Ben Brinkerhoff - Class 2: Battling False Doctrine in Ephesus

Automatically transcribed. Accuracy is good but not perfect, and words are sometimes wrong. Trust the audio over the text.

1. 0:00

   This is day, two of the 2019. Idlewild Bible School. Our second period teacher is brother. Ben Brinckerhoff is General topic is unity and Ephesus the story of the Ecclesia. In Ephesus, today’s topic is battling false Doctrine and Ephesus for the red.

2. 0:18

   Good morning. My beloved brothers and sisters. I I find it helpful to summarize the last class at the start of the next one. Just so there’s a little bit of continuity and we conclude our last class by looking just briefly at a verse from Timothy about Doctrine. And you might recall it, the verse was first Timothy 4:16 where Paul is exhorting, Timothy and saying, take heed unto thyself. And unto the doctrine.

3. 0:52

   Continue in them for, in doing this. Thou shalt both save thyself and them that hear thee. And I quoted this to put a final point on how important Doctrine really is. I tried to point out two simple truths right by way of summary to simple truths and our last session together. The first is that we have no basis for Unity. Unless you also have a basis for separation. The second truth was.

4. 1:27

   If that base is the gospel. They understand it to be a matter of life and death. we’re unified as a body of Christ, and so far, as we also separate from those who do not hold the same basis of that Unity, And these two Foundation planks of the Gospel were shown to us in Acts chapters 18 and 19 and the first was the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

5. 2:00

   To which Apollo send the Apostles of John Disciples of John both the seated and by which they enjoyed Unity with the Brethren and Ephesus. And the second point of the Gospel was the kingdom of God for which cause Paul separated the Ecclesia from the Jews upon hearing the doctrine, smoking evil of in the synagogue. But it wasn’t by accident that we’ve in. Finished yesterday by coding from 1st Timothy. See you isn’t.

6. 2:34

   It was Timothy who Paul left in Ephesus as a young leader? After he departed, there’s always disputes about chronologies. I’m not particularly interested in them. I’ve looked at all of them. This is, I think the best representation that I can make of, some of the key dates that are happening for us here.

7. 2:55

   But what I want to point out is that Paul is in Ephesus around, 80 57, he’s there for about three years. He’s arrested upon the start of his fourth missionary journey and during that time in Rome I believe he writes Ephesians Philippians Colossians and Philemon. Paul is then released from prison in Rome, this is after the time of Acts has concluded and then sometime after that I’m guessing around ad 66 Paul writes First.

8. 3:26

   Timothy and Titus Surely there after he’s arrested and he writes, second Timothy. The reason I point out that chronology is to tell you that we’re going to go out of chronological order. So really? Next thing we should be, discussing is the book of Ephesians. However, I find that the issue of Doctrine, whatever that issue was that Paul says Listen.

9. 3:49

   Hold to this because it’s going to save you, and it’s going to save others. Whatever that issue is of Doctrine, is much better Define for us. In 1st Timothy, then it’s defined in Ephesians. So I want uncover what that controversy in the equation was because if we understand it, then we can look back at a fusions written, maybe four years earlier and see how this thing is being discussed then. So if you’ll just give me that patients, let’s go out of chronological order.

10. 4:20

    Let’s go. Then to First, Timothy I also want to make one thing clear about this session today. This session is going to contain perhaps more than most sessions. Some Exposition because we’re trying to understand what this doctrinal controversy was. Happening in Ephesus and in the collages of Asia and it’s going to form a foundation upon which we can then make more educational classes later on in this week. So if you’ll just bear me a little bit of patience today with the exposition and this study I hope you still find interesting.

11. 4:53

    I know my dad will there’s a lot of history involved and other boring things that we both find interesting. So so let’s thin turn over to First Timothy. And we’re to look at verses 1, 2 3.

