"A Stopped Clock"

Jarrod Jacobs

A stopped clock .....

If human reasoning could find so many “positive” lessons from a stopped clock, is it any wonder why many of our brethren can find justification for the fellowshipping of false teachers among us? Could we not justify almost any man who privately or publicly teaches falsehoods with similar reasoning as was offered on behalf of the stopped clock? See for yourself. Some might say ....

A false teacher .....

Some might suggest that in the case of the stopped clock, if someone would merely work with that clock, it may be possible that the clock can work correctly again. This is a true statement. So also is it true that if we will take the time to work with false teachers, (not compromising the truth, but taking the time to teach them the truth) we may be able to win them to the Lord when they repent of their false doctrine and preach the truth.

However, if our stopped clock is beyond repair, we need not keep it around. In like manner, the Holy Spirit speaks of some who were “past feeling” (Eph. 4:19), some “who concerning the truth have erred” (II Tim. 2:18), and some who “will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared” (I Tim. 4:1-2), etc. In such cases, we must not continue in fellowship with them, pretending as if nothing is wrong, but “watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them” (Rom. 16:17). John condemned continuing in fellowship with those in error stating, “If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works” (II Jn. 10-11).

One evident problem today is that while most people will do what is necessary to fix a stopped clock, many are not willing to do what the Bible describes as necessary to stop a false teacher (Titus 1:11). Another evident problem is that most people are not afraid to fix the stopped clock, and in fact are appreciative when someone calls attention to the fact that their clock not working. Yet, when it comes to false teaching and false doctrine, we find just the opposite attitude. Often, we find people afraid to speak to those in error, and those in error often becoming angry that someone might suggest that they are wrong. How sad!

Let us not be afraid to call a “spade” a “spade.” If there is false teaching being promoted, the one who is the friend to the teacher is the one who points it out; not the one who is so afraid of hurting feelings or friendships that they keep it bottled up. Jesus said, “But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death” (Rev. 21:8). Notice the first group mentioned as having their part in the torment of the second death are the “cowardly” or “fearful”! I myself have had to work on this problem, and by God’s grace I keep working at improving. What about you, dear readers? Brethren, where are our priorities when it comes to the problem of false doctrines being spread?

Brethren, it is later than we think. We are drifting!

-The Old Paths, XXI:03, March 16, 2014

Scripture Reading:  1 Corinthians 11:17-22

1. Worship is uniquely individual, yet the Lord arranged the local church to provide fellowship in worship that produces edification, Psa. 146:1-2; 122:1; Ac 2:42; 1 Cor. 14:26; Heb. 10:24-25.
2. The question: May (should) Christians eat the Lord’s Supper (LS) when we cannot assemble together. 2 Tim. 2:15 (Acts 17:11)

I. UNDERSTANDING THE ISSUE.

  A. What is not in Question, Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 16:2; 11:24-26.
  B. The Question is.
    1. Has God specified the setting in which we eat the LS?
    2. When Christians are hindered from attending the worship assembly are they expected to eat the LS?

II. ESTABLISHING AND APPLYING BIBLE AUTHORITY.

  A. Clear Authority to Eat LS when the Church Comes Together, 1 Cor. 11:17-34; Acts 20:7 (6, 16).
  B. By What Authority Shall Christians Eat the LS Outside the Assembly of the Church? Matt. 21:25; 1 Ths. 5:21; Col. 3:17
    -What about Matthew 18:20?
    1. Immediate context: Apostolic authority.
    2. Applied context: Unrepentant sin, 18:15-17
    3. Broader context: When heaven’s authority is established by apostolic teaching, Christ is present (Jno. 14:23). cf. 1 Cor.5:4

III. UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES.

  -These are not being suggested by anyone I know. However, the logical extension of the practice warrants caution.

Conclusion

1. We stand on solid ground by eating the LS when the church comes together (1 Cor. 11:20).
2. Let us hold fast this pattern and carefully follow the apostles’ doctrine, 2 Tim. 1:13; 3:10.

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