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MaintainingMaintaining

BALANCEBALANCEIn Times of ControversyIn Times of Controversy

Phil. 4:5

Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

Phil. 4:5

Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

[By Ron Halbrook]

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Maintaining Maintaining BALANCEBALANCEIntroduction:

1. Phil. 4:5 Mature, Well-balanced Attitude “Moderation:” Noble Generosity & Gentleness,

Forbearance & Fairness, Reasonable & PatientNot Overreact, Not Thrown Off Balance“Unto All Men:” Poise, Patience in All Cases

Secured by Focus on Christ’s Presence & Promise, Not on Earthly Conditions!

Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

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Maintaining Maintaining BALANCEBALANCE

2. Phil. 1:9-11 Pray for Maturity, BalanceGrow in Love, Knowledge, Judgment

Approve Things Excellent, Distinguish Things that Differ, Have a Sense of What Is Vital

Act in View of “the Day of Christ”

9 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; 10 That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; 11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.

9 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; 10 That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; 11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.

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I. Eccl. 7:15-18 Balance: Avoid Extreme Attitudes A. Vs. 15 Can’t Solve Every Enigma

B. Vs. 16 Arbiter of All: Exaggerated Righteousness

C. Vs. 17 Opposite Extreme: Enigmas Excuse for Sin

D. Vs. 18 True Faith: Focus on Revealed Truth, Duty

15 All things have I seen in the days of my vanity: there is a just man that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man that prolongeth his life in his wickedness. 16 Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself? 17 Be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time? 18 It is good that thou shouldest take hold of this; yea, also from this withdraw not thine hand: for he that feareth God shall come forth of them all.

15 All things have I seen in the days of my vanity: there is a just man that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man that prolongeth his life in his wickedness. 16 Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself? 17 Be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time? 18 It is good that thou shouldest take hold of this; yea, also from this withdraw not thine hand: for he that feareth God shall come forth of them all.

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II. Matt. 7:1-5, 13-15 Balance in Recognizing Sin A. Vv. 1-5 Hypocritical Judging

Overly Scrupulous in Charging Others with SinExcuse One’s Own Sins

1 Judge not, that ye be not judged. 2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. 3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? 4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye;behold, a beam is in thine own eye? 5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.

1 Judge not, that ye be not judged. 2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. 3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? 4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye;behold, a beam is in thine own eye? 5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.

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B. Vv. 13-15 Proper, Essential JudgingBroad Way of Sin, Narrow Way of Truth

Repent of Sin

Distinguish Truth from Error

C. Balance: Proper Judging, Not Hypocritical

13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. 15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. 15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

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III. Matt. 10:16, 27 Balance in Facing Bitter Enemies of Gospel

A. Wolves: Pervert Truth, Attack Messenger B. Vs. 16, 27 Bold, Careful in Proclaiming Truth

Wise: Careful, Cautious, MeasuredHarmless: Open, Sincere, No Guile or Deceit

C. Under Bitter Attack: Danger of Overreaction

16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. 27 What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.

16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. 27 What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.

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IV. Rom. 14:1-3; 16:17-18 Balance: Distinguish Personal Scruples & Doctrinal Apostasy

A. 14:1-3 Accept Each Other with Personal Scruples

Grow: Distinguish Revealed Doctrine from Personal Conclusions & Judgments

1 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye,but not to doubtful disputations. 2 For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. 3 Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.

1 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye,but not to doubtful disputations. 2 For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. 3 Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.

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B. 16:17-18 Reject Men Who Promote ApostasyPress False Doctrine: Cause Division Outward Piety, Smooth Speeches: Cloak Error

C. Balance: Distinguish Scruples & ApostasyDanger: Press Scruple—Friction, Bitterness, FactionDanger: Compromise with Error—ApostasyAvoid Dangers: Saints Grow, Gospel Spreads

17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

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V. Gal. 1:8-9; 2:11; 5:15 Balance: Defend Truth Without Stooping to Error’s Tactics

A. 1:8-9 Reject Those Who Pervert Gospel B. 2:11 Peter’s Compromise Openly Rebuked

Gal. 1 8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

Gal. 2 11 But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.

Gal. 1 8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

Gal. 2 11 But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.

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C. 5:15 Defend Truth, Fight Error, Not Stoop to Error’s Tactics

Paul Direct, Forceful (1:7-8; 2:11, 13; 3:1; 4:30; 5:1, 7, 9, 12)

False Teacher: Bitter, Personal Attack

Uphold Truth: Courtesy, Dignity, Focus on Bible, Refute False Doctrine

Temptation: Retaliate in Like Kind

15 But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.

15 But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.

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VI. Eph. 4:1-6, 14-15, 31-32 Balance: Truth in Love

A. Vv. 1-6 Proper Attitude With Sound DoctrineLowly, Meek, Patient, Love, Unity, Peace

Solid Foundation of Sound Doctrine

1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, 2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, 2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

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B. Vv. 14-15 Reject False Doctrine & Tactics, Speak Truth in Love, Grow in Christ

14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

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C. Vv. 31-32 Seek to Save Not Destroy Those Who Wrong Us

D. Controversy: Test Commitment to Truth, Sincerity of Love

31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

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VII. Phil. 1:15-18 Balance in Putting the Cause of Christ Above Self

A. Some Preachers: Selfish Spirit of Competition B. Other Preachers: Unselfish Spirit of Goodwill C. Balance: Put Cause of Christ Above Self

15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: 16 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: 17 But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel. 18 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.