12. 5:10

    Where the book opens this way? Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the Commandment of God, our savior and the Lord Jesus Christ, which is Our Hope on to Timothy my own son in the faith, grace, mercy and peace from God, our Father and Jesus Christ. Our Lord, as I besought Thee, To abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other Doctrine. So at the very beginning of this letter, Paul lays out that the main thing happening for which Paul needs to talk to Timothy about, is there some variety of warning about false doctrine? That is arising within that Ecclesia? And it’s for this reason I think in Timothy, the idea of Doctrine is mentioned so often in fact, I don’t know if you’re interested in Coloring, things like this in but you might want to color this one in or write a little note in Timothy because it comes up quite often.

13. 6:14

    First Timothy chapter 1 verse 3 which we looked and verse 10 4:6 13 and 16. 5:17 chapter 6, verse 1 and verse 3, that’s 8 times in six chapters So Paul knew that he needed to encourage Timothy because some issue of false Doctrine was arising. Now, my question to you and my question for the study is what was that issue? What was the issue of false Doctrine happening in that occlusion?

14. 6:48

    Maybe, you know? But if you don’t know that, maybe there’s a question to wrestle with and see if we can find some resolution with in this class today. Now, Paul knew that that false Doctrine would arise in the equation, he absolutely knew it. In fact, he warned the Ecclesia of it. Inverses, I’m sure you’re familiar with when Paul calls the Elders of Ephesus down into Meletis on his way back to carry the Jerusalem.

15. 7:16

    Poor fun to, you know, back to Jerusalem. At the end of the third missionary journey, he calls the elders in the latest, and he gives them a warning and, and some verses taken out of the midst of that warning are found in Acts chapter 20 verses 28 to 30. We read there, take heed, therefore unto yourselves.

16. 7:34

    And to all the flock over, which the Holy Spirit hath made you overseers to lead the Ecclesia of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood for. I know this that after my departing shall Grievous. Wolves, enter in among you not sparing. The flock also of your own selves shall men. Arise speaking perverse, things to draw away disciples after them.

17. 8:00

    Now why would she now excuse me? Why would Paul use the metaphor of the wolf, right? Probably, I’m sure you’re thinking in your mind right now, probably in a reference, back to The Sermon on the Mount. And Matthew chapter 7 and verse 15, where Jesus said this about that same metaphor, beware of false prophets, which shall come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly, they are ravening wolves, right?

18. 8:24

    So I use the metaphor of wolves. I’m probably speaking about false prophets. In fact, Paul. Amongst yourselves within this group. Within this very people here, there are going to come some that draw people after themselves, you know. And how often is that actually create the source of disunity in a cliches? You know, that that what happens is a brother has a point. And and some people agree to the point and then and then and then he gets a bit of a falling about his point and then and then he raises the point up at the level of a collegial discussion. Ian’s maybe throws a bomb into the business meeting. You know, has anyone seen I’ve done that, you know, you know II still apologize, the San Diego Ecclesia, they still have the some consequences of that.

19. 9:11

    So so the reality is, you know, you because you want it, you want a reputation, you want a following. There’s a pride issue here. What’s Paul saying that Grievous wolves false prophets are going to come in among you and are not going to spare the flock. Okay, well, he talks about. Then speaking perverse, things in that word perverse, their means to corrupt. So something that was pure is going to be made corrupt in their teaching.

20. 9:39

    Okay. Now what is it? That’s our question. What is it? We’re told it was going to happen. Paul knew was going to happen. He’s in, he’s writing Timothy to discuss it because it has happened, but my question is, what is it? So turning over to Timothy first, Timothy Chapter 1 Verse 18. We pick up our first two Clues regarding what this false Doctrine is We read their verses 18 to 20.

21. 10:09

    This charge. I commit into thee, son, Timothy, according to the prophecies, which once before on thee, that thou by them mightest War, a good Warfare holding faith and good conscience, which some having put away concerning Faith have made shipwreck. Of whom is hymenaeus and Alexander whom. I have delivered unto Satan, that they may not learn. They may learn not to blaspheme.

22. 10:39

    So, so it appears that Paul puts these two out of the meeting. It’s very likely, but not certain that. What delivered unto Satan means is that they were disfellowship. We might use that word disfellowshipped today. This is maybe how Paul was phrasing it or or giving it a term in that day and age. But why were these two disfellowshipped? Well, our first two Clues, our this Firstly that they put away conscience.

