How are you on postmodernism? If you don't know what I mean by this word, then you have quite a bit of homework to do. And if you don't know the term that probably means you have ascribed to it without realizing it.
It is the current societal mode of thinking that is moving through our church culture today. I don't know about the secular world, and really, it doesn't bother me. It bothers me when it comes out of the mouth of a Christian.
Why?
Because it allows things like this to be taken seriously, "If the Bible doesn't forbid it, then it most be permissive." "It was written in the old testament and Jesus established the new testament so it doesn't apply."
On the surface, these statements seem ok, but go deeper and they tell a serious story.
First, this type of thinking is flawed. Let me give you an example.
The Bible doesn't forbid ____________(fill in the blank) so it must be ok. Usually when this is stated, it is in reference to the new testament. Take something simple, say how you dress.
The scripture doesn't say you can't wear blue jeans. Why? Well for one, they were not invented yet. It doesn't say woment can't wear them or men either. So, you could say that is permitted. Ok. You can. But the scripture does say a lot about modesty when it comes to dress and then you have example and command.
The postmoderinlist will say, well what is modest? Who defines it? It is the person's descision to decide what is/isn't modest .
No, not really. It is God's decision.
And those who don't like that will argue with you forever about it. (this is another post topic, stay tuned). I hope this little bit gives you a clue here.
Let's s take another example. Say, something in worship. The new testament doesn't forbid several things in worship. So people say, we can do that! Ok, let's offer up sacrifices!
No, no they will say, that is o.t. stuff and Jesus did away with that....do you get it? How the thinking went? (Actually we do offer up sacrifices when we worship, and if we don't think we don't couldn't that be part of the problem?)
Finally, to keep this short (more on later posts), let's let God to the talking.

For everything that was written long ago was written for our instruction, so that we might have hope through the endurance and encouragement that the Scriptures give us.
(Romans 15:4)

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,
(2 Timothy 3:16)

Next time we look at the question, Where will this all lead?

But they will not get very far because, as in the case of those two men, their stupidity will be plain to everyone.
(2 Timothy 3:9)

While this verse really doesn't apply, it does remind me of bad drivers. How many times have you been cut off by someone (cut off means the drive right around you, pull over right in front of you, almost hitting you)? It usually brings a response like "look out!" or "what were you thinking!". Well, at least from me. This is a bad driver. Or maybe a angry driver? And then, to add topping to the fright cake, the driver immediately exits the road.
That is when I look back in my rear view mirror and notice that there is no one else behind me!
So what gives?
Then I go to service and I hear this example: "When someone cuts you off, how do you react?" and I proceed to get dressed down about being a "Christian Example" to the other driver. What other driver? He or she blew by me and came just this close (hold up two fingers 1 inch apart) of removing my family from the highway. He never noticed.
But, if the above verse really did apply here, I love the first part of the verse....they will not get very far...great!
And that is so true of just about everything isn't it?
The verse is actually talking about people who oppose the truth, the gospel. and how Paul confronts these people: "But you have observed my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, my faith, my patience, my love, my endurance, "(2 Timothy 3:10)
Paul really let's them have, by living like Jesus.
So the question here is this-what example are you living today? Can you oppose those who oppose the truth?
And finally, can you bear the cost?
and my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. What persecutions I endured! Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them.
(2 Timothy 3:11)
Can you bear being the example, like Paul bore the example?