Robert McLaughlin Bible Ministries
The arrogance of independence and the Biblical reasons why we need each other.
Sunday, May 6, 2001
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
1. The tendency to react to those who are not serious about their relationship with God.
2. The danger of becoming familiar with God’s people.
3. There is also the danger of thinking that you are being overlooked in the local assembly and not being promoted.
4. The danger of sentimentality toward family or friends.
Spiritual maturity is no guarantee of spiritual victory.
To stay away from people and try to grow spiritually by yourself is a direct violation of EPH 4:11-16; 1CO 12:4-30; ROM 12:4-8.
We need each other.
Euodia and Syntyche were women who had teamed up with Paul in the dissemination of the Gospel and Bible doctrine.
ECC 4:9-10 “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. “For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up.”
ECC 4:11-12 “Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm {alone?} “And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three {strands} is not quickly torn apart.”
Paul said he needed others, 2CO 11:9; PHI 2:25.
REV 3:17 “I have need of nothing,”
(TLB) 1CO 12:7 “The Holy Spirit displays God’s power through each of us as a means of helping the entire church.”
(NKJ) 1CO 12:7 “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:”
No matter how insignificant a spiritual gift may appear to you or to others, it is essential in the function of the body of Christ.
The arrogance of independence is a very subtle form of arrogance.