaining BALANCEBALANCE
I. Eccl. 7:15-18 Balance: Avoid Extreme Attitudes
A. Vs. 15 Can’t Solve Every Question, Enigma, & Difficulty
B. Vs. 16 Arbiter of All Such Matters: Exaggerated Righteousness
C. Vs. 17 Opposite Extreme: Use Enigmas as Excuse for Willful Sin
D. Vs. 18 True Faith: Focus on Revealed Truth & Duty, Avoid Extremes
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Maintaining Maintaining BALANCEBALANCE
II. Matt. 7:1-5, 13-15 Balance in Recognizing Sin in People’s Lives
A. Vv. 1-5 Hypocritical JudgingOverly Scrupulous in Charging Others with Sin
Excuse One’s Own Sins
B. Vv. 13-15 Proper, Essential JudgingBroad Way of Sin, Narrow Way of Truth
Repent of Sin
Distinguish Truth from Error
C. Maintain Balance: Proper Judging Without Hypocritical Judging
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Maintaining Maintaining BALANCEBALANCE
III. Matt. 10:16, 27 Balance in Facing Bitter Enemies of Gospel
A. Wolves: Pervert Truth, Attack Messenger B. Vs. 16, 27 Bold, Careful in Proclaiming Truth
Wise: Careful, Cautious, MeasuredHarmless: Open, Sincere, No Guile or Deceit
C. Under Bitter Attack: Danger of Reckless Overreaction
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Maintaining Maintaining BALANCEBALANCE
IV. Rom. 14:1-3; 16:17-18 Balance: Distinguish Personal Scruples & Doctrinal Apostasy
A. 14:1-3 Accept Each Other with Personal Scruples
Grow: Distinguish Revealed Doctrine from Personal Conclusions & Judgments
B. 16:17-18 Reject Men Who Promote ApostasyPress False Doctrine: Cause Division Outward Piety, Smooth Speeches: Cloak Error
C. Balance: Distinguish Scruples & ApostasyDanger: Press Scruple—Friction, Bitterness, FactionDanger: Compromise with Error—ApostasyAvoid Dangers: Saints Grow, Gospel Spreads
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Maintaining Maintaining BALANCEBALANCE
V. Gal. 1:8-9; 2:11; 5:15 Balance: Defend Truth Without Stooping to Error’s Tactics
A. 1:8-9 Reject Those Who Pervert Gospel B. 2:11 Peter’s Compromise Openly Rebuked C. 5:15 Defend Truth, Fight Error,
Not Stoop to Error’s TacticsPaul Direct, Forceful (1:7-8; 2:11, 13; 3:1; 4:30; 5:1, 7, 9, 12)False Teacher: Bitter, Personal AttackUphold Truth: Courtesy, Dignity, Focus on Bible, Refute False DoctrineTemptation: Retaliate in Like Kind
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Maintaining Maintaining BALANCEBALANCE
VI. Eph. 4:1-6, 14-15, 31-32 Balance: Teach the Truth in Love
A. Vv. 1-6 Proper Attitude With Sound DoctrineLowly, Meek, Patient, Love, Unity, Peace
Solid Foundation of Sound Doctrine
B. Vv. 14-15 Reject False Doctrine & Tactics, Speak Truth in Love, Grow in Christ
C. Vv. 31-32 Seek to Save Not Destroy Those Who Wrong Us
D. Controversy: Test Commitment to Truth, Sincerity of Love
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Maintaining Maintaining BALANCEBALANCE
VII. Phil. 1:15-18 Balance in Putting the Cause of Christ Above Self
A. Some Preachers: Selfish Spirit of Competition, Seek Personal Advantage, Promote Self
Preach Christ, Compete with Paul
B. Other Preachers: Unselfish Spirit of Goodwill, Love, Promote Only the Gospel
Set to Defend Gospel at All Costs No Bitterness toward Critics
C. Balance: Always Put Cause of Christ Above SelfDefend Truth, Not Promote Self, in Time of ControversySome Preachers: Teach Truth, Unfairly Criticize Us Not Retaliate—Put Cause of Christ Above Self
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Maintaining Maintaining BALANCEBALANCEVIII. Col. 4:2-6 Balance in Content & Tone of
Teaching A. Vv. 2-4 Seeks Open Doors to Preach Plainly, Fully
B. Vv. 5-6 Show Wisdom in Life & TeachingGodly Life Opens Doors to Teach
Wise in Tone & Tenor
With Grace: Kind, Courteous, Dignified
Wisdom to Answer Every Man
C. Test in Controversy: Balance Content & ToneContent: Pervert Truth, Modify Truth, Misuse Truth
Tone: Explosive Anger, Arrogance, Bitterness
Proper Balance: Advance Cause of Christ
