9 holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.
those who contradict.
“Contradict” means to speak against. There will always be those who contradict the Word of God. The pastor is to refute the refuters. He is to parlay biblical discernment to believers so that they can also refute the refuters. Polemic against falsity is an important dynamic in Christianity (Ac 20:29-30). God does not want us to ignore false teachers but to confront them with truth.
PRINCIPLE:
The leader must defeat any idea for its falsity in contradicting the Bible.
APPLICATION:
Many philosophies, ethics, and religions oppose Christianity today. Atheism is on the rise again. The Christian pastor must have the ability to speak to these issues.
2 Co 10: 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,
