Putting Obstacles In The Way Of The Gospel

 "If others share this rightful claim on you, do not we even more? 
Nevertheless, we have not made use of this right, but we endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ" (1 Co 9:12).


Let's start off by saying that this verse pertains to Paul's giving up his rights to material gain from fellow believers he ministered to by him. This was done to prevent any accusations of greed. The Apostle did not want anyone to reject Christ by mistaking his right to receive material benefits from fellow believers for a "prosperity" preacher. His concern was the the fruitfulness of the Gospel- it's proclamation and its power to reconcile and deliver: "I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings" (1 Co 9:23). Did you catch that? He was willing to give up his rights to advance the Gospel. Oh that we would learn from such godly men!

Sometimes I think that we can so divisive and and bitter about certain issues that we become the obstacle in the way of the Gospel. For example take the Baptist vs Paedobaptist, Covenant Theology vs. Dispensationalism, Amillennialism vs. Premillennialism vs. Postmillennialism  and 2K Vs. Theonomy issues. These can get so heated and divisive that opposing camps are too busy flinging mud at one another, they lose sight of the fact they're flinging mud at each other from the same foundation (Christ)! There is, at times, very little fellowship between these groups. We treat the other theological camp as if they have "cooties." We can get so caught up arguing our points and winning arguments that we forget we are united on the Gospel. Meanwhile, un-believers observe this behavior and wonder, "what Sam's name is going on here? I thought I heard a sermon where Christians are supposed to be known by their love for another (John 13:35)." We unknowingly create an obstacle in the way of the Gospel by over aggressively bickering back and forth on secondary issues. Remember all will know we belong to Christ, not by our theological astuteness, but as Christ said, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34-35). I know, I know, this talk about brotherly love can make some Calvinists, especially the "cage stagers" and hyper Calvinists, extremely uncomfortable. Get over it, it's biblical.

Now that I've gotten the "mushy" stuff out of the way, I do understand that those secondary issues are very important. They are worth arguing passionately over. Just not dividing over and definitely not creating obstacles in the way of the Gospel by slandering and pouncing one another. I believe polemics (aggressively attacking and refuting the beliefs and opinions of others) are absolutely necessary to Christianity. The Holy Scriptures are polemical. In fact most of my teaching includes the use of polemics. However, I agree with Paul Jewett when he writes, "Polemical theology that would serve a good purpose must be irenic, not divisive."  In other words it's okay to debate and argue our positions with those that disagree with us on secondary issues. Even loudly and and heatedly but we must remember the goal of the discussion is truth and unity in the Gospel. Recently I had a seven or eight hour debate with a fellow brother and friend over philosophy and minor theological issues. The discussion was very loud, heated and passionate. But we maintained our fellowship and friendship. A few weeks later went over to his house and will be taking a trip with him and his wife. Let me reiterate that it is okay and even necessary to discuss passionately about these other issues. If they are in the Word of God, they matter significantly!

However, far too often in these arguments we lose sight of the goal and winning the argument becomes about us, with a bitterness and even hatred that springs up for fellow Christians who disagree; therefore creating an obstacle in the way of the Gospel for the unbelievers that are on the outside looking in. Maybe I'm overstating my case a bit (care to argue about it? :-)) but one thing I know for certain and it is what Scripture says, "‎Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.  Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation" (1 Pe 2:10–12) and "Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor" (1 Pe 2:17). Let's not be a cause for the hindrance of Gospel by mistreating and failing to love one another. Soli Deo Gloria!

For His Glory,
Fernando