+S184.PNG) |
| Click to Enlarge |
I can’t understand the Bible! Ever say
that when no one was around? Don’t feel too bad if you felt that way because
Peter made an interesting comment about some of the subjects, the second coming
in particularly, found in the writings of Paul, “in which are some things hard
to understand” (2 Pet 3:16). Any serious Bible student will confess there are parts
of Scripture, and not just limited to end time events or to Paul’s epistles,
that is very challenging to understand, and there are truths that we will
never understand completely because of our being finite or limited (cf. Deut
29:29). Keep in mind that lack of understanding does not invalidate the truth
of God’s Word. Peter didn’t say it was impossible but difficult for a believer.
Proof that Peter did understand Paul was his correct interpretation of
Scripture, unlike the false teachers, who were ignorant and unstable, turning
and twisting the truth to fit their own agendas and leading ultimately to their
own destruction (2 Pet 3:16).
Peter was concerned about false
teachers infiltrating the churches of Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey, 2 Pet 3:1;
cf. 1 Pet 1:1) who were claiming Christ as Savior but denying His sovereignty
in their lives while spreading heretical doctrine that resulted in immoral
behavior (2 Pet 2:1-3). The greatest defense against false teaching is
knowledge of true doctrine (cf. 2 Pet 1:19-21; 2 Tim 3:16-17). Ah, there’s the
rub! Those believers claim that they don’t understand the Bible, and therefore,
easily dismiss reading it, making their spiritual stability unstable and
vulnerable to false teaching.
The Word of God is the Divine
disclosure of God to man. God is revealing Himself through His Word to us so
that we may learn of Him through His Word by His Spirit, and what is required
of us. So, is it God’s fault He couldn’t produce a version of His Word that all
could understand? If such was the case, then He would be less than omniscient,
all-knowing, less than omnisapient, all-wise, and less than omnipotent,
all-powerful. Here is the caveat; understanding the Word requires being born
from above. “Houston, we got a problem; Christians are complaining that they don’t
understand the Word!”
You may not agree with what I am about
to say but consider for a moment that the major
underlying reason for an inability to understand the Bible is (and this doesn’t
include a complete understanding for no human has ever lived and completely
understood the Word or mastered it) a person does not have the Holy Spirit
living within the heart; there has been no repentance of sin and receiving the
gift of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ (Eph 2:8-9). There are so
many characteristics of the inability to grasp spiritual truth by the natural
or sensual man, but Paul indicated that it was the lack of a spiritual capacity
(1 Cor 2:14). This spiritual capacity is the Holy Spirit (Jude 1:19; Rom 8:9;
Jn 16:13-14; 1 Cor 2:9-10).
A person who does not know Christ
spiritually may possess an intellectual
knowledge of spiritual facts but not possess the capacity or the ability to experience or interact with the truth that
leads to Christ-likeness apart from the Holy Spirit. So they are, as it were,
ever learning but never able to come to the truth because they have not repented
from sin and received the Holy Spirit. Memorizing all of Scripture or mastering
Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic will not produce Christlikeness in and of itself for
it takes the power of the Holy Spirit in life.
For many, the detractor of belief is generally
not an intellectual issue but a moral one. Many people want to be Christians
but not at the expense of giving up their immoral lifestyle as characterized by
the Scriptures. So they remain blinded to the truth because of willful unbelief
(2 Cor 4:4). They may have an orthodox view of Jesus Christ but so do all the
demons (Jas 2:19)! Mere mental assent of orthodox doctrine alone is not proof
of faith. I suspect for many it is because they do not agree with Christianity
about their lifestyle or are unwilling to give it up in order to be saved or maybe
just plain ignorant and blind as was in my case. In any case, you will not find
in the New Testament where Jesus ever compromised the truth for grace. Those
who do not repent will perish (Jn 3:16; 8:24; 2 Pet 3:9; Rom 2:4; 2 Cor 7:9-10).
Here are at least four basic prerequisites to understanding the truths of Scripture (a case could be made for prayer and attitude, asking and expecting (Psa 119:18):
1.
Salvation (It requires the
Holy Spirit to live within the heart.)
2.
Sanctification (It requires
holiness on a daily basis, 24x7.)
3.
Sweat (It requires a
disciplined effort.)
