By Steve A. Hamilton

Introduction:  One of my good friends was relating the quality of sermons that were being given by the preacher in the congregation in which she attends.  The lessons were obviously less then scriptural to which she explained, “Well he often preaches his opinions.”

          That statement troubles me.  It troubles me because Christians are dismissing sermons on the basis of opinions while preachers are giving lessons that are reduced to opinions.   In other words, it doesn’t matter what the preacher says because its his opinion anyway. 

I.  Opinion defined.

          A.  We seem to think opinions are inconsequential thoughts.  We think opinions don’t matter.  Everyone has a right to their own opinions.  So when an opinion is recognized, we permit ourselves to dismiss it if we don’t agree with it.

          B.  What are opinions?  An opinion is “a view, judgment, or appraisal formed in the mind about a particular matter.” [Webster]

          C.  An opinion is what a person holds to be true.   

                   1. When a judge renders his judgment, it is called an opinion.  Does that mean it doesn’t affect us?  Do we think, “that’s his opinion so it doesn’t matter?”

                   2. If opinions can be ignored, then there is no such thing as false teaching.  False teaching would be nothing more then a personal judgment or opinion.

                   3. If we don’t agree on scripture, can we dismiss it as opinion?

II.  Opinion as used in Scripture.

          A.  The Greek word for opinion is “gnome.” 

                   1.  It means opinion, judgment or intention.

                   2.  It is rendered in the N. T. as purposed, decided, judgment, advice, mind and will. 

          B.  The scriptures, as translated, never use the actual word opinion because the context dictates the need for a more descriptive word.

                   1.  Paul decided, purposed, or was of the opinion to return to Macedonia (Acts 20:3).

                   2.  Paul gave his opinion or judgment concerning virgins (1 Cor. 7:25, 40).  Does that mean we can ignore what Paul wrote?

                   3.  Opinions are judgments and we are to have the same judgments (1 Cor. 1:10).  In other words, we should be of the same opinions.

                   4.  Paul gives his opinion as advise to the Corinthians (2 Cor. 8:10-11).  But if they don’t heed his advise, do you think there is no consequence?

                   5.  Paul sought Philemon’s opinion in the form of consent to keep Onesimus with him (Phlm. 14).

                   6.  John says the ten Kings in the book of Revelation are of one opinion or one mind (Rev. 17:13, 17).         

III.  Opinions count!

          A.  From the very beginning, an opinion caused sin (Gen. 3:1-5). 

          B.  Peter expressed his opinion to Jesus (Matt. 16:21-23).  Jesus took his statement seriously!

          C.  Christ was crucified because of opinions of Him (Luke 23:13-25).

          D.  Opinions can have grave consequences.  Do they really not matter?   

IV.  God wants us to learn through the preaching of his word (1 Cor. 1:18-25).

          A.  How many times have you know someone to discount God‘s word because that person said it was your opinion?

          B.  The world might see the teachings that come from the pulpit as opinions, but to the Christian it is the power of God. 

          C.  A preacher constantly expresses his judgment and or opinion in light of the scriptures.  But what if the preacher teaches error?  Can we still excuse it as his opinion?

          D.  If we express our opinion while admitting we could be wrong that is one thing.  But if we teach our opinions, we better be of the same opinions expressed by God’s word.  Otherwise, false teaching is what is being taught and not the truth.

Conclusion:  Everyone has an opinion and opinions are judgments.  They mean the person believes a certain way; right or wrong.  If a Christian expresses an opinion that does not conform to scripture, we should do something about it (2 Tim. 2:24-26).  Opinions do matter!  Let us not dismiss an opinion when we disagree. 

Last modified: 05/02/08