Bible Thoughts October 31, 1999
“But if any seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God”(I Corinthians 11:16).
The apostle had been dealing with the wearing of a veil during the assemblies of the church. There were those who believed the wearing of a veil(covering) in the assembly was binding upon women during their worship. Paul is pointing out the appropriate behavior for the service of God. His statement deals with the attitude of those involved. The conclusion was that one was not to be contentious about his position on the matter. If local custom was followed, that is all right. If one does not wear the veil, that is all right as well. One is not to bind a personal opinion upon the other.
The apostle mentions the word “contentious" in this passage. "The American Heritage Dictionary says this word means, “Given to contention; quarrelsome.” There were some at Corinth of this nature. Paul is pointing out that such is not the way for the Christian. Since the days of the apostles, there have been those who are “quarrelsome” over various matters that are discussed in the Lord’s church.
Some are “quarrelsome” over matters of opinion that matter little in regard to one’s salvation. There have been extended discussions over such positions that had nothing to do with whether one is acceptable to God or not. It is wise to examine what one believes in regard to what the scriptures actually teach rather than what one thinks the scriptures approve. If, in fact, what one contends for is nothing but a matter of opinion, why make a problem over it? Paul was teaching that a woman could wear a veil in that day or one could refuse to wear such and both be acceptable. A woman might believe that a “covering” of sorts(as a hat) is necessary. Another might believe that it does not matter. Let both be assured in their own mind. One lady who wears a hat does not affect one who does not. Each can hold their position without being contentious. One was not to bind his/her opinion upon another.
Note: Any opinion must have a scriptural basis. It must first be proven that the position does not violate the plain teaching of scripture, then it may be expressed as an opinion. Example: a person might believe that, to be pleasing in God's sight, one must not wear makeup. If one believes such, they may practice it without binding it upon others. When the individual who avoids the makeup begins to insist upon every woman, in order to please God, must not wear such, that person is in the wrong. One may satisfy an individual conscience without binding a personal opinion upon other Christians.
The opposite of that is the one who contends for a position that is unscriptural, but classifies it as an opinion. An individual may contend that church support of human institutions built by brethren is merely an opinion. Hardly. There is no passage that would hint at justifying such a position. Church support of human institutions that are built by brethren is an unscriptural use of the Lord's money (and, a violation of the organization and function of the church) since there is no passage that would approve such a practice.
The use of a mechanical instrument of music in the worship of the saints is not a matter of opinion. There is an increasing push of this practice among those churches that promote church support of human institutions. The Lord said SING(Ephesians 5:19) and that word DOES NOT include the instrument. Therefore, the use of instrumental music in worship IS NOT authorized in the New Testament.
It is wise to consider the following:
1. All opinions are to be based upon the scripture.
2. No opinion is to conflict with the plain teaching of the scriptures.
3. No opinion is to be bound upon other Christians; opinions arise from human conclusions.
4. No opinion is to be pressed upon others to the dividing of the body of Christ.
5. Almost everyone, if not everyone, has an opinion that is based upon one's study of the scripture.
Always keep opinions in their proper place. Do not force one's opinion upon others. Do not become contentious in regard to one's own thinking and conclusions. Always search the scriptures to find the whole truth on any religious matters. The sum total of what the Bible teaches on any subject is God's will on the matter.
Let us follow the advice of Paul and always contend for what the Bible teaches and not be contentious about our personal opinions, and, certainly, do not contend for anything that cannot be justified by the word of God.
Jude said it well, "Beloved, while I was giving all diligence to write unto you of our common salvation, I was constrained to write unto you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered unto the saints"(Jude 3). When one contends for the faith, he is not contentious. When one contends for his personal opinion and binds it upon others, he is contentious. When one teaches anything that is not based on the scriptures, binding it upon others, he is contentious. The church has had a host of quarrelsome folks over the years. They have divided churches, discouraged brethren, and created problems among the saints. A quarrelsome person is a hindrance to the work of the Lord's church.
When one contends for the faith and can sustain his/her position by the word of God, such a disciple is following the paths of righteousness and has the respect of all Christians. May each of us cultivate an attitude that will please God in our standing for the truth, contending only for the faith that God has revealed.