Josh Monda, Author at Joshua Monda: Reflections on Reformed Theology, Faith, and Christian Living

The Silent Threat: Divisive People in the Church

by Josh Monda | Nov 9, 2024 | Christianity, Church, random thoughts, Theology

Unity and Division in the Early Church

In Romans 16, the Apostle Paul shares greetings with various church members in Rome. This demonstrates the vibrant life and unity among early Christians. He encourages them to greet each other "with a holy kiss," a symbol of deep fellowship. Paul highlights this unity by stating, "all the churches of Christ send greetings" (Romans 16:16). Although he had not visited Rome, Paul knew many believers there. This shows the strong network of relationships in the early church. This is a testament to the unifying power of the gospel.

However, Paul's commendation of unity shifts into a stern warning against those who threaten it. He urges the Roman Christians to "watch out for those who cause divisions. Avoid those who put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them" (Romans 16:17). This is not a call to silence every dissenting voice. Instead, the message is to remain alert. Be cautious against those who oppose the core tenets of the faith. They sow discord. Paul identifies these divisive individuals as serving their own appetites. They use smooth talk to deceive the naive (Romans 16:18). For the protection of the church, such individuals must be confronted. If necessary, they should be disciplined according to Scripture (cf. Matthew 18:15-17).

Paul’s message is both a commendation and a caution. He acknowledges the obedience of the Roman Christians. He urges them to be "wise about what is good." They should also be "innocent about what is evil" (Romans 16:19). This call to wisdom and innocence serves as a reminder for church leaders. They must protect the flock from disruptive influences. As we reflect on Paul’s exhortation, we are challenged to cultivate a church environment marked by peace and unity. We must adhere to the truth of the gospel. We must be ready to contend for the faith once delivered to the saints (Jude 1:3).

Greeting One Another in Christ

In Romans 16:16, Paul tells believers to greet one another with a “holy kiss.” This gesture, though culturally specific, signifies the deep fellowship and unity that should define the church. This unity is not just a social nicety. It is rooted in a shared commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul emphasizes this by saying, “All the churches of Christ greet you.” This reminds the Roman believers of their connection to the wider body of Christ, unified in doctrine and mission.

Paul’s call to greet one another warmly reminds us of the foundation of true Christian fellowship. It is built on shared beliefs and values. It goes beyond mere politeness. It reflects our mutual commitment to Christ and to each other as members of His body. Through this, Paul’s pastoral heart is evident. He encourages believers to express unity in genuine and heartfelt ways. This unity shows the transformative power of the gospel in their communal life.

Protecting the Church From False Doctrine

Following this vision of unity, Paul addresses a grave concern. There are individuals who “cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine you have been taught” (Romans 16:17, ESV). He urges believers to “watch out” for such individuals and to “keep away” from them. The Greek construction here demands our attention—we are to “watch out” (σκοπεῖν) with utmost vigilance. This is not a suggestion but a divine mandate. This echoes Paul’s warning to the Ephesian elders. He said, “I know that after my departure, fierce wolves will come in among you. They will not spare the flock” (Acts 20:29).

It is crucial to understand Paul’s directive. It is not a call to silence every dissenting voice. It is also not meant to suppress all disagreements over minor doctrinal matters. Instead, it is a call to be vigilant. We must guard against those who fundamentally oppose the core tenets of the faith. These individuals sow discord within the body of Christ. Paul’s distinction is important; he doesn’t categorize every disagreement as divisive. He highlights that divisive individuals undermine the very foundations of Christian truth. The “obstacles” they create aren’t merely preferences or secondary matters but are fundamentally opposed to apostolic doctrine.

In a church setting, opinions on practices or preferences may differ. However, Paul’s imperative is clear. The primary goal is to safeguard the church’s doctrinal integrity. Paul emphasizes this principle in another part. He says, “If anyone preaches a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed” (Galatians 1:9, ESV). Unity is a precious and valuable asset that deserves protection. Achieving it necessitates adherence to sound teaching. Without a shared foundation of truth, unity becomes fragile and ultimately loses its significance.

So here is the question. How do we ...

Identify Divisive Individuals

We can be thankful that Paul actually tells us how to identify these people. We can first identify them by their methods. They use two primary weapons to cause division.

The first is smooth talk (χρηστολογία).

The second is flattery (εὐλογία).

These individuals often present themselves as champions of unity. Yet, they simultaneously undermine the foundations of faith. Solomon wisely observed this: "Some people consider themselves clean. However, they are not washed of their filth" (Proverbs 30:12).