23. 11:11

    Concerning faith. And secondly, that they blasphemed, it’s put away conscience concerning faith. And that they blast named. So what wrong Doctrine than were Alexander and hymenaeus teaching that was caused to blaspheme? And why did it cause him to lose conscience.

24. 11:39

    Well consider some of the evidence first direct evidence. Fortunately for Paul were given the name hymenaeus and now that’s a name we can trace through scripture. In fact Amadeus comes up again and second, Timothy chapter 2. Verses 1618. So let’s do a pause to say about hymenaeus thin and see, we can pick up some more clues.

25. 12:00

    What does Paul say about hymenaeus? And second Timothy Chapter 2, verses 16 to 18, we read there but shun profane and vain babblings for, they will increase unto more ungodliness and their word will eat as doth a canker in whom is hymenaeus and philetus. Who concerning the truth have aired. Saying that the resurrection is passed already and overthrow the faith of some so we pick up three more clues here about what this doctrinal controversy was happening in Ephesus.

26. 12:38

    Okay, these are the clues. Firstly, they obviously taught that the resurrection was passed already. Next is that this false Doctrine led directly to ungodliness And our last clue is this false Doctrine, is called vain babblings, which is another way of saying empty talk.

27. 13:05

    So why was the doctrine called Vain babblings and what does that the do with the Resurrection being passed already? And what does this have to do anything with putting you a conscience or blasphemy or ungodliness for that matter? So what if, so how do we peace? All these different Clues together. We got like the puzzle pieces, right?

28. 13:22

    But we don’t know how to fit it together yet and to form the picture that we’re trying to look at. Sir, turn back over to First Timothy. And let’s take a look at chapter 6 in verses 20 to 21.

29. 13:37

    We have another significant clue to bring to bear on this particular puzzle. Fact, perhaps the key clue. So 1st, Timothy Chapter, 6, thin and verses 20 to 21 where we get our last clue to the puzzle. Paul says, Oh, Timothy. Keep that which is committed to thy Trust. Avoid profane and vain babblings.

30. 14:08

    And opposition’s of science. Falsely so-called which some professing at aired concerning the faith. Well, that’s interesting, opposition’s of science. Falsely so-called you guys may know this but science is simply the Latin word for knowledge. And the Greek word for knowledge is actually the word that Paul uses here and that word is gnosis. Now notice this means knowledge or more. Broadly, speaking enlightenment.

31. 14:53

    Or revelation. I’m going to suggest to you that in Ephesus. There’s a very important Doctrine issue surfacing surrounding this word gnosis and unfortunately it’s an issue that pervades Christianity. This Theory day So Scholars, including dr. Thomas call this perversion gnosticism. It’s it’s like Christianity. It defines a very, very wide variety of beliefs so you can’t just pin the word nasik on something and say, well, this is exactly what that is.

32. 15:32

    It’s like defining the word Christian on something. Well, GA could be Mormon or it could be christadelphians, you know, I’m saying. Like they would identify as Christians, right? So, So it’s a represents a wide variety of beliefs and that’s one of the things that are hard to get your head around. So what exactly is Paul referring to here? And what was this specific issue happening than in Ephesus? In general?

33. 15:55

    I’m gnostics believed that they were saved by gaining a special, or secret knowledge and this knowledge awakened their dead Souls To life. Okay, they’re dead flesh was awakened by the special or secret knowledge. Now, the best definition, I could find in the truth of gnosticism comes from a book by HP Mansfield in his commentary, on the letters of John. And other man’s feel is suggesting that the Apostle John was countering an early form of gnosticism in part as he wrote his letters and explain gnosticism, brother Mansfield quotes from the Encyclopedia Britannica and amongst other sources.

34. 16:38

    And this is his quote, About narcissism. amongst the majority of the followers of the movement gnosis Was understood as not meaning, knowledge or understanding in our sense of the word. But but revelation. These little Gnostic sects and groups all lived in the conviction that they possess a secret and mysterious knowledge. And no way accessible to those outside and not based on reflection or scientific inquiry or proof.

