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Controversy

Since Jesus is the Prince of peace (Isa. 9:6) and Christians are blessed for being peacemakers (Mt. 5:9) and Paul said, "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you" (Eph 4:31,32), should Christians engage in controversy?

Controversy repells many who associate it with strife and wrangling. Though these may accompany controversy, are they necessary ingredients? NO!! When engaged in controversy, the child of God should see that he is not the cause of strife. If there is strife, let it be on the part of someone else.

Some admonitions are in order:

  1. "Debate thy cause with thy neighbor..." (Prov. 25:9), (though this may not be specific regarding public debate, there is a time to talk with one's neighbor and this may involve controversial questions)

  2. contend earnestly for the faith (Jude 3)

  3. and be set for the defence of the gospel (Phil. 1:17).

Jesus, the Master Teacher, engaged in controversy. He reasoned concerning

  1. the baptism of John (Mt. 21:23-27)

  2. tribute money (Mt. 22:17-22)

  3. woman married to seven brothers (Mt. 22:23-33)

  4. greatest commandment (Mt. 22:34-40)

  5. Son of David (Mt. 22:41-46).

Why did Jesus discuss controversial questions? To have some sort of verbal fight? NO!! But, that truth might be known and the defence of truth shown to rising generations. Under fire, Jesus stood the test (Luke 11:52-54; Luke 23:10). Would we have stood the test?

Though Elijah hid from Jezebel, he did not shrink from controversy with her husband, Ahab, and her prophets (I Kings 18). Neither, was Elijah's successor, Elisha, afraid of those who crossed his path.

Paul and Barnabas did not shun to contend with the false teachers in Antioch of Syria (Acts 15:1ff), the unbelieving Jews in Antioch of Pisidia (Acts 13:46-48), the Athenians (Acts 17), and the beasts at Ephesus (I Cor. 15:32). What would we have done?

There have been controversies in the past; there are controversies in the present:

  1. Deity/humanity of Christ

  2. Genesis One

  3. Marriage, divorce, and remarriage

  4. Romans 14 and fellowship

  5. the one covenant doctrine

  6. the AD 70 doctrine

  7. modesty and the worldly mind.

What is a faithful Christian to do? Paul has the answer: "Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil" (Eph.6:11). Peter also has the answer: "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" (I Pet. 3:15). "The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighy through God to the pulling down of strong holds..." (II Cor. 10:4). Let us take "...the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God..." (Eph. 6:17) and "...fight the good fight of faith..." (I Tim. 6:12). Study carefully. - Glenn Melton

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