Secondly, these divisive people can be identified by their motivations. Paul exposes their true nature by identifying them as those who serve "their own appetites" rather than Christ. This echoes Peter's warning about false teachers who "follow their own sinful desires" (2 Peter 2:10). Such individuals are driven by selfish ambition. They prioritize personal advancement over the glory of God. Their motivation is not to serve Christ or build up the church. Instead, they pursue their own interests, often seeking influence, recognition, or power. To protect the weaker brethren and maintain the church's spiritual health, leadership must confront these individuals. If necessary, they should be disciplined according to Scripture’s guidelines (cf. Matthew 18:15-17). This ensures the church’s integrity and unity, preventing those who seek discord for personal gain.

A Call to Wisdom and Innocence

Paul's message to the Roman Christians is both a commendation and a caution. He acknowledges their obedience, which is well-known, and expresses his joy over them. Yet, he emphasizes vigilance. He urges them to be "wise about what is good." He also encourages them to be "innocent about what is evil" (Romans 16:19, ESV). This exhortation highlights the importance of discernment in distinguishing truth from error. It encourages believers to remain separate from practices that lead to moral and spiritual compromise.

Paul tempers his warning with an affirmation: “For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil” (Romans 16:19, ESV). He is aware of the threats ahead. He emphasizes that the responsibility to guard the church against divisive influences lies heavily on church leaders. Elders and pastors must discern and, when necessary, discipline those who threaten the unity and doctrinal purity of the congregation. This is an act of pastoral care, not authoritarianism. Paul writes in Acts 20:28-30, urging leaders to "pay careful attention…to care for the church of God." Church leaders, likened to shepherds, must protect their flock from wolves, ensuring the church’s integrity and unity.

Church leaders act as shepherds of God's flock. They have a solemn responsibility to protect the community. This protection is from those who seek to disrupt it. Paul’s exhortation to "keep away from them" (ἐκκλίνατε) demands decisive action. This may include clear theological instruction, loving confrontation, and, when necessary, church discipline. This responsibility is underscored by the need to be "wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil" (Romans 16:19). It emphasizes discernment in judgments. Leaders must strike a balance. They must act decisively against clear doctrinal threats while embodying humility and adherence to scriptural principles. This involves patience and awareness of the subtleties of false teaching, which can often appear as “truth adjacent.”

Paul’s pastoral instruction serves as a timeless reminder for congregations to remain vigilant. Church leaders, as shepherds, have the responsibility to protect the sheep from “wolves” (Matthew 7:15, ESV). Jesus warned about “false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing.” Similarly, Paul reminds the church to stay firm in sound doctrine. This guards against influences that could lead believers astray. By doing so, they protect the flock and preserve the church's purity and unity. This ensures the church remains committed to the truth of the gospel.

In today's ecclesiastical climate, doctrine is often sacrificed for false unity. Paul's exhortation is urgent. The rise of progressive Christianity, the prosperity gospel, and theological liberalism requires vigilance and courage. Paul emphasizes that church leaders must guard against divisive influences. Elders and pastors must discern and discipline when necessary. This is an act of pastoral care, not authoritarianism. Leaders are like shepherds who must protect their flock from wolves. Paul underscores this duty in Acts 20:28-30, urging leaders to "pay careful attention…to care for the church of God." Church leaders must ensure the community stays true to the gospel. This preserves both its unity and doctrinal integrity.

Reflection and Application

If Paul were to write to our churches today, what might he say? Would he commend our outreach efforts and our commitment to truth? Or would he need to address those who stray from sound doctrine? As we consider these questions, let's focus on building a church environment marked by peace and unity. This must be firmly rooted in the gospel truth. We must stay vigilant, ready to defend the faith once entrusted to the saints (Jude 1:3). Our fellowship should remain vibrant and faithful.

We must remember that the apostle who valued Christian fellowship also stressed the importance of doctrinal integrity. These goals are not in conflict. They are unified expressions of true biblical faithfulness. We work to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:3). We must also be diligent in defending the faith once for all entrusted to the saints (Jude 3).

May the Lord grant us wisdom as we navigate these waters. We must always remember that true biblical unity can only exist where truth is cherished and protected.