35. 17:12

    But on Revelation, it was derived from the times of primitive Christianity and from the Savior himself and his disciples and friends with whom they claim to be connected by secret tradition or else from waiter profits. Who many sects? Boasted So why there are many variants of narcissism. The term itself, doesn’t stand for very much in general. I would say gnostics tend to agree on these three main core principles principle.

36. 17:39

    Number one is that all matter was evil. principle number two, that we have an immaterial and Immortal soul in which a form of divinity, dwelt hence, the reason it was a mortal And which was there for good. And three the Salvation was essentially about the righteous or Immortal Soul, being awakened with knowledge and delivered from the prison of the wicked and mortal flesh. Maybe they have those three things in common Now nasik believe about all matter being evil resulted in two main theories.

37. 18:21

    According to a doctor, Alfred plumber an expert on narcissism that HP Mansfield quotes in his exposition of First John. So there’s two different ways that this belief manifested. Okay. First If the human body is utterly evil, it must be subdued and chased into the utmost that the spirit may be freed from the burden of.

38. 18:44

    So, vile and instruments. This might be thing. I thought of as a seat is mm, this was the issue that Paul was dealing with in colossi. but the other idea is different, derived from the same set of of core beliefs, Secondly, the human, if the human body is utterly, evil is a matter of indifference.

39. 19:10

    What it does. And so worthless and vile and instruments may be made to commit any act from which the real man might derive additional experience and knowledge. And that was the issue. The Paul was dealing with in Ephesians. Now, the second of these two theories is elaborated, more fully by Alfred Palmer again as quoted by Brother Mansfield. Where we read, narcissism was not the open enemy of Christianity.

40. 19:42

    It professed to gift its approval and patronage to the gospel. The gospel was very good as far as it went, but gnostics had a more excellent way.

41. 19:56

    They understood the gospel better than the apostles themselves, it was a mistake to suppose that historical facts and mere precepts of scripture where to be taken. Literally it was still greater mistake to suppose that the scriptures contained all that was necessary for man’s spiritual well-being. There was a higher knowledge A more profound gnosis and this the Gnostic would attain to and in part illumined by this men would see that everything was comparatively of unimportance, the philosopher whose mind was enlightened. By this esoteric knowledge need not trouble himself much about his conduct He was steeped in light. Good actions.

42. 20:43

    Could not seriously detract. From an indeed, there are many things commonly regarded as bad. Which the true Gnostic would not shunned, but seek as a means of enlarging his experience. Now, to the Gnostic. Who had this particular set of beliefs as defined by dr. Climber Three main issues would arise. Those issues are.

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    Morality doesn’t matter. righteousness was in no account in comparison, with intellectual illumination Secondly. The god of scripture is no Authority. scripture was of no account in comparison to with a higher knowledge, which partly transmuted and partly, superseded it, frankly, and it came down to a discussion between the inner light and the guidance of my inner spirit and was scripture said Scripture losses. And the third issue that arises from this particular set of beliefs is salvation cannot be lost. So, the work of atonement was lessened in significance for there, was not really evil and sin. Okay.

44. 22:12

    Now, this philosophy is actually given a name in the Bible as it develops into later generations. Does anyone know what it’s called? It’s called Nicolaitans ism.

45. 22:31

    Okay. Because they believed that the soul was essentially Divine and their bodies were evil Nicolaitans. Apparently taught that there is nothing. The body could do to corrupt the soul and since we’re saved by grace and not works, There’s really no works that could take away your salvation again. They literally put away conscience.

46. 22:58

    Concerning faith. They didn’t need to feel bad about sinning. Today, a similar ideas may be described by the concept. Once saved, always saved. To which many Christians still teach, at least directly the conclusion that I don’t need to follow any law. Especially not the moral precepts found in the law of Moses because laws can save in the soul is Immortal and regardless, hens Nicolet to gnostics Use these ideas to justify Godless, immoral Lawless and debauched wife styles.