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Maintaining Maintaining BALANCEBALANCEIX. 2 Pet. 1:12, 5; 2:1 Balance in Grasp of Truth &
Room to Grow in the Truth A. 1:12 Truth Firmly Established in Heart & Life B. 1:5 Grow in Knowledge: Lifelong Process
Practical Knowledge, Discretion in Applying Truth “A practical knowledge that admits of expansion” (Hiebert, Second Peter & Jude, 53)
C. 2:1 False Teachers Replace Truth with HeresiesCannot Promote Growth in Applying TruthHeresies Lead to Apostasy, Corrupt More & More as Outlined in 2 Pet. 2-3
D. Grasp Truth, Grow: NOT Same As Deny, Apostasy
E. Challenge: Discern Heresy, Corrupting ProcessVS. Established in Truth, Normal Growth Process
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Maintaining Maintaining BALANCEBALANCEX. Balance or Lack of It in Modern Controversies A. Many Examples of Apostate Movements
Patterns in Cycles of ApostasyUnchanging Principles of TruthRemnant Established in Truth, Resists ApostasyGrowing in KnowledgeMake Judgments in Applying TruthAreas of Personal Conscience, Scruples
Apostasy: Subtle Steps, Corrupt More & MoreCompromise: Not Embrace, Not Openly FightOverreaction: Bind Areas of Growth, Scruple—Press to Point of DivisionLatter Factions Later Embrace Ultra-liberalism
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1.PRINCIPLES OF TRUTH
Grow in KnowledgeJudgments
Personal Scruples
2. APOSTASY
3. COMPROMISE
4. DANGER OF OVERREACTION:Bind, Press Differences in
Growth, Judgments, ScruplesTo Point of Division
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Maintaining Maintaining BALANCEBALANCEX. Balance or Lack of It in Modern Controversies
B. Many Examples of Scruples & Differences Among Brethren Grasping & Growing in Truth
C. Man to Lead in Work of ChurchSeveral Views of Veil in 1 Cor. 11
Several Views of Silence in 1 Cor. 14:34-35 As Relates to Bible Classes
All Affirm Principle of Male Leadership, Differ in Some Details of Application
Discussed Many Years—No Apostate Movement Corrupting More & More
Study Helpful, NOT Charges, Fighting, Factions
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Maintaining Maintaining BALANCEBALANCEX. Balance or Lack of It in Modern Controversies
D. Controversies & Divisions 1850-1930 Missionary Society (1849), Instrumental Music (1851)—Cycle of Apostasy—Corrupted More & More (1875-1900)
Remnant Established in Truth, Resisted Apostasy
Compromise: Accept Society, Reject Instrument, Fellowship Error
Overreaction (1900-30)
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Maintaining Maintaining BALANCEBALANCEX. Balance or Lack of It in Modern Controversies
D. Controversies & Divisions 1850-1930 Overreaction (1900-30):One CupNo Divided Bible ClassesNo Located PreacherNo Bible Study Literature in Work of ChurchNo Bible CollegeSpecific Order of Worship
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Maintaining Maintaining BALANCEBALANCEX. Balance or Lack of It in Modern Controversies
D. Controversies & Divisions 1850-1930 Overreaction (1900-30):Daniel Sommer (1850-1940) Factional on No
Located Preacher, No Bible CollegeSommer: Strong Influence on Carl Ketcherside
(1908-89)Such Issues Not Divide As Matters of Growth,
Judgment, & Personal ScrupleSommer’s Later Years Reflect Phil. 1:9-11; 4:5
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Maintaining Maintaining BALANCEBALANCE
Overreaction (1900-30):Sommer’s Later Years Reflect Phil. 1:9-11; 4:5 His Family Published American Christian Review—
He Endorsed “Can’t We Agree on Something?”
Ketcherside: Pressed to Point of Division
Many in Factions Formed 1900-30 Went into Ultra-liberalism From 1960’s to Present
Brethren united on “THE NEW TESTAMENT PLAN”
must leave room for individual judgments on such issues.
“This…is written in behalf of the thousands who desire
to reach that Better Land, and who never will know, and
never can understand, ‘the finer points’ in our arguments for
and against some things that have disrupted us” (6-21-32).