Soli Deo Gloria

Finding Hope Through Scripture’s Enduring Wisdom

by Josh Monda | Nov 3, 2024 | Christianity, Church, Theology

Romans 15:4 (ESV)

4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

The Enduring Legacy of the Old Testament

Examining Romans 15:4 reveals Paul’s unwavering affirmation of the Old Testament’s crucial role in the Christian life. Despite dismissive views like that of Henry Ford’s infamous assertion that “all history is bunk,” the Apostle Paul emphasizes how God uses history as a grand tapestry to unveil His nature and plan of salvation. Joshua 1:8 reinforces this, urging believers to keep the “Book of the Law” constantly in their minds, meditating on it diligently and to faithfully adhere to its teachings. Paul underscores the enduring value of the Old Testament Scriptures, countering modern cynicism that often dismisses history as mere academic study. He proclaims that history, manifested through God’s revelation in Scripture, is God’s intended medium for revealing Himself and His redemptive purposes. Unlike abstract concepts, God’s communication is deeply intertwined with real historical events and everyday life, reminding us of His presence, reliability, and faithfulness. Understanding Paul’s words in Romans 15:4 invites us to appreciate the sovereign purpose God demonstrates through this divine revelation. We recognize that our Lord deliberately chose the historical narrative of Scripture to unveil His redemptive plan.

The Call to Study: More Than Head Knowledge

For many, the concept of deep, doctrinal study may seem daunting or even unnecessary. We hear believers say, “I’m not interested in studying doctrine; I want something practical—news I can use. I don’t need head knowledge.” However, a true grasp of biblical teaching is not detached from practical life but serves as its very foundation. Proverbs 2:6 states, “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” Doctrine is not dry intellectualism; it is the deep well of wisdom from which we draw strength and clarity for our daily walk.

Studying Scripture carefully does not always yield instant answers for immediate problems, yet it grants us profound insight into the eternal truths that underpin our lives. Through this wisdom, we develop a firm foundation that equips us to endure life’s trials. The Scriptures provide hope—not by offering quick fixes, but by immersing us in God’s enduring truth.

Endurance and Encouragement in Times of Discouragement

The Scriptures are filled with examples of God’s faithfulness and with teachings that guide our hearts toward perseverance. In times of weariness or discouragement, God’s Word gives us both encouragement and endurance. The psalmist writes, “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him” (Psalm 42:11). When Paul speaks of Scripture’s power to instill hope, he emphasizes that it does so by steadying our souls through all circumstances. This hope does not fade; it enables us to remain steadfast, knowing that God’s promises are sure.

When we experience despair or feel our courage ebbing away, it is frequently a sign that we are ignoring the inspiration and guidance of Scripture. Hope and endurance are like twin pillars in the Christian life: hope provides a vision for a future rooted in God’s promises, while endurance steadies us in the present journey. Together, they transform our outlook, giving us patience amid life’s difficulties and keeping despair at bay.

God, Our Divine Instructor

The idea that God Himself desires to be our teacher should amaze us. Jesus invited His disciples to “come and learn from me” (Matthew 11:29). We often invest substantial time and resources in worldly education, seminars, and self-help resources, yet the Lord, in His grace, offers the deepest wisdom freely through His Word. As our Divine Instructor, He teaches us with patience, guiding us toward lasting joy, hope, and faithfulness.

Unlike earthly instruction, which can be riddled with error, God’s teaching is perfect and unchanging. His wisdom does not fail, and His Word does not return void (Isaiah 55:11). In the pages of Scripture, we find all we need for a life that is both pleasing to God and deeply fulfilling. This instruction is invaluable, not just for temporary success but for eternal life.

Living Coram Deo: Embodying Scriptural Truth

I love how R.C. Sproul puts it when he talks about The Christian life is lived coram Deo—before the face of God. To live coram Deo means to bring every thought, word, and action under the authority of God’s truth. In our study of Scripture, we should always seek ways to embody the truths we learn. James reminds us, “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (James 1:22). The goal of Bible study is not merely to gain knowledge, but to allow that knowledge to shape our character, guide our decisions, and bring glory to God in every aspect of our lives.

As we deepen our understanding of Scripture, we are called to apply its wisdom to our daily walk. By studying doctrine, we are not just learning abstract truths but are being shaped into people who reflect God’s character. In this, we bring greater honor to our Lord, living in a way that is both obedient and joyful.

Hope Through the Endurance of the Scriptures

The Scriptures were written for our instruction, endurance, and encouragement, to grant us hope in all seasons. In a world that often casts history aside as “bunk,” we know from the testimony of Scripture that God has worked through time and history to reveal Himself to us. By studying His Word, we are given a path to walk faithfully, a light to guide us, and a hope that sustains us. Let us, therefore, approach the Word of God with reverence and eagerness, knowing that through it, God Himself instructs, encourages, and equips us for the life He has called us to live.

