WHY IS TOLERANCE SO TEMPTING?

by Robert Hatfield

In Revelation 2:18-29, after a few words of praise, Jesus quickly moved into a serious problem that needed to be addressed in that church:

“Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols” (Rev. 2:20).

I see a three-fold problem:

1. ·   Tolerance – He said, “you allow that woman…” They didn’t do anything to stop the terror that she brought to that congregation.
2. ·      Teaching – “… to teach…”
3. ·      Taking – “… and seduce My servants…”

It occurs to me that the issue of tolerance is one that we’re facing in our culture, too (as is the case with most, if not all, of the issues that Jesus addressed to the seven churches in Revelation). I wonder why. What makes tolerance such a temptation for God’s people that they would struggle with it in the first century as well as in the twenty-first century?

I think part of the answer has to do with the definition of tolerance that we’ve been given. The New Oxford American Dictionary (the dictionary app on my Mac) defines tolerance as follows:

tolerance |täl(ə)rəns| noun 1. the ability or willingness to tolerate something, in particular the existence of opinions or behavior that one does not necessarily agree with: the tolerance of corruption | an advocate of religious tolerance.

We understand that there are certain situations in which it is healthy to accept a difference of opinion or behavior. The truth about religious matters, however, is not one of those areas. Jesus said that God’s Word is the truth (John 17:17), and that we can know that truth (John 8:32). It is God-breathed, inspired, and thus intended to be understood (2 Timothy 3:16-17). I’m not advocating that Christians declare war on unbelievers. That’s not the peaceful lifestyle that we’re to be living (Romans 12:18). At the same time, though, I’m not advocating that the relativism that permeates our culture is ok. It isn’t. God has revealed His Word and He expects us to study it, to understand it, and to live by it.

I think that most members of the church sincerely want to do what is right. There must have been a time when many of these Christians in Thyatira were on fire for the Lord. According to the commendation section of Jesus’ words to them, they were still involved in many good works (Rev. 2:19). So, what is the real draw for tolerance? 
I submit four reasons why tolerance is so tempting for Christians:

1. Tolerance is the path of least resistance. I do not like conflict, and I do not enjoy awkward, tense situations, but Jesus said that our way will not be easy. In fact, He said it will be difficult (Mat. 7:13-14). The tolerance that Thyatira exhibited, and the tolerance that many people in our culture are going for simply doesn’t match up with the Scipture’s view of Christianity. We’re not trying to pick fights with people, but we certainly don’t expect everything to be easy, do we? Read 2 Timothy 3:12.

2. Tolerance satisfies culture. Paul said this would happen. After charging Timothy to preach the Word, the inspired apostle warns him that a time will come when men-pleasers, “having itching ears,” will arise. Peter and John would not approve (Acts 5:29).

3. Tolerance takes the pressure off of Christians. The famous passage is still in the Bible: “judge not, that you be not judged” (Mat. 7:1). Even a candid look at the verses that follow will show the glaring truth that Jesus was teaching that day. He describes two men: one with a beam in his eye and one with a speck in his eye. The beam-eyed guy is trying to remove the speck from his brother’s eye. Jesus says this isn’t the way to go about teaching people the truth. He says that one who desires to help another spiritually must first purify his or her own life through obedience to the Savior. I think the concept Jesus addresses there explains a lot about why our culture is so infatuated with tolerance. Christians today know that, when they try to offer the Bible’s guidance in someone’s life, their own spirituality is going to be scrutinized. We’re imperfect people. We’re trying our best, but we still come up short (Rom. 6:23). God expects faithfulness, not perfection (cf. Rev. 2:10). I’m afraid many Christians, instead of seeking to do their very best to be pleasing to God, simply keep quiet for fear that their faith will be placed under a microscope.

4. Tolerance eliminates hell. If everyone is accepted and ok, then doesn’t it follow that hell is not a real place? If so, what is its purpose? Who will go there? Jesus taught that hell is just as real as heaven is (Mat. 25:46). He said that people will actually go to hell (Mat. 7:13-14). Christians cannot act as those these passages do not exist. Hell is real. The prophets talked of false teachers who went about proclaiming, “Peace! Peace” when there was no peace (Jer. 6:14; 8:11; Ezek. 13:10,16). May we not be among the number who act as though – or even teach that – everything is ok, when everything isn’t ok.

Finally, I’d like to hasten to add that God is patient with mankind (1 Tim. 2:3-4; 2 Pet. 3:9). He loves us, and He wants all of us to be saved. His delay in ending time, however, is not His tolerance of the evil that is being done here. Instead, it is another opportunity to obey.

QUESTION: Why do you think tolerance of sin is such a temptation for Christians?

