|
| Hold firm for others |
|
| |
1:9 he must hold firm to the sure word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to confute those who contradict it. We live in a time when holding firm is labeled intolerance. Nowadays we are expected by society to accept and approve of almost anything anybody says or does. To speak out against a person's behavior or personal beliefs is considered taboo.
But not to Paul. He tells his spiritual son, Titus, that "he must hold firm to the sure word." There is absolute truth and we are to stand firmly on it without compromise. Now this doesn't mean to be rude, unloving, or mean. Paul also says that we should be "speaking the truth in love." We must hold firm in humility and love.
We are commanded to hold firm so that we can instruct and confute others. I found this definition of confute: "to prove to be false, invalid, or defective; disprove."
So much in our culture needs to be confuted. We believers must obey God's word and calling on our lives. We must hold firm so others can hear God's truth and see an example of God's love in courageous action.
(Check out my article about "America's Sin Cities" at this link: http://www.examiner.com/x-19568-Nashville-Evangelical-Examiner~y2009m8d11-Americas-sin-cities
Also, Examiner pays its writers. If you would like to become an examiner for them visit: www.examiner.com/refer Please search for my name, Steve Simms, if you apply and then click to enter my name as the person who referred you. I very much appreciate it. |
|
| To add a comment to "Hold firm for others" |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| August 12, 2009 |
 |
|
|
 [star!] |
Thanks for the word today Steve, both written and spoken.
Your always good at keeping me examining myself.
I've just started writing stuff down in a journal. I'm still
learning. I'm not much of a writer,
Small comments sure, but I do love to talk! |
|
|
| August 12, 2009 |
|
|
|
| [star!] |
Powerful word Brother Steve....As Christians we *are* to hold firm to the Word of God so that we can instruct and confute others in love. Paul the Apostle to the Gentiles, who was an Israelite, from the tribe of Benjamin, was a perfect example of this. As he followed Christ, we are required to do the same....Holding firm to the Word of God so that others may hear the truth. I also enjoyed reading your article. Keep up the excellent work ;o) |
|
|
| August 12, 2009 |
|
|
|
| [star!] |
AMEN! Father, help me to stay firm in you. |
|
|
| August 12, 2009 |
|
|
|
| [star!] |
AMEN.......... |
|
|
| August 12, 2009 |
|
|
|
| [star!] |
|
|
|
| August 12, 2009 |
|
|
|
| [star!] |
|
|
|
| August 12, 2009 |
|
|
|
| [star!] |
|
|
|
| August 12, 2009 |
|
|
|
| [star!] |
Thanks my brother, blessings to you! |
|
|
| August 12, 2009 |
|
|
|
| MY BROTHER WHAT A WONDERFUL DISH YOU HAVE SERVED US ........STAND FIRM ON THE WORD OF GOD ......THIS IS GREAT FOOD FOR THOUGHT |
|
|
| August 12, 2009 |
|
|
|
| Thank you all so much for your support and encouragement. |
|
|
| August 12, 2009 |
|
|
|
| [star!] |
|
|
|
| August 12, 2009 |
|
|
|
| Brother Steve, It's truly a time to hold firm and pray without ceasing. Anyone with the back bone to call sin what it is, has made themselves a target. Beloved, we a truly strangers and we're just passing through. I sort of know what Lot felt like living in Sodom. Here in the changing Bible belt, we have a lottery and strip clubs and cross dressing contests. |
|
|
| August 13, 2009 |
|
|
|
| [star!] |
very timely teaching!! |
|
|
| August 14, 2009 |
|
|
|
| Thank you all so much for reading, commenting, and giving stars. |
|
|
| August 15, 2009 |
|
|
|
| [star!] |
|
|
|
| August 15, 2009 |
|
|
|
It's amazing that no one stops to think that tolerance isn't even needed until there is a disagreement (would you ever say you are tolerant of your kids going to church?) The next time someone tells you you are intolerant, ask them if they are tolerant of intolerance. (And then watch out for a head explosion) |
|
|
| August 15, 2009 |
|
|
|
| Good point, Norm! |
|
|
Follow this blog
