Jude wrote, “Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (v. 3). The duty of a disciple of Christ is not only to believe the Bible but to live by it and contend for it! That means a worthy servant of the Lord will dispute the error. Sadly, many do not do this today.
God calls upon believers in Jesus to be advocates of the cause, not passive observers. The Lord said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations” (Matt. 28:19-20). Advocacy is the duty of all believers, but especially of preachers. “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching” (2 Tim. 4:2).
Those who truly love the Lord and “walk worthy of the calling” will contend for the faith, the truth, against the doctrines and commandments of men. When one fails to do this, he is unworthy and has no right to be called a disciple of Jesus. In fact, the Holy Spirit said, “But the COWARDLY, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death” (Rev. 21:8). Notice in this list of sinners, cowards lead the whole bunch! Those who lack the backbone to stand for the truth are unworthy to be Christians, let alone preachers.
It is sad but true, many will not stand up for the Lord and His truth. Of these, Jesus will be ashamed (Mk. 8:38). Leading the way in this shameful conduct are preachers. Their sermons are filled with “feel-good” stories and “heart-warming” tales while lacking conviction and willingness to call sin “sin” and error “error.” When was the last time your preacher exposed and condemned the erroneous teachings and practices of others? Paul did this in the book of Galatians, 1 Corinthians 15, and many other places. Does your preacher do what Paul did? If not, why not? Is he afraid of offending people and running them off? Does he seek the approval of men above that of the Lord (Lk. 6:26)? If so, he is unworthy of the Lord and of your respect.
Steven F. Deaton