~Robert Hatfield

Robert's Bio: Robert Hatfield and his wife, Emily, live in Pulaski, TN, where they have served the Lord with the East Hill church of Christ since 2007. They will soon move to the Charleston, SC area where Robert will preach for the North Charleston church of Christ. Robert and Emily met while they were students at Freed-Hardeman University. They graduated in May 2010. In addition to local preaching, Robert is heavily involved in media work. He is a radio and television broadcaster and a podcaster. He is one of the directors of The Light Network, a network of podcasts that promote the Truth. 

LINKS:

www.thelightnetwork.tv 

www.roberthatifield.net  

www.emilyhat.com 

http://www.northcharlestonchurchofchrist.com

IS IT ALWAYS WRONG TO JUDGE?

by Jason Patrick Hilburn

Today there is a widespread belief that no person is allowed to question or “condemn” the actions or teachings of anyone else. Perhaps you have heard someone say, “Who are you to judge?,” or “You can’t judge me!”.  Does the Bible teach that it is always wrong to judge, or has the Bible been mishandled to lead people to the wrong conclusion on this subject? 

First of all, what exactly does it mean to “judge”? Some assume that to judge always means to condemn, but to judge simply means "to discern; to distinguish; to consider accurately for the purpose of forming an opinion or conclusion" (Webster).  To condemn is "to determine or judge to be wrong, or guilty; to disallow; to disapprove" (Webster).  As will be shown, the Bible teaches us in many passages that we must discern whether the actions and teachings of both ourselves and others are right or wrong. The purpose of this “discernment” is to save ourselves and others, and it is absolutely commanded and necessary. The reader is encouraged to take a Bible and read the passages referenced in this article to gain a better understanding of God’s will on this subject.

Someone may ask, “Didn’t Jesus say, ‘Judge not’ in Matthew 7:1?” Yes, He did, but Jesus was giving a warning to hypocrites (“Thou hypocrite...,” 7:5; cf. Rom. 2:21-23). The context of Matthew 6 and 7 reveals that Jesus was simply teaching us to "judge not" in a hypocritical way. Remember that Matthew 7 is a continuation of what Jesus had been discussing in chapter 6—this is all from the Sermon on the Mount. Please notice what Jesus taught:

            1. DO NOT GIVE ALMS (as the hypocrites do) Mt. 6:2.

            2. DO NOT PRAY (as the hypocrites do) Mt. 6:5.

            3. DO NOT FAST (as the hypocrites do) Mt. 6:16.

            4. DO NOT JUDGE (as the hypocrites do) Mt. 7:1-5.

The truth is that Jesus did not forbid us to judge any more than He forbade us to pray! In Matthew 7:1-5, Jesus was speaking as if He were directly addressing a hypocrite. He warns the hypocrite to get his life right and then help others get their lives right (7:5; cf. Gal. 6:1).

Jesus actually commands us to judge! In Matthew 7, Jesus went on to say that after you get your life right, you then can help your brother get his life right: “…first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye” (Mt. 7:5; cf. Gal. 6:1; James 5:19-20). Jesus also teaches in the very next verse that we must determine who are “dogs” and “swine” (7:6). In the same sermon and chapter, Jesus said that we will be able to judge (know, discern) false prophets “by their fruits” (7:15-20; cf. 12:33; Lk. 6:43-45; 1 Jn. 4:1; Rev. 2:2). The phrase "judge not" is also found in John 7:24: “Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.” Judging righteous judgment means:

1.     "Judge not" hypocritically (Mt. 7:1-5).

2.     "Judge not" with prejudice or without knowing the facts (1 Sam. 1:13-16; Jn. 7:24).

3.     "Judge not" in matters of opinion or scruples (Rom. 14).

4.    Judge according to the Truth of God’s Word (Isa. 8:20; Acts 17:11; 1 Thess. 5:21; Heb. 5:12-14). 

If it is always sinful to judge, then here are some questions to consider:

1.     Did Jesus teach us to sin? “...judge righteous judgment” (Jn. 7:24).

2.    Why did Jesus commend the church at Ephesus for determining that some religious people claiming to be Christians were “liars”? (Rev. 2:2).

3.     How can we determine who the “dogs” and “swine” are (as Jesus commanded), if we are not allowed to judge people by their fruits? (Mt. 7:6, 15-20; Lk. 6:43-45).

4.     Should we be concerned about a brother who has “ought against” us, if nobody has a right to judge us? 

a.    Jesus said, “Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift” (Mt. 5:23-24).

b.    Surely many today would go on and worship God without being reconciled to their brethren, stubbornly claiming that nobody has a right to judge them!