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1.PRINCIPLES OF TRUTH
Grow in KnowledgeJudgments
Personal Scruples
2. APOSTASY
3. COMPROMISE
4. DANGER OF OVERREACTION:Bind, Press Differences in
Growth, Judgments, ScruplesTo Point of Division
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Maintaining Maintaining BALANCEBALANCEX. Balance or Lack of It in Modern Controversies E. Controversies & Divisions Over Institutionalism –
Liberalism (1945-2000) Another Cycle of ApostasyChurch Donations to Human InstitutionsCentralize Church Work thru Sponsoring ChurchChurch Give Benevolence to Alien SinnersChurch Provide Social & Recreational ActivitiesCorrupted More & More (1970-2000)
Remnant Established in Truth, Resisted ApostasyCompromise: Church Donation to Orphanage Not College, to Certain Kinds of Orphanages, Fellowship Error Danger of Overreaction: Bind Areas of Growth, Scruple—Press to Point of Division
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Maintaining Maintaining BALANCEBALANCEDanger of Overreaction: Some Bind & Press, But Generally Not to Point of DivisionNo Bible CollegeNo Akin FundNo Foundation to Publish Bible Study MaterialsSeveral Views Contra Typical P.M. Lord’s SupperNo Funerals in Church BuildingNo Weddings in Church BuildingNo Church Songbooks for Home SingingLong-term Issues: Oaths, War, Vote, Veil, Etc.Such Issues Not Divide As Matters of Growth,
Judgment, & Personal ScrupleDiscuss Many Years—No Apostate Movement Corrupting More & MoreStudy Helpful, NOT Charges, Fighting, Factions
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1.PRINCIPLES OF TRUTH
Grow in KnowledgeJudgments
Personal Scruples
2. APOSTASY
3. COMPROMISE
4. DANGER OF OVERREACTION:Bind, Press Differences in
Growth, Judgments, ScruplesTo Point of Division
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Maintaining Maintaining BALANCEBALANCEX. Balance or Lack of It in Modern Controversies
F. Controversy Over Marriage, Fellowship, & Other Issues 1988-Present
Another Cycle of Apostasy:H. Hailey: Deny Christ’s Marriage Law Applies to AllJ. Freeman: Divorced Fornicator Marry New MateJ. Puterbaugh: All Divorced People Marry New MateDeny Creation in Six Literal DaysDoubt Literal Serpent in Gen. 3Doubt Universal Flood in Gen. 6-9Deny Eternal Torment in Hell
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Maintaining Maintaining BALANCEBALANCEX. Balance or Lack of It in Modern Controversies
F. Controversy Over Marriage, Fellowship, & Other Issues 1988-Present
Another Cycle of Apostasy
Remnant Established in Truth, Resisting Apostasy
Compromise: Unity-in-diversity “tolerates contradictory teachings & practices on important moral & doctrinal questions” (E. Harrell, Christianity Magazine, May 1990)
Danger of Overreaction: Bind, Areas of Growth, Scruple—Press to Point of Division
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Maintaining Maintaining BALANCEBALANCEX. Balance or Lack of It in Modern Controversies F. Controversy Over Marriage, Fellowship, & Other
Issues 1988-Present Danger of Overreaction: Bind Areas of Growth, Scruple—Press to Point of DivisionNo Divorce for Any CauseNo Divorce Unless Witnesses to FornicationInnocent Mate Must Initiate Civil DivorceInnocent Mate Must Counter-sue if Guilty SuesCannot Reconcile After Divorce for FornicationDivorced Fornicator Not Remarry After 1st Mate DiesIf Prospective Fornicator Gets Divorce Paper
& Then Commits Adultery, Faithful Mate Not Remarry (Mostly Theoretical!)
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Maintaining Maintaining BALANCEBALANCE
X. Balance or Lack of It in Modern Controversies F. Controversy Over Marriage, Fellowship, & Other
Issues 1988-Present Danger of Overreaction: Bind Areas of Growth, Scruple—Press to Point of DivisionNo Division If Study Such Issues As Matters of Growth, Judgment, & Personal ScrupleDiscuss Many Years—No Apostate Movement Corrupting More & MoreStudy Helpful, NOT Charges, Fighting, FactionsW. Warnock-J. Deason, Searching the Scriptures,
Nov. 1985 & Mar. 1986, Not Press View to DivisionSome Friction, Declare War, Obsessed, Debate,
Cancel Meetings, Press to Divide (1,000 Splinters!?)
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1.PRINCIPLES OF TRUTH
Grow in KnowledgeJudgments
Personal Scruples
2. APOSTASY
3. COMPROMISE
4. DANGER OF OVERREACTION:Bind, Press Differences in
Growth, Judgments, ScruplesTo Point of Division
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Maintaining Maintaining BALANCEBALANCEConclusion:
1. Phil. 1:9-11; 4:5 Pray as Paul: Spiritual Growth, Maturity, Well-balanced Attitude
Grow in Love, Knowledge, Discernment“See what things are relatively…most important & …put the emphasis in the right place” (Robertson, Paul’s Joy in Christ, 38)“Moderation:” Noble Generosity & Gentleness,
Forbearance & Fairness, Reasonable & PatientNot Overreact, Not Thrown Off Balance“Unto All Men:” Poise, Patience in All Cases
Act in View of Christ’s Presence & Promise— Avoid Stumbling blocks, Abound in Righteousness
2. Matt. 11:27-30; Mk. 16:16 Christ Calls All Lost
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