09/20/2024
As several of you are now aware, the news was released today that Dr. Steve Lawson was removed from ministry effective immediately this week due to an inappropriate relationship with a woman (edited to match the statement from his elders at Trinity Bible Church Dallas).
This is heartbreaking on so many levels. For many years, I have greatly appreciated his ministry and he was certainly a mentor of sorts in my striving to become an expositor of Scripture. In my personal belief, I don’t believe there has been an expositor of his level in the 20th century probably since Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones.
So, where does this leave us in our own striving toward holiness? I present a few thoughts in no certain order.
1. Remember we are human as well. This is not to excuse Dr. Lawson, but to remember that we are just as capable of falling into sin given the right opportunity on any given day. We are called to show compassion and Christian love while we pray for those who have caused offense against their own testimony, the testimony of the local church, and against Christ.
2. We have no knowledge of whether this was a momentary lapse of judgment or an on-going situation. To guess is pure speculation and would be sin for each of us. However, of late, situations like this arise (especially in ministry) when there is little to no accountability. This is the reason why the Scriptures stress the high value of a local church being led, governed, and protected by elders.
3. There is grace, mercy, and forgiveness at the foot of the cross. This does not excuse sin, nor do we sin more that grace may abound more (Romans 6).
4. Further, I want us to know that a transgression or sin like this will disqualify a person from on-going ministry, the news does NOT mean we consider Dr. Lawson as an unbeliever! Only God has the right and the ability to ultimately judge the heart. In this case, it appears that he has rightly submitted to the elders of his church and has already sought forgiveness. We would do well to remember the account of King David. Yes, there was a high price to pay for his sin, but he was forgiven by God.
5. There are always multiple sides involved and we should be praying for Godly restoration and healing within the heart, mind, and soul of his family, the family of the lady involved, and with his church.
6. God has used his ministry and I believe will continue to use the teaching materials he has provided through the years. From what we have read and learned, this is not a matter of false teaching, nor does it require any sort of knee-jerk reaction.
7. I am reminded of Dr. Lawson’s series “Men Who Rocked The World” and particularly the account of Samuel Rutherford whose own sexual indiscretion was forgiven and he was used by God for the remainder of his life. My prayer will be that Dr. Lawson and all the material he has produced through fifty years of ministry will be used for the furtherance of the gospel, and that through all of this tragedy and sin that Christ alone will be glorified.
8. The apostle Paul said, “Follow me as I follow Christ.” Too often, people can be lifted up and placed on pedestals. This is dangerous and produces more harm than it does humility. It is a tragic reminder that our eyes and heart and mind must be on Christ for He alone will never let us down.
9. Finally, remember to pray for those who lead and rule over the house of the living God (Hebrews 13:17). The evil one loves the downfall of the soldiers of Christ. We would do well to remember Paul’s words in Galatians 6:1-2:
“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, let you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