4.
Stimulus (It requires
love, Mk 12:30; Psa 42:1; 63:1-2; 84:2;143:6-7; Isa 26:8-9; Jn 14:15)
Which ones apply to you as to why you cannot understand God’s Word?
Can you imagine being commanded by God, as Joshua was, to know His Word to such an extent that He was held accountable for it (read Josh 1:8, an alien concept to the general populace of Christianity)? Why would I say such an insensitive thing and make a judgment statement like that? Read the following and tell me how many Christians you personally know that do what Joshua was commanded,
This Book of the Law (the Law of Moses contextually, God’s Word applicably) shall not depart from your mouth.”
God wanted His Word in Joshua’s heart, because “those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart” (Mk 15:18). Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks (Lk 6:45). All you have to do is listen to a person speak for a time, and you will know where the heart is. Joshua’s Words would reveal whether his heart was on pleasing God or pleasing himself. This could only be accomplished if Joshua meditated on God’s Word day and night. Meditating is literally chewing the cud, and ruminating on the Word of God.
Joshua was responsible for the spiritual and physical well-being of the nation of Israel. God Himself (Josh 1:1) commanded Joshua to be reflecting upon the Word every day and every night. His mind was to be preoccupied with God’s Word in leading the nation into battle and tribal allocations. His mouth was to reveal an abundance of God’s Word within his heart in his personal relationship with God and in his role as leader of the nation of Israel. Why did God place such an emphasis on the Word to Joshua? Because victory was critically dependent upon compliance with the Law,
“Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go” (Josh 1:7).
Such a path would require strength and courage. I think we tend to forget that in our obedience to the Lord, and how vital obedience is to the Word for personal victory in the battles of life. Anyway, Joshua was to lead in accordance with the Word of God. If he did not follow what was written he would not be obedient to what was instructed of him. Unless we are wise in the ways of the Lord we will not be wise in the unwritten instructions. We often seek to know His will for our life but are disobedient to that which has already been revealed and defeat follows. Joshua could ill afford to allow his heart to stray left or right; too much was on the line. Digressing from the Word causes a host of problems for any of us. Too much is on the line for us to stray from the principles of Scripture.
As busy as Joshua was in his leadership role, it stands to reason that he could not observe all that was written in the Book of the Law if he did not read, study, and meditate upon it. It was crucial to the success of Israel in conquering the land. It must be done God’s way in order to experience prosperity and success. The strength and courage needed to perform such a military enterprise was the promise of God’s presence (Josh 1:9; cf, Heb 13:5). Now, tell me; how many people do you know who had or have this kind of drive to please God and follow His Word? “Well, that was for Joshua as leader of Israel but not for us who are not in spiritual leadership,” really?
Let’s fast forward approximately 1,470 years, give or take a couple, to where tradition indicates that Peter was a prisoner in Rome awaiting crucifixion under Nero’s persecution (2 Pet 1:14; Jn 21:18-19). Nero died in 68 A.D. Second Peter was probably written 67-68 A.D. Peter’s last words were written for primarily Gentiles in Asia Minor so that they may not be led astray by being “carried away by the error of the lawless” (2 Pet 3:17, NIV). His last recorded words for all eternity are found in 2 Pet 3:18,
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.”
It was because of Jesus that Peter was a prisoner on death row to be crucified. So what would be your last words to believers if you were on the verge of being put to death and made a spectacle of mockery and an object of hatred? Or what question would you ask Peter? Perhaps this, “Peter, if you had to do it all over again would you still pursue this path, or what would you have done differently? Here is his answer under inspiration,
“Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
What was Peter’s last command? For us to be more and more like Christ. The verb “grow” is in the present active imperative; we are to never stop growing to be like our blessed Lord regardless of the circumstances. Peter is telling us by his death that it was worth it. He might say to us, “I wouldn’t change a thing except for denying Him and avoiding partiality. But if I had to do it all over again, I would follow the same path God had for me though I know it would ultimately lead to my death. I can do no less; I can do no more.”
Can we detect even the slightest bitterness that his life would end up like this? Read further,
“To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.”
How powerful is this in light of his impending and certain death! Peter died in love with Jesus…. This was Peter’s last will and testament for us. “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” no matter where it may take you. It’s worth it. <><
Which ones apply to you as to why you cannot understand God’s Word?