5.   Did the apostle John teach us to sin? “...try the spirits whether they are of God...” (1               Jn. 4:1).

6.   Was it wrong for John to say to Herod, “It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's                        wife”? (Mark 6:18). Should John have “minded his own business”? (cf. Mt. 11:11).

7.     Were the Bereans in sin for judging Paul’s teachings by the Scriptures? (Acts 17:11).

8.   Some say we cannot judge others regarding doctrinal matters, so were Aquila and Priscilla wrong to judge Apollos regarding baptism? (Acts 18:24ff).

9.    Why is it acceptable among many “Bible believers” to speak out against immoral sins, but “taboo” to speak out against many blatant doctrinal errors, which are just as sinful? (cf. 2 Tim. 2:17-18; Rom. 16:17; Gal. 1:6-9; 5:4).

10.  Was Paul wrong to judge Hymenaeus and Philetus regarding a doctrinal matter? (2 Tim. 2:17-18).

11.  Was Paul in sin for confronting Peter and judging that he was “to be blamed”? (Gal. 2:11ff).

12. Was Paul wrong to “judge” that the fornicating brother at Corinth should have fellowship withdrawn from him by the church? (1 Cor. 5:3).

13.  Why did Paul rebuke the Corinthians for not judging their brethren? (1 Cor. 5:2, 6, 12; 6:1-5).

14.  Why did Paul say that Christians should all be of the same mind and judgment? (1 Cor. 1:10).

15.  If Lydia was “judged…to be faithful” by Paul, did Paul sin in so doing? (Acts 16:15).

16.  Why is it that people who condemn judging do not mind when others judge them to be right?  Why do they only have a problem when someone judges them to be wrong?

17.  How can we determine who is teaching Truth and who is teaching error? (Isa. 8:20; Mt. 7:15-16, 19-20; 12:33; Heb. 5:14; 1 Thess. 5:21; Titus 1:9-11; 2:1; 1 Jn. 4:1; Rev. 2:2).

18.  Why are there commands in the Bible to “reprove” and “rebuke” others? (Lk. 17:3; 1 Tim. 5:20; 2 Tim. 4:2; Titus 1:9-11, 13; 2:15; Eph. 5:11, etc.).

19.  How can we ever “mark” and “avoid” false teachers as we have been commanded to do? (Rom. 16:17; cf. Eph. 5:11; 2 Cor. 6:14-17; Rev. 2:2; 2:6; 2:15; 2:20).

20.  How can we ever obey the command to “restore” an erring brother without fear of “judging” him? (Gal. 6:1; James 5:19-20).

21.  How can the process of church discipline that the Lord commanded even begin to be carried out? (Mt. 18:15-17; 1 Cor. 5; 2 Thess. 3:6, 14-15).

22.  How can we seek and save the lost if we cannot determine who is lost?

23. Would a person be guilty of “sinfully judging” if he said that only people who                  are “in Christ” will be going to Heaven? (Jn. 14:6; Acts 4:12; Mark 8:38). 

a.    After all, such a statement would “condemn” everyone outside of Christ, and we are not allowed to do that if we are not allowed to judge others…Has it come to the point in our “politically correct” culture that proclaimed “Bible believers” will not even say that people who reject Christ will go to hell? (Mk. 8:38).

b.    Let us speak as the Bible speaks, “warning every man” (1 Pet. 4:11; Col. 1:28).

24.  If a person says we are wrong to judge others, is he not being hypocritical?  Has he not just committed the same “sin” he is condemning?

Although Christ will be our Final Judge, He has commanded us to make judgments (discerning right or wrong) in this life based on the authority of His Word. This is for the purpose of saving ourselves and others. This entire false idea that one person cannot judge another cripples and paralyzes efforts commanded by God to help others get to Heaven. For example, if those in the Lord’s church believe they cannot judge others, it is highly unlikely that they will go to those in error to help them obey the Truth and get to Heaven (Jn. 8:31-32; Mt. 28:18-20). If those outside of the church believe nobody is allowed to judge, they will not allow those who know the Truth to teach them the Truth in a loving way. They will immediately play the “no judging” card and refuse to listen. Understanding all of this, and realizing how widespread the doctrine of “no judging” is, it is surely one of Satan’s most powerful devices!  Paul wrote, “Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices” (2 Cor. 2:11). Do not fall for this lie of Satan—the truth is that we must make judgments to save others and ourselves!