47. 23:47

    So, what was the origin then? I mean, where do they get these ideas from? Where is the origin of these Gnostic ideas? Well, you wouldn’t be surprised to find out that they derive from Greek philosophy. Would you? Which is why Paul uses the word vain babblings, I mean, think of philosophers sitting around talking about nothing more than ideas and Concepts which have no life and have no value and they’re arguing with them and their babbling and babble Babble Babble this way bable bable bable that way and it’s all Vain.

48. 24:18

    And so Paul describes this idea as a vain babblings, a quote on gnosticism from the dictionary, illustrates the Greek philosophical foundations. The earliest origins of gnosticism our skewer and still disputed probable, influences include Plato. Gnostics borrow a great deal of ideas and terms from platonism. They exhibit a keen understanding of, Greek philosophical terms and use Greek philosophical Concepts throughout their texts.

49. 24:57

    Now we can be sure that. Gnostic ideas, we’re starting to pervade the Ecclesia in Ephesus particularly so turn with me to Revelation chapter 2. Just as a case we have any doubt in our mind whatsoever that some of these ideas were prevalent and being taught in that City. We should have no controversy or confusion about that because the Lord Jesus Christ in his letter to the Ephesians found in Revelation.

50. 25:26

    Chapter 2 makes mention of the fact we see this in Revelation chapter 2 verse 1 unto the angel of the Church of Ephesus write for six but thou Hast. Just but this style has that thou hatest the Deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. So what was happening is the Ecclesia at some point in its history, had to make a stand against these particular philosophers who were teaching these ideas and the Lord Jesus commends them. That the those in the equation had made a stand. And so we realize you won’t have to make a stand if the issue is a rising And is prevalent in the city itself. Now, it’s not simply brother Mansfield and makes reference to this in christadelphians literature in Eureka concerning Nicolaitans.

51. 26:22

    Now maybe make one comment about Eureka. Well, I just have an opportunity to say your ego is always a book. I was someone intimidated by my grandfather. Dick Stone used to tell me if he told me once he told me a dozen times. Then you need to read the pioneers. Well he it was a real point of him to emphasize that to me, but I put off Eureka because it just seemed well to seem intimidating I suppose. And in studying this subject I, of course, went to what brother Thomas has to say on the Ecclesia and Ephesus. And I was I don’t know the right word to use is I was incredibly impressed.

52. 27:03

    With what brother Thomas had to say it’s as if he laid out the whole study and about four pages, what I’d spend months and months and months, trying to uncover. He had it all there as an aside. yeah, so this is what brother Thomas had to say in Eureka, Talking about the Nicolaitans this was composed of the Wolves. Now that’s a reference back to Acts 20 that we looked at earlier.

53. 27:38

    This was composed of the Wolves referred to in Paul’s first letter to Timothy 6:20 which we also just looked at where Paul says to Timothy o Timothy keep that which is committed to thy trust. Avoid profane Vain babblings and opposition’s of gnosis Or knowledge falsely so-called, which some professing have erred concerning the faith, these came to be called gnostics because of their professing, what they call gnosis or knowledge, a false science, whose principles were subversive to the truth brother. Thomas says now brother Thomas also suggests that these ideas were founded on Greek philosophy, he says this on pages 19, E8 and 199 in Eureka.

54. 28:29

    These gnostics were sort of immersed or baptised philosophers. Gentile, professors of the wisdom then current in the world among the admirers of Play-Doh and other Heathen. Speculators upon the unknown. They conceived the idea of so commingling their speculations or fables of heathenism. With the doctrine of the Apostles asked to make the compound palatable to the respectability and the learning of the age.

55. 29:06

    He has much more to say it’s well worth reading that section of Eureka. Now it’s pretty clear that hymenaeus who Paul mentions in both first and in second Timothy thus someone certainly from Ephesus write had Gnostic like views again. Let’s read from our clue earlier second. Timothy Chapter 2 and see if we can figure out what Paul is talking about there.

