By Tony Williams
It is my belief, and I think many would agree, that in recent times some who proclaim the gospel of Christ opt for a softer approach on the subject when they present it. We expect those in the denominations to preach things designed to make one feel good and share the love. However, there seems to be a movement even inside the church of Christ where some congregations have gone soft on teaching against error. People love to hear preaching that makes them feel good and that doesn’t step on anyone’s toes. Yet, there are those today who fail to present the whole counsel of God for fear they may offend someone. They are very careful not to anger anyone or hurt someone’s feelings thereby prohibiting what really needs to be taught.
Paul had this to say regarding erroneous teaching, “Shun profane and vain babblings for they will increase unto more ungodliness and their message will spread like cancer” (II Tim. 2:16-17). We can see Paul was not beating around the bush when he was talking about the folks who were teaching error. He did not speak in generalities, he was specific. He even told exactly who they were by name. Had some of the brethren of our time been there they would have said “don’t you dare call names of people in error”. They would be hesitant to bring up the error much less mention their names because, according to them, that would not be nice and it would be mean-spirited. Paul calls out Hymenaeus and Philetus who, concerning the truth, have erred. What was their error? They said the resurrection was past. What was the effect of the teaching? They overthrew the faith of some. They saw in their minds something different than what was in the Bible.
There is not a lot of difference between Hymenaeus and Philetus and a lot of others who are in error today. Their theories differ but the basis is the same. When we talk to those in error, we are to speak the Truth in love (Eph. 4:15). Yet, we must point out to them their error and lost state even over the possibility of offending them.