15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: 16 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: 17 But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel. 18 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.

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VIII. Col. 4:2-6 Balance in Content & Tone of Teaching

A. Vv. 2-4 Seeks Open Doors to Preach Plainly, Fully

B. Vv. 5-6 Show Wisdom in Life & Teaching

C. Test in Controversy: Balance Content & Tone

Proper Balance: Advance Cause of Christ

2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; 3 Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: 4 That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. 5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. 6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; 3 Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: 4 That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. 5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. 6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

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IX. 2 Pet. 1:12, 5; 2:1 Balance in Grasp of Truth & Room to Grow in the Truth

A. 1:12 Truth Firmly Established in Heart & Life

B. 1:5 Grow in Knowledge: Lifelong Process

12 Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth.

5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;

12 Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth.

5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;

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C. 2:1 False Teachers Replace Truth with Heresies

Heresies Lead to Apostasy, Corrupt (2 Pet. 2-3)

D. Grasp Truth, Grow: NOT Same As Deny, Apostasy

E. Challenge: Discern Heresy VS Growth in Truth

1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

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Maintaining Maintaining BALANCEBALANCEX. Balance or Lack of It in Modern Controversies A. Many Examples of Apostate Movements

Patterns in Cycles of ApostasyUnchanging Principles of TruthRemnant Established in Truth, Resists ApostasyGrowing in KnowledgeMake Judgments in Applying TruthAreas of Personal Conscience, Scruples

Apostasy: Subtle Steps, Corrupt More & MoreCompromise: Not Embrace, Not Openly FightOverreaction: Bind Areas of Growth, Scruple—Press to Point of DivisionLatter Factions Later Embrace Ultra-liberalism

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1.PRINCIPLES OF TRUTH

Grow in KnowledgeJudgments

Personal Scruples

2. APOSTASY

3. COMPROMISE

4. DANGER OF OVERREACTION:Bind, Press Differences in

Growth, Judgments, ScruplesTo Point of Division

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Maintaining Maintaining BALANCEBALANCEX. Balance or Lack of It in Modern Controversies

B. Many Examples of Scruples & Differences Among Brethren Growing in Truth

C. Man to Lead in Work of ChurchSeveral Views of Veil in 1 Cor. 11

Several Views of Silence in 1 Cor. 14:34-35 As Relates to Bible Classes

All Affirm Principle of Male Leadership, Differ in Some Details of Application

Discussed Many Years—No Apostate Movement Corrupting More & More

Study Helpful, NOT Charges, Fighting, Factions

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Maintaining Maintaining BALANCEBALANCEX. Balance or Lack of It in Modern Controversies

D. Controversies & Divisions 1850-1930 Missionary Society (1849), Instrumental Music (1851)—Cycle of Apostasy—Corrupted More & More (1875-1900)

Remnant Established in Truth, Resisted Apostasy

Compromise: Accept Society, Reject Instrument, Fellowship Error

Overreaction (1900-30)

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Maintaining Maintaining BALANCEBALANCEX. Balance or Lack of It in Modern Controversies

D. Controversies & Divisions 1850-1930 Overreaction (1900-30):One CupNo Divided Bible ClassesNo Located PreacherNo Bible Study Literature in Work of ChurchNo Bible CollegeSpecific Order of Worship

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Maintaining Maintaining BALANCEBALANCEX. Balance or Lack of It in Modern Controversies

D. Controversies & Divisions 1850-1930 Overreaction (1900-30):Daniel Sommer (1850-1940) Factional on No

Located Preacher, No Bible CollegeSommer: Strong Influence on Carl Ketcherside

(1908-89)Such Issues Not Divide As Matters of Growth,

Judgment, & Personal ScrupleSommer’s Later Years Reflect Phil. 1:9-11; 4:5

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Maintaining Maintaining BALANCEBALANCE

Overreaction (1900-30):Sommer’s Later Years Reflect Phil. 1:9-11; 4:5 His Family Published American Christian Review—

He Endorsed “Can’t We Agree on Something?”

Ketcherside: Pressed to Point of Division

Many in Factions Formed 1900-30 Went into Ultra-liberalism From 1960’s to Present

Brethren united on “THE NEW TESTAMENT PLAN”

must leave room for individual judgments on such issues.

“This…is written in behalf of the thousands who desire

to reach that Better Land, and who never will know, and

never can understand, ‘the finer points’ in our arguments for

and against some things that have disrupted us” (6-21-32).