56. 29:34

    We read this earlier. But three, two, one more time. Second Timothy Chapter 2 and verses 16 to 18. Where Paul writes but shun profane and vain babblings for they will increase unto more ungodliness that makes sense to us. Now, you follow that means why these profane babblings were waiting to more ungodliness, okay? And their word will eat as doth, a canker of whom is hymenaeus and philetus.

57. 30:10

    Who concerning the truth of aired saying, the resurrection is passed already and overthrow the faith of some um, so why does this quote suggest Gnostic beliefs? Well, gnostics deny the resurrection that’s a big clue and you ask yourself while we know for certain that the apostles and Jesus taught. The resurrection. I’m that is that it comes boldly jumps out of the pages of the New Testament that there can’t be any controversy about that point. How could they deny the resurrection? Well.

58. 30:46

    Simple. They taught the resurrection was spiritual. The resurrection according to them. And this is backed up by text. They found in nod, commodity there’s a something there called the Treatise on the resurrections, written a couple hundred years. After this time, we’re talking about here. But nevertheless it what they talk about is that the resurrection was the resurrecting of the spirit within me that was dead.

59. 31:15

    To life. My Flesh and my soul, and my spirit was dead, but because of this special knowledge that I have, now now it’s resurrected into life. And so then for the believer who had already had this knowledge, the resurrection for that person.

60. 31:38

    Was already passed. Remember the gnosticism taught that the body itself and all material, substances sinful? And the soul is trapped in the body. So the whole point of faith in the whole point of the idea is to escape the prison of the body. And if the whole point is Escape, the Prison of the body, then the idea then of being resurrected back into a physical body. Is a really unacceptable idea.

61. 32:16

    If the whole idea is to escape the body is to get out of the body is too for the soul to leave the body because the soul is, is Immortal, then why in the world would it make any sense at all? To be resurrected back into a physical material body. That seems like a dumb idea.

62. 32:41

    That does not seem like their idea of salvation. And so they spiritualize the entire concept. Despite this, where Paul takes the gnostics mosta task, by the way, I could very well, be the first Corinthians chapter 15. Is a response to this belief in corns. As an Assad. But despite this where Paul takes the gnostics most to task is over the immorality of their lifestyles. Now in writing about Paul’s not they want to do that and writing about the gnostics in the second century and early church father named irenaeus. so, the Nicolaitans this is his description, the Nicolaitans or Aeneas. Nicolaitans weed wives of unrestrained indulgence. That was his summary of the Nicolaitans so gnostics and Nicolaitans in particular rejected laws and moral laws concerning others created by others. Morality was for them to determine and not anyone else. And this is why Paul says concerning hymenaeus. Back in second Timothy chapter 2 verse 16. But shun profane and vain babblings for they will increase unto more ungodliness.

63. 34:14

    Okay. So, are these words starting to make sense? Now, can we see them on the page? And they’re not just words. Like now, we had some ideas to fit those words around that this is what was being dealt with. This is what had to be dealt with by Paul. It’s for this reason that Paul put such an emphasis on godliness.

64. 34:36

    And if first second first letter to Timothy, I don’t know if you’ve ever noticed this or ever had a reason to cover this in but but I pointed out that the word Doctrine comes up often in 1st Timothy well, another word that comes up often in first Timothy, is this word Godly or godliness, right?

65. 34:54

    It comes up. Several times, first Timothy chapter, 14, to 22 10, 316 for seven and eight six, three, five and 11. And again, if you’re the kind of person that likes color in things, in this might be a word to kind of color in. As you look at Timothy, just to remind yourself that this is a major theme that is developing in that book. So hymenaeus and his fellows did not consent a wholesome words or to sound Doctrine.

66. 35:28

    Order the doctrine that was according to Godliness and and we can link any number of doctrines today back to this Gnostic. Thinking fact, this is one of the major themes of dr. Thomas in Eureka, is the link, modern-day Christian practices, back to these early controversies. He spins quite some time doing that. For example.

