Naming Names – Is it Biblical?  (Part 2 of 3)<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />
By Todd Tomasella
We readily gather here that naming names is an integral part of real New Testament ministry and those who obey can like this apostle of Jesus, be confident that they have completely fulfilled the will of God – "I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown." In this text, the Holy Ghost says that the LORD is a "righteous judge." I believe that those who mark deceivers in obedience to divine mandate are going to be rewarded eternally for such obedience. "
We see clearly here that fighting the good fight and finishing our course involves and includes marking deceivers.
Naming names must never be done recklessly or out of a personal vendetta, but only according to the Word and in the Spirit for the glory of God and protection of His beloved people. "
Men of God today are mandated to do the same, yet only by the revelation of the Word of God. Marking people is commanded in the Bible (Rom. 16:17-18). If a public leader is teaching people falsehood, he is to be confronted and exposed. The fruit of truly repenting of teaching something that contradicts God's Word is that the leader will publicly amend his way and doctrine.
"Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth (remains) not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God." 2 John 9
Those leaders who refuse to expose lies clearly reveal that they are operating in ministry for themselves and not God. They are not protecting God's sheep and are thereby disobeying the LORD. Identifying falsehoods and at times the people teaching them, is a protective measure to keep God's people from being spoiled/deceived (Col. 1:27-2:8).
By the way, this Bible topic like all others, does not hinge upon what you or I think should be done - BUT UPON WHAT THE LORD HAS CLEARLY TOLD US. So it is time to die to the self-life and all of its emotional affinities and sediments and just DO the Word.
"For what if some did not believe? Shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar... " Romans 3:3-4
Note, "Let God be true, but every man (including ourselves) a liar... "
"What makes people get upset when names of deceivers are mentioned? It's biblical, so what are they stirred about? Are the scalded dogs barking? Are those who have made idols of these mere sinful men covering for them? What's at stake?
Saints, naming names is a divine mandate. It's time to catch up with truth and begin to walk in it."
Taking offense because certain ministries name the false doctrine in the church world or even the names of false leaders just may be a matter of the heart. Perhaps we need to look within and beg the LORD to search us out (Ps 139:23-24).
What does God say about this? Who are we truly worshipping? Whom do we fear? Who do we seek to please? Upon whom are our affections set?
If a person gets upset because their favorite limelight leader or pet pastor or prophet is identified by name as false, perhaps that person has an unnatural soul tie to that leader and his ministry. Is this not idolatry of the heart?
"Woe to the idol shepherd..." Zechariah 11:17
Friend, God's kingdom is all about Jesus Christ and His eternal, unchanging Word, not any mere man or group of men (Mk. 13:31).
"I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images." Isaiah 42:8
WHY SOME DON'T WANT TO EXPOSE
Could it be self-preservation? What is it that is behind the refusal to dispense God's truth after He has clearly instructed us to do such? And on top of that, why do some who fear men and therefore refuse to expose, exude an air of spiritual pride as if they are being "loving" by allowing people to remain under the dark shadow of false teaching? How perverse a picture is this?
Could it be that these are cloaking pride and self-preservation behind a pseudo "love"? God's pure love speaks the truth – (Eph. 4:15).
"He that speaketh truth showeth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit." Proverbs 12:17
 
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