Don't Touch the Lord's Anointed!
Let Us Reason Ministries - http://www.letusreason.org/Pent47.htm
By Chris Good - http://www.rbc.org.nz/library/anointed.htm
"Don't touch the Lord's anointed!" is a common cry levelled against people who are trying to uphold Scripture by testing their leaders' teaching and practice against the Word. However, if this is a valid defence - why do we never see the Apostle or other leaders of the New Testament churches resorting to this argument? Is it possible that this phrase is being misused to justify an authoritarian leadership?
The Old Testament context shows that 'not to touch the Lord's anointed' consistently refers to protection from physical harm and never implies freedom from criticism or accountability.
In the New Testament all God's people are 'anointed' to serve as prophets, priests and kings, by virtue of their union with Christ - the 'Anointed One' (ie: 'Messiah' {Hebrew} or 'Christ' {Greek}) - Prophet, Priest and King supreme! (2 Corinthians 1:21-22; 1 John 2:20-21) This outpouring of the Spirit to all is one of the great blessings of the New Covenant.
True shepherds with a Biblical attitude will seek to serve and build up the flock and not force people into submission (1 Peter 5:1-3). Part of the role of overseers is to uphold the Truth (Acts 20:27-29; 2 Tim 4:1-5; Titus 1:5-9). The Apostles themselves commended those who tested their teaching against the Scriptures (Acts 17:11). Biblical leadership is not afraid of honest criticism - indeed even welcomes and expects it. A leader's response to valid criticism is often the test of the genuineness of their character.
To read the entire study, click HERE & HERE or go to http://www.letusreason.org/Pent47.htm
http://www.rbc.org.nz/library/anointed.htm
Peter, Paul and John did a lot of judging the Biblical way. Every second epistle written is a judgment on false teaching explaining the truth by refuting the error. In 2 Timothy 2:17 he warns of the heresies of two men by name. Later in the same epistle (4:10), Paul judges by warning them about a man named Demas. Paul did a lot of judging and evaluating when it came to false teachers. Remember this is inspired by the Holy Spirit; therefore we have a mandate to judge false doctrine. In the epistle to the Hebrews 5:14 tells us that mature believers, those who are of “full age,” are those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern (judge) both good and evil.” It takes time to learn and grow in discernment; it is those who are babes, immature hold the position that we can’t judge. Think about it.
We are not to sit idly by when we see personal spiritual revelations change God’s Word. If men and women cannot hold to the core doctrines and instead make up new revelations or interpret the Scripture from their dreams, visions, visitations from angels or saints we are to point out this is unbiblical teaching. This is what the Bible says, “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” (Titus 1:9). It's not opinion, its not chasing down a certain person because of any dislike, its a Bible doctrine that we are to practice. Those who see the error are to remove themselves from those who teach it. “Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them” (Rom 16:17). If you say you love the Lord lets see it by obeying Him on this matter.
God has given us objective truth to live by. He has not made the truth so vague and open ended that it becomes a matter of anyone’s interpretation, the bible is not an open-ended book. He has given us clear-cut instructions that are valid and applicable today. God gave us an objective means to know and walk with Him, by living out His written Word. The sheep hear the voice of the Shepherd found in the Word, not in new words that men claim God gave them. The sheep will be drawn to the Word if they have any questions. When someone says they are “anointed” or “led by the Spirit” but consistently teach contrary to the Word in its accurate context, you can be assured that they’re not being led by His Spirit delivering truth. This is especially important on the core doctrines. This of course does mean we must be able to teach perfectly every time. What I’m trying to convey is that it takes time to study, labor and gain spiritual understanding of the Word correctly, that is our goal. When someone distorts and butchers the word, changing or discarding its meaning, then we can safely assume they have not spent time in the word, they do not care, or should not be teaching . When it gets bad enough, harmful enough, its time to speak up to protect the babes, the immature and the naïve from eating poison food. The only alternative is to address the public of already circulated false teaching that is undermining foundational tenets of our faith. We are supposed to be our brother’s keeper, some are to watch over the Church. To ignore this is to have their blood on our hands (Acts 20:26), to warn them shows the same love and concern that Christ has. It's a matter of love and truth that people do the research to see if what is said is so.