Beyond Strength and Power: The Triumph of Light in Middle-earth

by Josh Monda | Oct 20, 2024 | Light in Darkness

In watching The Rings of Power on Amazon, I was captivated by a pivotal moment that echoed the deeper, timeless themes J.R.R. Tolkien wove into his legendarium. In the scene, Celebrimbor, who now realizes Annatar is truly the Dark Lord Sauron, tries to protect the Rings of Men by hiding them. He tells Galadriel that he will stay behind to distract Sauron, giving her a chance to escape with the Rings. At this crucial juncture, Celebrimbor, once seduced by darkness, shares profound words that will not only shape Galadriel’s actions but will resonate throughout the future of Middle-earth. His wisdom, rooted in enduring truths, foreshadows the aid that Frodo Baggins, the unlikely hero, will later receive.

In this moment, Celebrimbor speaks a truth that will one day find its way to Frodo. His words are a testament to the belief that it is not through might, but through hope, love, and light, that the greatest darkness can be overcome. These intangible virtues are more powerful than any weapon or strength. Later, this same light, symbolized by the phial Galadriel gifts to Frodo, will illuminate his path when all other lights seem to fade, helping him when his strength alone would have failed.

Eregion is in ruins, reduced to ash as Galadriel laments her failure, apologizing to Celebrimbor for bringing Sauron into their midst. “I am sorry I brought him here. I’m sorry I was not stronger,” she confesses. But Celebrimbor, standing amidst the destruction and death of everything he has known, offers a greater truth. He tells her, “Neither of us were strong enough. There might not be anyone in Middle-earth who is. But perhaps the elves need only remember that it is not strength that overcomes darkness, but light. Armies may rise, hearts may fail, yet still light endures, and is mightier than strength. For in its presence, all darkness must flee.”

This message is more than just an acknowledgment of physical weakness; it is a profound spiritual truth. In Tolkien’s world, much like in the Christian faith, darkness cannot be defeated by brute force or strength alone. Rather, it is the presence of light—symbolic of grace, hope, and divine love—that dispels evil. Galadriel will carry Celebrimbor’s words with her throughout the ages. She will recall them when, thousands of years later, she meets Frodo Baggins, the bearer of the One Ring. When the darkness of Sauron once again threatens to engulf Middle-earth, Galadriel does not give Frodo a weapon to fight with. She gives him light—specifically, the Phial of Galadriel, which contains the light of Eärendil’s star. “May it be a light to you in dark places, when all other lights go out,” she says, echoing Celebrimbor’s ancient wisdom.

This scene is a powerful reflection of a core truth in Christianity. The Bible tells us in John 1:5 that “the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” Just as the light of Eärendil pierces the darkness for Frodo, so too does the light of Christ shine in a world darkened by sin. Darkness, no matter how strong it may seem, cannot stand against the light. In Tolkien’s world, the darkness of Sauron and Morgoth seeks to snuff out all light, just as sin seeks to overwhelm humanity. Yet, like Celebrimbor’s wisdom and the light of the Elves, Christians believe that Christ is the light of the world, and His light is far more powerful than any force of darkness.

Galadriel’s journey is also a reflection of the Christian theme of redemption. Throughout much of Tolkien’s work, Galadriel has struggled with her own pride, her desire for power, and her rejection of the light of Valinor. She, like all of us, has been tempted by darkness. In the same way that humans in Christian teaching are fallen, Galadriel turned away from the light for a time. But in this moment with Celebrimbor, she is reminded that redemption is not found in strength or power but in the light—a light that transcends all darkness. And years later, she will pass this understanding on to Frodo, just as Christ passed on His light to His followers, instructing them to be “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14).

Ultimately, the theme of light versus darkness that permeates The Lord of the Rings mirrors the biblical narrative of Christ’s triumph over sin and death. In Tolkien’s mythology, Morgoth, the original Dark Lord, sought to extinguish the light of the world. He even tried to destroy the great lamps created by the Valar to bring light to Middle-earth. This echoes the biblical story of Satan, the adversary, who seeks to corrupt and darken God’s creation. Yet, just as Fëanor captured the light of the Two Trees in the Silmarils, preserving it for future generations, so too did God’s light remain present in the world, even after the fall.

Galadriel, who once fled from the light, is eventually able to embrace it. When she meets Frodo, she is no longer the same elf who was consumed by hatred and ambition. She has learned, through the wisdom passed down from Celebrimbor and her own journey, that it is not power or strength that will save Middle-earth—it is the enduring light of hope. In the same way, the Christian message teaches that salvation is not achieved through human effort or might but through the grace of God, who is Himself light.

Celebrimbor’s words, passed down through Galadriel, remind us of a truth that Tolkien infused into his work: darkness cannot overcome light. It is not by strength or power that evil is defeated, but by the enduring, unquenchable light of love and hope. This light, which guided Frodo in his darkest moments, is a reflection of the ultimate light—the light of Christ, which shines in the darkness and will never be extinguished.