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How to Fight Over Doctrine

3. Remember that you probably held the other position not too long ago.

Nearly all pastors and theologians I know continually refine their theology.

Sure, we may have the “big things” down, but some theological shifting is natural as we learn, grow, and age. For example, if you subscribe to a more Reformed understanding of the “doctrines of grace,” there is a strong chance that you haven’t always stood where you stand now.

The way you present your ideas has a lot to do with how they’re received. Don’t be another “angry Calvinist.” We have enough of them.

4. Pursue humility with the same passion that you pursue clarity.

This may be the most difficult but necessary pursuit of all.

Never forget that studying comes with a built-in occupational hazard: pride. It is so easy to live on the wrong side of 1 Corinthians 8.1b”>1 Corinthians 8:1b: “Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.” As we seek to be diligent in out study, we should seek to be equally diligent in our pursuit of humility.

To this end, I try to devote myself to prayer, re-reading Philippians 2, and reflecting on Jesus’ finished work on the cross. As we see the great humility of Jesus, the Spirit will cultivate greater humility in us as well.

Tim and Ted were great guys, but they fought dirty and both lost. Too often, we fall into the same trap. May God give us the grace today to begin fighting a different fight—with our own sin—so that we fight clean.