A SERIOUS MATTER TO CONSIDER.
Because of my commitment and I believe calling to Biblically disciple and Mentor, from time to time I read and meditate on Paul’s letters to young Pastor Timothy. I believe Paul is the “model” Mentor and like to be reminded of his teaching and admonitions to young Timothy.
A verse that really spoke to me afresh recently is 2 Timothy 2:15 NKJV Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
The KJV uses the word STUDY, in place of DILIGENT, which sure relates to “rightly dividing the Word of truth”, but Paul was surely suggesting we must work hard constantly at being a man (or woman) of God and a good ministry of the Lord.
Although I have had the privilege over the years of teaching and training literally 1000’s of young men and women for ministry, my primary area of teaching has been very much in the Leadership, Church Growth/Planting and Missions area.
My graduate studies are in Missiology, and not Bible & Theology, so I am very conscious of the need to maintain BALANCE, and not take Scripture out of context, to make sure I refer to Commentaries and other translations of the Scripture and to refer to Bible Teachers and e,g, Greek Scholars to make sure I am on the right track. I also thank God for what is called “intuitive Hermeneutics” where the Holy Spirit within can lead and guide a believer in His search for truth..
I have said all the above as I have had a had a very sad experience this past weekend. Some people I have considered friends have “found” a “new” church and have embraced “teachings” that are not consistent with the Word of God. I have decided not to highlight the particular areas, but my even greater concern is that their mind now seems closed to reason, and to even discuss the matter.
I sure had a lengthy chat with my Bible Teacher friend and he confirmed that what I had tried to communicate with my friends was 100% in line with the Word of God and consistent with every passage on the subject in the New Testament.
May I remind my readers today, that a “personal” revelation you have may “feel” you have received or heard and embraced from hearing a Preacher MUST ALWAYS be in line with the total written word of God.
We sure know from experience that “truth” is progressive in our personal lives Jesus said in John 16:13 NKJV However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, HE WILL GUIDE YOU into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.
There are so many truths that we could list that came to us progressively’
Our need of Salvation and forgiveness
The need of constant surrender
Obeying the Lord in baptism
Our glorious inheritance we have as a Believer until now, which includes so much, including the ACCESS we have into God’s presence, and the spiritual armour God has made available to us.
The continued work of Sanctification in our lives
The list goes on and on, and I guess will continue to go in until the Lord returns or we pass into eternity.
REMEMBER : EVERY TRUTH MUST BE BASED AND ROOTED IN THE WORD OF GOD.
DON’T RUSH: TO EMBRACE A TRUTH,
See it is consistent with the whole of the Word of God
Do not take a verse out of context
Look at other translations of the Scripture.
Keep on asking the Holy Spirit “to turn the light on”
Speak to Mentors and mature Believers and Bible teachers,
Additionally do not reject a truth” because of extremes, I heard a saying when we lived in Singapore ENJOY THE FISH BUT SPIT OUT THE BONES.
I trust this simple blog may bless and encourage you, please feel free to contact and comment or ask for clarification please>