67. 35:50

    They believe in a mortality of the soul and Paul counters that in first Timothy chapter 6. Verse 16 when Paul says God Alone path. Immortality, why do you think he has to say that? So Paul is countering some of these ideas in his writing. He also in Titus Chapter 1, Verse 2 and 3 verse 7, Titus has written a ride around the same time as first Timothy, how about the belief that the soul was good and it’s the devil that makes me sing.

68. 36:19

    Well Paul counters that ID and First Timothy 6:10 and second Timothy chapter 3 verses 2 to 5. How about the belief that we are once saved always saved by Paul counters that ID and First Timothy 4:16. How about a rejection of the moral authority of the law of Moses? Well, Paul counters that idea in 1st Timothy 1:8.

69. 36:45

    How about the idea that rejection of the hope of Israel and the restoration restoration of the physical kingdom of God on Earth. Well Paul counters that in second Timothy Chapter 4, verses 2 and verse 8. How about the idea the resurrection of the rejection of the Resurrection In the Flesh? Will Paul counters that as we saw in second Timothy Chapter 2, Verse 18.

70. 37:05

    So so Paul is actually taking up These false beliefs in this letter and is systematically dealing with him. And actually once you know what, he’s dealing with you can see these things. Jump off the page. That’s why he says that. That’s why he says this, that’s why he says that he’s encouraging Timothy to correct, the false Doctrine, hold on to sound Doctrine and that Ecclesia and think about the profound impact of Gnostic thinking on the Ecclesia, That this would happen and how desperate Paul would have been to repeal this and to reject this.

71. 37:46

    So, we can conclude that that whatever hymenaeus believed. He was in some way, trying to combine the ideas of Plato and the Greeks and other Gentile philosophies and put them into a Jewish and Christian context. While also ironically if you re closely positioning himself as an expert in the law of Moses, despite keeping none of us moral precepts.

72. 38:12

    It’s a strange Unity to be sure that hymenaeus was propounding in Ephesus. But let’s consider just for a moment, the doctrine of unity. Ponder for a moment, how relevant Doctrine is to practice.

73. 38:33

    The doctrine of many churches concerning the atonement is basically Gnostic and its conclusions. Okay, because Jesus did not share my nature. He could not, he only could have died because he took my personal sin upon himself on the cross. Then what need do I have? Then for Morality? I’ve been in good discussions.

74. 38:59

    Troubling discussions with Christians who claim, no matter what they do, no matter what they do. They can’t lose their salvation. Some Christians would claim the law of Moses has no relevance today. I why would you read that? That’s old Old Testament. Been old, you know, you don’t need to read that anymore.

75. 39:32

    if we promote the principle of unity, Does that mean we desire Unity with gnostics like the Nicolaitans as they later became known? Does the love of Jesus.

76. 39:49

    Overcome such obstacles. Consider Jesus words in Revelation. Chapter 2 verse 15 in Revelation Chapter 2 Verse 6 again, where Jesus says this So thou Hast also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans. Which thing I hate. Revelation Chapter 2, Verse 6, but this thou hast thou hatest the Deeds of the Nicolaitans which I also hate. So why Jesus stops short as he would of saying he hates them. he certainly does say, That he hates their Doctrine and he hates the Deeds.

77. 40:49

    How does a shape your view around Unity? Can you have Unity? With a Doctrine. Jesus hates. A system that excuses and promotes. Sin. And that’s the relevant question for us today.

78. 41:25

    I willing to defend the truth. That Jesus Christ. Delivered unto the Saints. From false Doctrine the same way. Paul was Now, for Paul. That meant putting some of the leaders of this movement, like hymenaeus. Out of Fellowship. It also meant appealing directly. To some of the followers of this movement. And we’re going to see that in our next few studies.

79. 42:03

    So that he could bring them back to the truth. But it didn’t mean compromised and regards to Doctrine or practice of the truth. So, let me just summarize. Okay. I want to draw some conclusions about when we should or shouldn’t unify.

80. 42:30

    Clearly Paul would not teach Unity at all costs. He did not preach Unity with the wolves. You don’t put the wolves in with a sheep and say, hey, have some Unity. He put Alexander and hymenaeus out of the meeting. Now, why did he do that? He did that because a false Doctrine. He did that because they were tearing down occlusal leadership. He did that because they’re creating disciples and leading others astray.

