This document discusses how Christians can unintentionally strengthen the hands of the wicked by undermining or hindering the truth. It gives examples of how apologizing for or criticizing truthful teachings that rebuke sin can hinder the spread of truth. The document warns that failing to clearly define sin and apply scriptural teachings can blur the lines between right and wrong.

1. STRENGTHEN THE HANDS
OF THE WICKED
www.HebronChurchOfChrist.com
Adapted from L.R. Hafley

2. STRENGTHEN THE HANDS
OF THE WICKED
Citizens who materially undermine
our national security
are considered traitors or collaborators
with the enemy
 Military secrets
 Technology transfer
 Speech that demoralizes the troops

3. STRENGTHEN THE HANDS
OF THE WICKED
Children of God can be traitors too,
Eze. 13:22
 Claim it is not evil, but good
 Act regardless of the destruction
 Tarnish their reputation

4. STRENGTHEN THE HANDS
OF THE WICKED

5. STRENGTHEN THE HANDS
OF THE WICKED
Solomon warned his son, Prov. 1:10-14
 They run to evil, Prov. 1:15, 16
 Destroy their lives, Prov. 1:17-19

6. STRENGTHEN THE HANDS
OF THE WICKED
Blurs the line between right and wrong
 Man who had his father’s wife, 1 Cor. 5:1
 Ananias & Sapphira, Acts 5:1, 2, 11
 Need to stand out as lights, Phil. 2:15, 16

7. STRENGTHEN THE HANDS
OF THE WICKED
We are warned not to envy the wicked,
Prov. 23:17: 24:1, 2
 See their success & pleasure
 Don’t see what’s wrong with it
 Blinded because we want it

8. STRENGTHEN THE HANDS
OF THE WICKED
We don’t have to be involved in the sin
to uphold it, Acts 7:58; 22:20
 Don’t drink, but defend it
 Don’t gamble, but defend it
 Don’t tell dirty jokes, but laugh at them
 Don’t curse, but watch movie full of it

9. STRENGTHEN THE HANDS
OF THE WICKED
Men help sin when they hinder truth
 Elymas, Acts 13:6-8
 Jews, Acts 13:44-46
 Diotrephes, 3 Jn. 9-11
 Paul’s critics, 2 Cor. 10:10, 11

10. STRENGTHEN THE HANDS
OF THE WICKED
Apologies & criticism of truth hinders it
 Apologies to denominational friends
for teaching done on:
‣ Baptism, Mk. 16:16
‣ One Church, Eph. 4:4
‣ Instrumental music, Eph. 5:19

11. STRENGTHEN THE HANDS
OF THE WICKED
Apologies & criticism of truth hinders it
 Criticize preacher for:
‣ Refuting error, Jude 3
‣ Naming names, 2 Tim. 4:14, 15
‣ Defining sin & application, Eph. 5:11

12. STRENGTHEN THE HANDS
OF THE WICKED
Apologies & criticism of truth hinders it
 Typically hiding sin or have an agenda