[POLEMICS: PUBLIC OR PRIVATE (PART 10)]
‘Now Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah went near and struck Micaiah on the cheek, and said, “Which way did the spirit from the Lord go from me to speak to you?” And Micaiah said, “Indeed, you shall see on that day when you go into an inner chamber to hide!”’ (1 Kings 22:24-25, NKJV)
My goal in this series has been to establish that polemics is acceptable. Put plainly, I want to establish that public correction of false doctrine is right. If you have followed us so far, I hope this point has been made convincingly from the Bible. Today, I want us to look at reasons why polemics is not so popular.
Polemics is unpopular because it appears to condemn fellow Christians (even men of God) and spark rivalry. Apart from the offensiveness of truth, the reason for Zedekiah’s anger pops up in his words. “Which way did the spirit from the Lord go from me to speak to you?”
Implicit in Zedekiah’s reaction are these questions;
a. Do you mean I am not a man of God?
b. Do you mean you are more anointed than me?
c. Do you hear from God better than me?
d. Do you mean the Spirit of God has left me?
e. How dare you?
People who speak against polemics raise similar questions. The polemist is asked: Who do you think you are? Do you know how long I have done this work? Are you more anointed than me/him/her? How many souls have you won? You think I have achieved all these without the Spirit of God? The Spirit of God has left me for you? What do you mean?
Meanwhile, polemics does not always condemn affected teachers as apostates. Only sometimes. Micaiah’s response suggested that the Spirit had not left Zedekiah altogether. If he sought God, he would find the truth. Similarly, polemics does not always write teachers off. Their works are not always rubbished. What God accomplishes through corrected teachers is still intact after a polemic touch. Polemics is interested in bringing even the false teacher to true knowledge, not merely condemning them. It is about the Word of God!
Secondly, Zedekiah confused Micaiah for a rival and became competitive. His question implied; “Are you a better prophet than me? How long have you been in this ministry? Do you know when we started? Do you know my track record?” Polemics is opposed by many because they also confuse it for rivalry and jealousy. Indeed, these questions are also asked by the followers of affected preachers. They question the questioner’s right to question their prominent men and women, especially when the polemist is younger, less experienced and less educated.
This attitude comes from a misunderstanding of polemics. I do not contest the possibility that rivalry inspires some “polemic” work. But in principle, the attitude stems from misunderstanding. Micaiah was not there to compete. In fact, he was invited after Jehoshaphat pressed King Ahab for another prophet. He also hesitated. Then he spoke what God showed him.
Micaiah’s reaction to Zedekiah’s slap and question also proved that he was not there to compete with the other prophets. Is it possible that your opposition towards public correction is similar to Zedekiah’s? Is it possible that polemists have a good level of humility, gentleness and grace? Is it possible that your opposition to their work stems from a misunderstanding? Maybe, the polemist is simply doing their work. Maybe, you are offended because you don’t understand that they have no intention to compete with the Papa or Mama you love. Just like Zedekiah, the truth may have offended you, it’s not the polemist.
The Word of God cuts. We must humbly embrace correction from the Word of God. What was happening there was not about Micaiah. It was about God. When you view polemics through the vessel, you may see a young/old, amateur, less educated, poor grammar-speaking rival with only 10 followers. When you go to your inner chamber, I hope you see God. We must respect the Word of God, whoever it comes through. And we must obey the Spirit of God, no matter who He speaks through. Zedekiah should have known that God’s Spirit could indeed speak through a prophet other than him. He should have known that he was a fallible man. He should have listened carefully, activated his “inner chamber” momentarily and perhaps received enough signaling from God that he could be wrong. Hopefully, this happens with us even if it takes time.
Polemics is controversial because of the condemnation and rivalry that comes and/or seems to come with it. However, this is not always the intent of polemics. All we ask is a correction of stance. We ask that inaccurate teachings be readjusted to suit the Bible. Otherwise, any man who continues to teach falsehood must be avoided, especially when it has salvific or other serious consequences. Yes, in that case, a blacklist is in order. Polemics is done in the interest of healthy Christian living and eternal life. Blacklisting is acceptable where necessary. The primary goal, however, is to uphold sound doctrine. It is not rivalry! We are not competing!
No, Micaiah is not trying to be famous, too; loved, too; revered, too; politically connected, too. Polemists are not competing for the best Bible teacher awards. They may not subscribe to your rankings of clergy and laity. They may have no rankings, except of a perfect God above and fallible men below. Micaiah respected Ahab and Jehoshaphat. But speaking from God, the revered among men are mere mortals nonetheless. He seemed to have some respect for Zedekiah and his colleagues. But the assignment is to speak God’s word!
From the ground perspective, buildings differ in height. When you travel up high and look, they are all flat and tiny. The polemist speaks from the perspective of the King of kings. They respect the Papa/Mama, but they bow to the Sovereign LORD alone (the One who cannot lie), especially in the declaration of doctrine. They speak His Word, God’s Word.
Any affected position is casualty. Polemists are good friends with apologists. But they can both appear unapologetic about such necessary casualties because the glory of the Master is the principal concern. Sometimes (and it is advised because there are beloved persons involved), they will express some regret for the preacher or religion which chopped stray or direct bullets because they held on to a targeted falsehood. But it should not be expected that they apologize for gunning monstrous and dangerous fallacies. Many defend their authority on a subject or they defend their Papa/Mama’s anointing, intelligence, pedigree etc. Many defend merely denominational and religious positions. Polemists simply give all the authority back to God and what He has said. It is not, should not, and cannot be our word against God’s word. There is no competition here. When the Word of God speaks, let the Church say, “Amen”. Shalom!
With love,
PDS.