81. 43:03

    He did that because there’s no conscience regarding sin. He did that because they’re causing God to be blasphemed and the scriptures to be Dishonored. We can’t have Unity with those who destroy Unity. We can’t have Unity with those that hold doctrine that Jesus hates.

82. 43:25

    So Paul delivers these Brethren to Satan. But the truth is that Paul didn’t disfellowshipped these Brethren, they disfellowshipped themselves. They created the conditions in which they were no longer in Union with the Ecclesia and with their true brethren in Ephesus.

83. 43:47

    How much time do I have Jeff? It’s time, none. Perfect, perfect. Just just one comment, you know, the reason that these Brethren did this, I’m sure with sincere.

84. 44:10

    But there’s something more subtle to it, as well. And that to be was the real excitation that I pulled out to be on time. Now I’m going to go over.

85. 44:25

    Says in Acts. These brethren. We’re like wolves in the Ecclesia. To gather disciples after themselves. And I reckon that that’s how it starts present.

86. 44:46

    When issues of disunity come up. It’s not merely an issue of, is this, or that or wrong Doctrine? In a dispassionate sort of way.

87. 45:02

    It’s a Time representing people. I’m the leader. And so you can’t just simply deal with the issue as the issue surfaces itself. With a Bible open because you now you’re dealing with a movement.

88. 45:26

    And I’ve dealt with disunity and just my, my short years in the Ecclesia. And when I’ve caused disunity, I’ll have to admit that Pride. Plays a very big part.

89. 45:46

    When I came back from Israel. I was a member of the San Diego meeting and and I, you know, I thought I knew a thing or two, right, especially because I was in Israel and I know how to speak a bit of Hebrew, and I had gone to, to do the feasts over there. So there came up a business meeting And I had been reading about. how Jesus says in the Last Supper, That he desires to have this Passover with him.

90. 46:25

    I said, well, it’s a Passover and when I celebrate Passover in Israel, we use crackers. So, I at the business being, I raise my hand, I said, why don’t we use crackers?

91. 46:36

    What was I thinking? Why did I say that, right? And suddenly, it’s like a bomb explodes, right? And that Summit we come is on this side are saying well, that makes sense. It’s number saying no, no, that doesn’t make sense. And there’s Eleanor Amaral. Does anyone know Sister? Eleanor Amaral? I love that sister. And she’s right there.

92. 46:53

    She’s saying and under her breath. She’s saying, no, no, no. She was a Jew, right? She said, no, he shared our nature. No, she’s saying under her breath.

93. 47:14

    Did I think to myself? Well gee this would be a good idea to Kota go off to Uncle Max and just say, hey Max May, I was thinking about bringing this up, maybe we can talk about together the two of us. Because I wasn’t really interested. In doing the right thing in terms of the Bread and Wine. I’m a, I was totally wrong by the way and wrong in my attitude, wrong decisions, wrong in terms of what the doctrine was about.

94. 47:39

    I didn’t understand anything about the atonement. I was just wrong completely. But it wasn’t about that. It’s I want to show. I knew something. I want to show, I knew something.

95. 47:56

    And I just wonder how often back in Paul’s day, in an hour each day. That is really the cause of disunity. As we want to show that, we know something, we want to get the accolades. We want to draw disciples after ourselves. We don’t want to be Disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ.

96. 48:21

    I think that’s at the heart that right there in Acts chapter 20. That is at the heart of disunity. The disunity I’ve caused and the disunity I’ve seen.

97. 48:37

    But for today’s class, I just want us to understand that this was the issue Paul was dealing with head on. And we can also observe that this is a very serious issue. This is issue in terms of Doctrine, and in terms of practice Now, how is Paul going to deal with this in the Ecclesia? What is he going to do?

98. 48:58

    How is he going to bring some of the sheep following this ideas? How is he going to bring them back into the meeting? How is he going to try to bring about unity and Ephesus?

99. 49:11

    Well, I’ll take that up in our next class.