When we discover someone who says they are Christian who show anger at correction or disagreement it is time to practice silence in their presence.
Matthew 7:6 "“Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, or they will trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces."
Who are "dogs" as mentioned in the Bible?
Dogs are worthless and offensive people full of humiliation who reject God and His principles. Philippians 3:1-3 "1 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. 2 Watch out for those dogs, those workers of evil, those mutilators of the flesh! 3 For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh."
Psalm 22:16
"For dogs surround me; a band of evil men encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet."
Revelation 22:15
"But outside are the dogs, the sorcerers, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood."
There are many people who are "playing a role" in the church who have never been born again. They are careful to speak and act within the gathering as righteous people but have no interest in pleasing God.
Isaiah 56:10,11
"His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber…"
Matthew 7:6,15
"Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you."
These people can repeat Biblical words but have no dedication or love of those words. They are used to impress people rather than bless God.
In these last days there is a domination of lies and apostasy that permeates everything, these are the days of the great deception.
Matthew 7:21-23
I Never Knew You
21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’
23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’"
When we meet those who fight against the truth even though they attend "Christian gatherings" every week, we have met a pretender. A born-again child of God does not fight and argue against the truth.
We are all at different levels of Spiritual maturity but we do not become angry at correction or discipline when brothers and sisters have shown the light of God's Word on our attitudes and actions. We pray for clarity and are thankful that others care enough to correct or chastise us.
Proverbs 27:6
"6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend,
But deceitful are the kisses of an enemy."
When we are wrongly chastised using false doctrine we can dismiss it and reject it without feeling any hostility toward the one who brought it. Speaking in calm and respectful tones while holding our ground for the truth is the best approach unless otherwise led by the Holy Spirit to execute a strong rebuke.
Proverbs 27:5
"Better is open rebuke than hidden love."
Matthew 18:15-17
“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector."
1 Timothy 5:20
"As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear."
Galatians 6:1
"Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted."
Titus 2:15
"Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you."
So, how do we know when to speak, when to be silent, when to administer a harsh rebuke and when to be gentle?
It's very simple, pray continually that the Holy Spirit will speak through us rather than relying on human wisdom with generic responses taught by men.
When we rely on the Holy Spirit we will know what to say and when to say it.
John 14:26
"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you."
John 16:13
"When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come."
Know the Scriptures well, seek the Holy Spirit in prayer and depend on Him to speak through you and you will never have to "worry" if you said it right or did it right no matter what others accuse you of doing or saying irresponsibly. Trust Christ for everything!!!!
