(Acts 8:26-35, 2 Corinthians 4:1-5, 2 Timothy 2:13-21)
The word of God is for our guidance. It is always the same, from one generation to another. It cannot be faulted. Even though, we ascribe the books to some named authors, it is important to know that the Lord God is the Supreme Author. He inspired, led, and instructed His servant to pen it down. So, the authority of the word of God is directly God’s and it cannot be defeated. Despite many oppositions, in many generations, both from within and without, it remains unshakable. Hallelujah!
It is God’s utterance to (all) humanity. Such that if you say, “You said this in Your word, Lord”. He will never deny it or say that, it was Isaiah that said so. God has never shifted the blame to Paul, for writing what he wrote. When we say, “Lord, You said this in Your word”, He agrees with us completely. Vision may cease but the written word of God, remains the same. The Holy Word of God is infallible. It is not only having the truth but IT IS THE TRUTH. It is the standard and reference for all “truths”. I have witnessed people God condemned for taking His word lightly, for disregarding His word, or for reproaching His word. He does not casually overlook people relegating His word to the back seat in the affairs of life.
The word of God is for our guidance, our conscience is not good enough to guide us always. Why? Because our conscience can be seared, corrupt, influenced, and deceived.
Why the errors attributed to the word of God? Where comes the confusion among Bible scholars? Where comes the segregation among brethren? It is largely from our wrong interpretation of the Scripture. Wrong interpretation can be: one influenced completely by the devil or by flesh. It can also be shared between the two.
Caution: we may not have the right to claim wholly that someone else’s interpretation is wrong, without the backing of the Holy Spirit. Why? Because sometime, that someone’s interpretation is strange, may not mean that it is wrong. This type of mistake has made many Christians go against God’s mysterious moves through others. It is only when the Holy Spirit expressly speaks to us that someone’s interpretation of the Bible is wrong that we can be sure that we are right.
What causes the differences in our interpretation of the scripture? Known or unknown submission to the devil. Pride, anger, hatred, not studying the Bible, wickedness, and every negative device.
Should I accept every counsel they claim is from the Bible without questioning? No. The word of God says that we must test all spirits. Really, we must be sure we test them. If we are not still sure, specifically take it to the Lord in prayers. If He likes, He may give you direct response or lead you to another believer that will serve as His mouth-piece.
How much can the knowledge of theology help? Before we say much about interpreting the word based on the knowledge of theology, let us quickly remind ourselves that Apostle Paul’s qualification in his time can be likened to our PhD degree of today. Then, his years of holy writing can necessarily earn him a professor title. In spite all these, he wholly and faithfully ascribed all interpretation to the Holy Spirit. Using knowledge from theology without the Holy Spirit’s leading is same as being led by flesh or Satan. Let the Holy Spirit Guide your Bible interpretation, ALWAYS. May the grace of the Lord be upon us in all ways, in Jesus name.
1 Thessalonians 2:13 KJV
For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.
Prayer Points
1) Lord forgive me for relegating your word to the backseat, in my life.
2) Lord, help me to value, reverence and obey Your instructions from the scripture faithfully in Jesus name.
3) Father, in a generation where many refine Your word as it pleases and suits them, help me to stay faithful to the truth of the old rugged cross, in Jesus name.
4) Lord, I promise to serve You truthfully, with all life, my soul, my body and my spirit, in Jesus name.
5) Holy Spirit, I give You the chance to lead, guide and instruct my interpretation of the word of God, always, in Jesus name.
