July,  1982

A. Gentiles "old man" characterized by ignorance

1. Eph. 4:17-24 ("darkened in their understanding"; "ignorance")
2. Thus, "alienated from the life of God..", etc.
3. But, they learned Christ, heard Him, were taught in Him, thus became enlightened and put on the new man (Eph. 1:17).

1. It promotes man-made religion, Rom. 10:1-3
2. It promotes worship of idols, Acts 17:23
3. It hinders faith, promotes division, makes men susceptible to false doctrine, and hinders obedience 
4. Darkness of ignorance only dispelled by light of truth

1. Ex. "earth is flat"; "malaria caused by swamp air"; etc. 

1. "Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?" (Jn. 1:46)
2. Caused rejection of Christ by Jews; rejection of gospel truth; rejection of Lord's church ("My mind is made up, don't confuse me with the facts!"); perpetuates division

C. Examining all in light of truth can remove prejudice

1. Providing we want it removed!
2. Both ignorance and prejudice removed with spirit of Bereans

1. Source determines validity of teaching ("from God or man?")
2. Show how more people are more influenced in religion by what does NOT come from God than by what DOES come from Him.
3. Show effects (Makes worship vain, Mts. 15:9; denominates because differing groups prove differing doctrines; dishonors God, etc.) 

C. So, "preach the word" (2 Tim. 2:2)

1. That which comes from divine source must be received, honored and applied above that which has its origin with uninspired
2. Need to continually "prove all things" (1 Thss. 5:21)

1. Show its nature and consequences (Isa. 59:1,2; Rom. 3:23; 1 Jn. 3:4, etc) 

1. Thus men need to KNOW it; hear and learn (Jn. 6:45)
2. Show that every case of conversion was a RESPONSE to LEARNING TRUTH!
3. We must apply truth to all; live it; defend it; teach it...

[Previous Article] [Next Article]

Created on 29-August-2002

Page last updated