On Controversy
"Go ye therefore and make disciples of all the nations." The Christian is diligent regarding this command, recognizing the priceless treasure of salvation and weeping in compassion for those souls which are eternally lost. One who cares for a lost soul earnestly desires to make a disciple of him. In making a disciple, the gospel has to be taught such that an unbeliever believes that Jesus is the Christ, repents of his sins, and obeys the commandments set forth in God's Word. The requirement of accurate, convincing teaching signals the relationship of the church with the world.
Shortly after his conversion, Saul is found as a soldier of the Lord and his actions are described by these words, "but Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews that dwelt at Damascus proving that this is the Christ." (Acts 9:22) Saul's preaching is later described in these words, "and he entered into the synagogue, and spoke boldly for the space of three months, reasoning and persuading as to the things concerning the kingdom of God." (Acts 19:8) Saul's problems were the same as ours are today. Convincing people requires both the teaching of truth and the confounding of error. These are the ingredients of open and public controversy. It becomes evident that controversy is as inevitable as the false teacher. This is not man's device, but God's will manifested in the thought of making disciples.
The apostle Peter taught that Christians should be ready always to give answer to every man that asks them a reason concerning the hope that is in them. (1 Pet.3:15) The implication here is twofold. Getting ready and being ready. By getting ready is meant studying God's Word, for one can neither preach or practice that which he does not know. By BEING ready we mean that gap between loading the gun and pulling the trigger. The targets are the ignorance and the false doctrines clutching the souls of men. The weapon is the gospel, the power of God unto salvation, (Rom. 1:16) Let every Christian and every congregation determine to emulate the good work of the church in Ephesus as they tried false teachers and found them false. (Rev.2:2) And when we grow weary of controversy and seek softer, more pleasant avenues, we walk the road of compromise; peace with the world, but enmity with God. Brethren, be ready.