9 The Certainty of God

In a previous message to the Corinthians (I Corinthians 4:18–21) Paul told them about the false teachers who were arrogant and would not listen to him. Their attitude was the fundamental cause of the division in the Church at Corinth. This can be observed in any church split. Some people want their own way instead of God’s way, or they are masquerading their own way for God’s way and leading the flock astray. These false leaders were telling the church that Paul was not coming back and they began to doubt his return to them. Here he reaffirms his return which he promised to them (I Corinthians 16:5–9). The false teachers were big talkers with nothing to back it up except empty false doctrine that was pure worldly sin. They did not have the power of God living in them and Paul would expose them.

ONCE A PERSON MOVES AWAY FROM THE ACCEPTANCE OF THE AUTHORITY OF SCRIPTURE, THERE IS NO LONGER ANY SAFEGUARD FOR OTHER CRUCIAL DOCTRINES.