One danger that has plagued Christianity in America for generations is the thought that everyone has the entitlement to their own interpretation of scripture. The Bible doesn’t teach that, nor does it need to be interpreted, it only needs to be studied.
Read 2 Timothy 2:15: “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” That my friends will only happen through diligent study.
I like this passage from Acts 17:10-12: “The brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so. Therefore many of them believed, along with a number of prominent Greek women and men.”
The Bereans didn’t buy what was being sold, just because others were. They did what Paul told Timothy to do and to tell Christians to do, study to prove what was being preached was the truth. Knowing and preaching the truth is how we may present ourselves approved to God. And that may only be accomplished with study, not by feeling or regurgitating what the preacher said from the pulpit, without examining its accuracy for yourself. After all, when it comes down to it, you will only answer for your reflection in the mirror of God’s word.
We have rapidly advanced into an age where the truth of God’s word has been diluted in the name of cultural adaptation. Well, God never once teaches that in His word. Scripture spans approximately 4000 years, and not one time did God ever say, change my doctrine because the current culture demands it. In fact, quite the contrary. When studying scripture, you’ll learn where God opposed current cultures in the world. His teachings were to save man from himself and guide humanity in the ways of His righteousness. It doesn’t take much effort to realize that throughout the entire Bible, God constantly called humans to become separated from popular culture. Why? Because popular culture is the design and creation of humanity’s carnal heart. When we’re guided by our own devices, we don’t produce the fruit of the Spirit, and our lives can’t reflect the righteousness of God. Proverbs 14:12, “There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” Believe this!
Are you a believer? Have you obeyed the Gospel? If yes, you’re obligated to be a good steward of God’s word. Be a light in the darkness. Learn to discern false doctrines! Last, and kindly and loving, speaking, don’t make excuses for not spending time with the Lord in His word. Ask Him for His wisdom, and He will provide it. Pray before, during, and after each study, and you will grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus the Messiah.
“You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men and fall from your own steadfastness, but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.” 2 Peter 3:17-18
“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being My priest. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.” Hosea 4:6