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1.PRINCIPLES OF TRUTH

Grow in KnowledgeJudgments

Personal Scruples

2. APOSTASY

3. COMPROMISE

4. DANGER OF OVERREACTION:Bind, Press Differences in

Growth, Judgments, ScruplesTo Point of Division

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Maintaining Maintaining BALANCEBALANCEX. Balance or Lack of It in Modern Controversies E. Controversies & Divisions Over Institutionalism –

Liberalism (1945-2000) Another Cycle of ApostasyChurch Donations to Human InstitutionsCentralize Church Work thru Sponsoring ChurchChurch Give Benevolence to Alien SinnersChurch Provide Social & Recreational ActivitiesCorrupted More & More (1970-2000)

Remnant Established in Truth, Resisted ApostasyCompromise: Church Donate to Orphanage Not College, to Certain Kinds of Orphanages, Fellowship Error Danger of Overreaction: Bind Areas of Growth, Scruple—Press to Point of Division

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Maintaining Maintaining BALANCEBALANCEDanger of Overreaction: Some Bind & Press, But Generally Not to Point of DivisionNo Bible CollegeNo Akin FundNo Foundation to Publish Bible Study MaterialsSeveral Views Contra Typical P.M. Lord’s SupperNo Funerals in Church BuildingNo Weddings in Church BuildingNo Church Songbooks for Home SingingLong-term Issues: Oaths, War, Vote, Veil, Etc.Such Issues Not Divide As Matters of Growth,

Judgment, & Personal ScrupleDiscuss Many Years—No Apostate Movement Corrupting More & MoreStudy Helpful, NOT Charges, Fighting, Factions

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1.PRINCIPLES OF TRUTH

Grow in KnowledgeJudgments

Personal Scruples

2. APOSTASY

3. COMPROMISE

4. DANGER OF OVERREACTION:Bind, Press Differences in

Growth, Judgments, ScruplesTo Point of Division

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Maintaining Maintaining BALANCEBALANCEX. Balance or Lack of It in Modern Controversies

F. Controversy Over Marriage, Fellowship, & Other Issues 1988-Present

Another Cycle of Apostasy:H. Hailey: Deny Christ’s Marriage Law Applies to AllJ. Freeman: Divorced Fornicator Marry New MateJ. Puterbaugh: All Divorced People Marry New MateDeny Creation in Six Literal DaysDoubt Literal Serpent in Gen. 3Doubt Universal Flood in Gen. 6-9Deny Eternal Torment in Hell

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Maintaining Maintaining BALANCEBALANCEX. Balance or Lack of It in Modern Controversies

F. Controversy Over Marriage, Fellowship, & Other Issues 1988-Present

Another Cycle of Apostasy

Remnant Established in Truth, Resisting Apostasy

Compromise: Unity-in-diversity “tolerates contradictory teachings & practices on important moral & doctrinal questions” (Ed Harrell, Christianity Magazine, May 1990)

Danger of Overreaction: Bind Areas of Growth, Scruple—Press to Point of Division

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Maintaining Maintaining BALANCEBALANCEX. Balance or Lack of It in Modern Controversies F. Controversy Over Marriage, Fellowship, & Other

Issues 1988-Present Danger of Overreaction: Bind Areas of Growth, Scruple—Press to Point of DivisionNo Divorce for Any CauseNo Divorce Unless Witnesses to FornicationInnocent Mate Must Initiate Civil DivorceInnocent Mate Must Counter-sue if Guilty SuesCannot Reconcile After Divorce for FornicationDivorced Fornicator Not Remarry After 1st Mate DiesIf Prospective Fornicator Gets Divorce Paper

& Then Commits Adultery, Faithful Mate Not Remarry (Mostly Theoretical!)

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Maintaining Maintaining BALANCEBALANCE

X. Balance or Lack of It in Modern Controversies F. Controversy Over Marriage, Fellowship, & Other

Issues 1988-Present Danger of Overreaction: Bind Areas of Growth, Scruple—Press to Point of DivisionNo Division If Study Such Issues As Matters of Growth, Judgment, & Personal ScrupleDiscuss Many Years—No Apostate Movement Corrupting More & MoreStudy Helpful, NOT Charges, Fighting, FactionsW. Warnock-J. Deason, Searching the Scriptures,

Nov. 1985 & Mar. 1986, Not Press View to DivisionSome Friction, Declare War, Obsessed, Debate,

Cancel Meetings, Press to Divide (1,000 Splinters!?)

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1.PRINCIPLES OF TRUTH

Grow in KnowledgeJudgments

Personal Scruples

2. APOSTASY

3. COMPROMISE

4. DANGER OF OVERREACTION:Bind, Press Differences in

Growth, Judgments, ScruplesTo Point of Division

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Conclusion:

1. Phil. 1:9-11; 4:5 Pray as Paul: Spiritual Growth, Maturity, Well-balanced Attitude

Grow in Love, Knowledge, Discernment

Moderation: Maturity, Balance Live in View of Christ’s Presence & Promise— Avoid Stumblingblocks, Abound in Righteousness

9 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; 10 That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; 11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.

9 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; 10 That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; 11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.

Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.