“What manner of persons ought we to be?” (2 Peter

3:11)

The urgent need to

watch for perils from within!

Three Classes for Discussion

1. To recognize the great concerns and challenges facing our Ecclesias today.

2. It is critical to “contend for the faith” once delivered unto the Brethren.

3. To encourage one another in the Lord these last days (hours, minutes)!

Concerns and challenges facing the Ecclesias

today 1 Peter 5: 1-4 Matt. 24: 3, 4, 9-13, 21-22 James 1: 19 2 John vs. 5-11 Prediction Jude vs. 17,18,19 Our Instructions Jude vs. 20-25 Luke 21: 32-36

The challenge of worldliness

Compromising the principles of the Truth with the standards of the

world.• 2 Cor. 7: 1

• 2 Tim. 3: 1, 4• 2 Pet. 2: 20• 2 Pet. 3: 3, 4• 1 John 2: 15• Matt. 16: 26

What is important?

Careful to maintain good works…• Something Paul wanted Titus to affirm

constantly.• Titus 2: 7• Are we as careful to maintain good works?• Do we want to do good works to be seen of

men?• 1 Pet. 2: 12• Accept our duty to help our Ecclesia when

it is in our power to do so? (2 Tim. 4: 5)

What is important? The role of good works…

• They are not done with the intent to insure a place in the Kingdom.

• The decision is made by our faith and works.

• They bring glory to God.• Prepare unbelievers to be more

receptive.• Demonstrate living nature of our faith.• Necessary if we are to be like Jesus.• Do we understand the role of good

works?

Good works we can do Speak the Truth daily.

• Encourage and exhort the Brethren. Heb. 3: 13

• Restore weak Brethren. 1 Thess. 5: 14

Jesus did not limit good works to spiritual works alone…• Jesus’ followers should emulate His examples.• Some may be good teachers others are better

suited for a supportive roles. (Eph. 4: 11-13)

Matthew 26: 41• There are many things which we should

diligently avoid.• Engaging in foolish disputes.• Those things involving contentions that are

straining at the “literary lumber” of the law.• Could we be guilty of participating in disputes

that cause us to strain at the gnat and swallow the camel? (1 Cor. 10:12)

• Do we recognize what is foolish and filter out the Truth of a matter? (1 Cor. 16:13, Prov. 25:2, 2 Tim 4:4)

Can we be guilty of being involved with foolish disputes?

Some may deny God’s authority

Those who waver in the Truth.• Evidence of lack of respect of the Spirit Word.• Set up other standards of authority.• Use what the world has to offer.• Seek counsel other than the word of God.

Those who contend earnestly…• Recognize the authority that God gave Jesus. • (Mat. 28:18)• Remain steady in the principles of the Truth. • (Acts 2:42; 1 Cor. 15:58)

The challenge of doubtful disputations

Harm from disputes• Leads to divisiveness• Causes “word battles”

Do not promote godly edification (1 Tim 1:3-4) Creates envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions (1 Tim

6:3-5) Cause some to stray from the Truth. (1 Tim 6:20) Can lead to ruin of the hearers (2 Tim 2:14) Increases more ungodliness (2 Tim 2:16) Their effect spreads like a disease (2 Tim 2:17-18) They generate strife (2 Tim 2:23)

Is there a danger here?

Alternatives to foolish disputes

Godly edification producing love from a pure heart, a good conscience and a sincere faith. (1 Tim. 1:4-6)

Wholesome words, words of doctrine.

Correct those in opposition with gentleness, patience and humility. (2 Tim. 2: 24-26)

Disagreeing without being disagreeable.

Contending for the faith without being contentious.

Summary of the matter The Shepherds of the Ecclesia are

charged with setting in order those things which are lacking and correctly instructing the purity of the Truth with sound doctrine. (Titus 2)• Grounded, anchored and rooted in the

Truth.• Not be led astray or confused by false

teachers.• Must teach, exhort or rebuke when

necessary.• Exercise self-control and apply the Spirit

Word.• Stay above reproach, slander and ridicule.

1 Peter 3:12-15

For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.

And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?

But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear. Our challenge:

The trumpet is about to sound…will we be able to hear it?