Jason's Bio: Jason Hilburn is a native of Brantley, Alabama. Jason was converted to Christ in April of 1997. Jason received a Bachelor’s degree in Computer and Information Science in 1997 from Troy State University in Troy, Alabama. He worked as a Network Administrator from 1997 until 2003, when he decided to attend the Memphis School of Preaching. While at MSOP, Jason worked with the Independence church of Christ in Independence, Mississippi. Since graduation he has preached for congregations in Alabama and Mississippi. Jason and his family moved to Nesbit to work with us in August of 2008. Jason has experience in the field of television evangelism, having worked with Spiritual Sword Media and also assisted with Gospel Broadcasting Network recordings, and has appeared on several sessions of the television program A Bible Answer. He is the author of Should We Pray to Jesus? and Defending Divine Doctrine Pertaining to Prayer. He is also the book editor and lectureship director of the annual Standing in the Gap Lectureship. Jason teaches a weekly Bible class to people overseas, and he is also a part-time online instructor with Four Seas College of Bible and Missions in Singapore. He has also done missionary work in Ukraine and in the Far East, and he is the webmaster for TheBibleDomain.com. Jason has written articles that have been used in publications such as The Gospel Journal, and he speaks at various lectureships and Gospel meetings. He has a faithful Christian wife named Amanda, also a native of Brantley, Alabama, who is a stay-at-home mother who educates their two children--Katelynne Rebekah and Braden Isaiah.

LINKS:
http://www.thebibledomain.com
http://nesbitchurchofchrist.org
http://www.artbyamandahilburn.com

Be Patient, Establish Your Hearts

After the decision of the Supreme Court this week to overturn California’s Prop 8 and to rule DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act) as unconstitutional, there is a definite "sigh" among those who want and desire to see this country take a stand for truth and morality. This is one more step along the way of the homosexual agenda to completely destroy the very fabric of God's design for the home.

Where does this leave the Christian?  What are we supposed to do now?  While evil is in our midst, does this really change the action and purpose of the church?  Absolutely not!  While James reminds us “be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord...be patient; stablish your hearts...” (James 5:7-8), we are also reminded by Paul the purpose of the church. 

“So that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him” (Ephesians 3:10-12).

Our purpose is also set by the Lord’s desire to “seek and save that which is lost” (Luke 19:10).  With these thoughts in mind, consider the following:

Endurance

Orson F. Whitney wrote: “No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude and humility. All that we suffer and all that we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, builds up our characters, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable, more worthy to be called the children of God...”[1]

Through our trials and tribulations, we are given opportunity to grow into the kind of people that God wants. The inspired writer, James, wrote: “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”

Establish Your Hearts

The apostle Paul sent Timothy to Thessalonica “to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith” (1 Thessalonians 3:2).  They had been warned that they would be tempted, and Paul worried about them sending Timothy to help teach, encourage, and comfort them.  Verse 13 (ASV) reads: “to the end he may establish your hearts unblameable in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.”  To the church at Rome, Paul wrote: 

“Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen” (Romans 16:25-27).

Evangelize

Through patience and establishing our hearts toward God and His Word, it is then only logical that we would begin to spread that Word.  After Jesus had told Nicodemus about His purpose of seeking and saving the lost, he spoke the Parable of the Pounds (minas).

“As they heard these things, he proceeded to tell a parable, because he was near to Jerusalem, and because they supposed that the kingdom of God was to appear immediately. He said therefore, “A nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and then return. Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Engage in business until I come.’ But his citizens hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We do not want this man to reign over us.’  When he returned, having received the kingdom, he ordered these servants to whom he had given the money to be called to him, that he might know what they had gained by doing business. The first came before him, saying, ‘Lord, your mina has made ten minas more.’ And he said to him, ‘Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.’ And the second came, saying, ‘Lord, your mina has made five minas.’ And he said to him, ‘And you are to be over five cities.’ Then another came, saying, ‘Lord, here is your mina, which I kept laid away in a handkerchief; for I was afraid of you, because you are a severe man. You take what you did not deposit, and reap what you did not sow.’ He said to him, ‘I will condemn you with your own words, you wicked servant! You knew that I was a severe man, taking what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow? Why then did you not put my money in the bank, and at my coming I might have collected it with interest?’ And he said to those who stood by, ‘Take the mina from him, and give it to the one who has the ten minas.’ And they said to him, ‘Lord, he has ten minas!’ ‘I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. But as for these enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and slaughter them before me.’ ” (Luke 19:11-27, ESV).

This great parable reminds us of the necessity of each to diligently use both the opportunities and abilities that God has given to us.  We must so establish our hearts being committed to the Lord enough to teach His Word to those who are “lost” (Luke 19:10).  We are also reminded of the judgment to come.  We will all “appear before the judgment seat of Christ...” (2 Corinthians 5:10).

With so much going on around us in this world, it is important to stay focussed on Christ and the goal of heaven (Philippians 3:14).  Never give up!  Be faithful to the end!  Endure, Establish Your Heart, & Evangelize The Lost.

[1] http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/endurance

[2] picture source: http://www.icie.us/web/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Supreme-Court.jpg