Can you imagine being commanded by God, as Joshua was, to know His Word to such an extent that He was held accountable for it (read Josh 1:8, an alien concept to the general populace of Christianity)? Why would I say such an insensitive thing and make a judgment statement like that? Read the following and tell me how many Christians you personally know that do what Joshua was commanded,
This Book of the Law (the Law of Moses contextually, God’s Word applicably) shall not depart from your mouth.”
God wanted His Word in Joshua’s heart, because “those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart” (Mk 15:18). Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks (Lk 6:45). All you have to do is listen to a person speak for a time, and you will know where the heart is. Joshua’s Words would reveal whether his heart was on pleasing God or pleasing himself. This could only be accomplished if Joshua meditated on God’s Word day and night. Meditating is literally chewing the cud, and ruminating on the Word of God.
Joshua was responsible for the spiritual and physical well-being of the nation of Israel. God Himself (Josh 1:1) commanded Joshua to be reflecting upon the Word every day and every night. His mind was to be preoccupied with God’s Word in leading the nation into battle and tribal allocations. His mouth was to reveal an abundance of God’s Word within his heart in his personal relationship with God and in his role as leader of the nation of Israel. Why did God place such an emphasis on the Word to Joshua? Because victory was critically dependent upon compliance with the Law,
“Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go” (Josh 1:7).
Such a path would require strength and courage. I think we tend to forget that in our obedience to the Lord, and how vital obedience is to the Word for personal victory in the battles of life. Anyway, Joshua was to lead in accordance with the Word of God. If he did not follow what was written he would not be obedient to what was instructed of him. Unless we are wise in the ways of the Lord we will not be wise in the unwritten instructions. We often seek to know His will for our life but are disobedient to that which has already been revealed and defeat follows. Joshua could ill afford to allow his heart to stray left or right; too much was on the line. Digressing from the Word causes a host of problems for any of us. Too much is on the line for us to stray from the principles of Scripture.
As busy as Joshua was in his leadership role, it stands to reason that he could not observe all that was written in the Book of the Law if he did not read, study, and meditate upon it. It was crucial to the success of Israel in conquering the land. It must be done God’s way in order to experience prosperity and success. The strength and courage needed to perform such a military enterprise was the promise of God’s presence (Josh 1:9; cf, Heb 13:5). Now, tell me; how many people do you know who had or have this kind of drive to please God and follow His Word? “Well, that was for Joshua as leader of Israel but not for us who are not in spiritual leadership,” really?
Let’s fast forward approximately 1,470 years, give or take a couple, to where tradition indicates that Peter was a prisoner in Rome awaiting crucifixion under Nero’s persecution (2 Pet 1:14; Jn 21:18-19). Nero died in 68 A.D. Second Peter was probably written 67-68 A.D. Peter’s last words were written for primarily Gentiles in Asia Minor so that they may not be led astray by being “carried away by the error of the lawless” (2 Pet 3:17, NIV). His last recorded words for all eternity are found in 2 Pet 3:18,
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.”
It was because of Jesus that Peter was a prisoner on death row to be crucified. So what would be your last words to believers if you were on the verge of being put to death and made a spectacle of mockery and an object of hatred? Or what question would you ask Peter? Perhaps this, “Peter, if you had to do it all over again would you still pursue this path, or what would you have done differently? Here is his answer under inspiration,
“Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
What was Peter’s last command? For us to be more and more like Christ. The verb “grow” is in the present active imperative; we are to never stop growing to be like our blessed Lord regardless of the circumstances. Peter is telling us by his death that it was worth it. He might say to us, “I wouldn’t change a thing except for denying Him and avoiding partiality. But if I had to do it all over again, I would follow the same path God had for me though I know it would ultimately lead to my death. I can do no less; I can do no more.”
Can we detect even the slightest bitterness that his life would end up like this? Read further,
“To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.”
How powerful is this in light of his impending and certain death! Peter died in love with Jesus…. This was Peter’s last will and testament for us. “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” no matter where it may take you. It’s worth it. <><
%20MG%20t-bkgrd%2060x44%20png.png){kind=small}
+Camel+Silhouette+Camel+CLR+Bkgrd+right+10%25.png)
