Why We Must Contend For The Faith With Brethren Just Like We Do With Denominations

Reasons it is more than proper to contend for the truth and debate with brethren just like we do with denominational teachers include …

· Because God is “no respecter of persons” (Acts 10:34) and neither should we be (James 2:9). If we show such favoritism, we lose our credibility. We betray the fact that we are not really sticking up for God; instead we are just sticking up for our friends. No, if we are truly defending God’s word, then we will defend its truth against “friend or foe.” How can some appreciate the proving of Baptists wrong, but at the same time criticize the proving of our brethren wrong? Wrong is wrong no matter who teaches it.

· Because God’s commandment to “contend for the faith” in Jude 3 is specifically talking about with brethren (verse 4), though it would apply to any false teacher.

· Because we should love the souls of brethren just as much as we love the souls of denominational believers, perhaps even more so. And so if we don’t warn brethren of their error, that is showing a lack of love (Eph 4:15). Who was Paul referring to when he talked about being “pure from the blood of all men” because he “ceased not to warn every one night and day” (Acts 20:26,31, Ezek 3:18)? It was brethren, right?

· Consider that it was brethren who Paul debated in Acts 15:2,7. If we are really supposed to “imitate” Paul as he imitated Christ (I Cor 11:1), and that is not just an empty mantra, then we will debate brethren too. Or the other option is to cut out the Acts 15 debate between Christians from our Bible.

· If we are really supposed to teach “all the counsel of God” (Acts 20:27), then there must be no topics off limits, right? Then why do many brethren preach like there are some Bible topics that are too controversial to bring up with other Christians?

· Aren’t we supposed to believe division is sinful (I Cor 1:10), and that we are to be “endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit” (Eph 4:3) by studying the Bible, discussing our differences, and trying to reach scriptural agreement? Does that only apply to differences with denominations? If so, why? Isn’t division with the brethren just as bad as division with the denominations, or even more so (Psa 133:1)? Gospel preachers are fond of correctly saying “to agree to disagree is not true unity” when referring to the ecumenical movement, but can’t you tell by their sermons to brethren that deep down they really believe agreeing to disagree is best?

· Isn’t it at best disingenuous to emphasize our differences with denominations (to show our distinctiveness), but try to cover up our differences with each other (II Cor 8:21)? Doesn’t integrity demand we admit our own differences (faults) and try to work through them (John 17:22)?

· Because if we only correct outsiders and don’t correct brethren when needed, then we are falling into the exact “itching ears” trap II Tim 4:3 warns against; we are limiting our preaching to what the brethren want to hear, to what they already agree with.

What do you think “quit you like men” (I Cor 16:13) means anyway? Instead of criticizing those who have the courage to “be strong” and attempt to spiritually aid even brethren in this manner, we should do everything in our power to stand with them (II Tim 4:16), encourage them to keep it up (II Thess 3:13), and support their opportunities to propagate the actual doctrine of Christ (II John 9). Remember, the troublemaker is not the one that speaks out (even among brethren); the troublemaker is the commandment breaker (I Kings 18:17-18).

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