Delivered From or Delivered Unto?
The Three Paths of Sin. Exposed Wickedness. Gods Toilet Brush. Shipwrecked Faith. Disqualifications of Elders. Unruly Talkers
Table of Contents
Last Updated on Sun November 1, 2020 @ 9:24 pm
The Paths of Sin
When it comes to Sin, there are three paths. We all start on the path to sin – we are born there. Those of us who Christ finds and who accept His offer leave the path of sin to walk another path – that of holiness unto the Lord (1John 3:5; 1John 3:3; 2Pt 3:14). So we have those who continue in sin and those who strive to flee from sin. Thirdly, we have those who say and appear outwardly to flee from sin but who inwardly and actually continue in sin (Mt 7:15-18; 1Jn 3:6, 8). These use their message against sin to distract and hide their sins. True, they are in the continue in sin category but we set them up as the other chosen path of sin because they are the worst offenders – they lead the innocent astray (Rev 2:20; 2Pt 2:14; 2Pt 2:18-19; 2Pt 2:1-2; 2Pt 2:3; 2Pt 2:10; 1Jn 3:12; 2Pt 3:16; 2Pt 3:17).
As an example of this, listen to what Brother Stair use to preach about continuing in sin in 1John while he was hiding his continual sexual sins behind the cloke of ‘”sinlessness” (1Jn 3:6; 1Jn 3:7-8; 1Jn 3:9; 1Jn 5:18)
Now, in light of Brother Stair now exposed and known for continually sinning every day, Brother Stair’s own words are clear that he is of the Devil. Though Bro Stair denies his sin – he claims he’s not doing these sins that many have witnessed (1Jn 1:8; 1Jn 1:10) – then why is it he has not preached or replayed this message since 2002? Is it because his own judgment here now declares that he is of the Devil?
Exposed Wickedness
Then there are those who either have found salvation from sin in Christ because that’s what salvation is – deliverance from sin and the power of death through sin. Or they make the appearance that they are in Christ and are fleeing from sin. The latter is usually, if not always, found in religious professionals – pastors, teachers, prophets, apostles – those who adorn themselves with titles to exercise power and authority over God’s people (3Jn 1:9; Jude 1:4). Don’t confuse these impostors with real men of God in these positions. The former are identified in many ways. One is that their wickedness will be made known unto the whole congregation (Pr 26:26). Which comes from the witness that we receive from Matt 7:15-20 – by their fruits.
Gods Toilet Brush
Actual men of God are characterized by one defining factor – they have purified their vessel to make it useful to the Master. Paul tells Timothy in 2Timothy 2, (2Tim 2:19-22) that only IF a man purges himself of sin and sanctifies himself for God’s use he has the possibility of God using him greatly. But IF he does not do so and continues in sin and lusts (fleshly sexual sins – not ‘spiritual sins’) then he can be no more than perhaps a toilet brush to God. A dishonorable vessel not fit for the Masters’ service to the Body of Christ (2Tim 2:20-22). As Paul said again in Ephesians 4:1-3, you are to walk worthy of the calling you received. (If indeed you did get a calling from God). If you’re not walking in a worthy way – you’re certainly not walking in a calling from God (Ps 4:3). It’s likely that you’ve never had a calling from God (1Jn 1:10).
Shipwrecked Faith
This brings us to the outcome of the path of sin. In Romans it makes it clear that they become vain, their heart is darkened, they profess to be wise, they change God’s glory into corruption. Because of this, God gives them up to uncleanness through lusts where which they dishonor their bodies (and His). These be they who are identified by these things. Often unknowingly to their followers they change the truth of God into a lie and get them to worship and serve the leader more than God (Rom 1:21-32). They are more important than Christ at this time. They wanted to exalt themselves rather than God. They may well have used God’s name to exalt themselves but don’t let them deceive you with their God soapbox. That’s just used so they can elevate themselves higher. Their fruits show you who they are and whose they are (2Pt 1:9; Mt 7:20; 1Jn 3:8; 1Pt 5:8).
This is the cause wherewith God gives them up unto vile affections, lusts, unnatural desires (children), homosexuality, sex with sheep and goats. Be sure of this, they will receive a reward for their sins (Rom 1:24; Rom 1:26; Rom 1:31-32).
So, God gives them over to the reprobate mind that they have chosen to walk in, to do those things which are not convenient for men of God to do. They are filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness, envy, hatred, they debate, deceitful, malignity (crafty, shady), whisperers about others behind their backs, backbiting, they show despite, proud, boasters of themselves, speak of evil things that ought not to be spoken, lack true understanding, they break covenant (divorce), do not have the natural affection toward people, and implacable. They also have pleasure in them that go along with their sins and who likewise walk therein (Rom 1:21-32). Did that list describe anyone we know?
That list from God contains what we call today Narcissism and Machiavellianism.
Paul concludes to Timothy that these have made shipwreck of their faith and will be delivered unto Satan (1Tim 1:19-20).
Disqualifications of Elders
Deceivers will tell you that God gave them their calling and office and that makes it without repentance. Which is not what that verse means. Since they are without understanding they don’t know that (Rom 1:31). They will tell you that because God chose them that you have to thereof accept and stay with them – no matter what wickedness you see them do. Because surely God knew they were going to do that. Which is the point. God did know they were going to do that and that is why God never chose them to be what they say they are. Their fruit witnesses against them (Mt 7:15-20) that they were never called of God. They made themselves out to be some great one. Which is the means whereby they deceive people (Acts 8:9-11).
Titus gives the true witness of how these men are disqualified (Titus 1:6-16).
IF they are blameless, the husband of one wife, have faithful, not unruly children, not self-willed, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker (even verbally), not given to obtaining money. On the contrary, a lover of hospitality and of good men, sober, just, HOLY, temperate. Holding to the faithful word of the gospel and sound doctrine and not changing it from what they have been taught. Not an unruly (will not be ruled over, rather makes themselves the ruler) and vain talker using words to deceive (Titus 1:6-16).
If you’re not qualified to be an elder, you’re not qualified for a higher position. You’re not going to be in a position leading or ruling over God’s people.
Unruly Talkers
Titus says of these self-willed ones, that their mouths must be stopped (they are identified in that they talk much), and with their talk they subvert households (even their own), they teach things which they ought not and merchandise Gods people to their own gospel. By stories and fables or their exploits, they introduce their commandments of God (via these men) that turn God’s people from the truth (Titus 1:10-14). Titus says some of these deceivers call themselves prophets who blast others as liars with evil desires (Titus 1:12-14; Titus 1:16; 1John 4:1). These prophets do not understand purity, they are defiled and unbelieving and even their mind and conscience is defiled. They profess that they know God (they come to you in sheep’s clothing, as [angel] messengers of God); but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate. (Titus 1:16; Titus 1:14; Titus 1:10; 2Pt 2:22)
This witness is true (Titus 1:13)
We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard (1John 1:3 NIV)
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