Published by Most theological error is always based on twisting or slicing and dicing the scripture to make one’s own theology look right. Many of the false doctrines we face would never have seen the light of day if this had not been done. I am going to use this as an opportunity to teach something on biblical foundation. I have taught bible subjects, the rules I teach and go by are as follows:
1) When you get one of these “wonderful revelations,” spend as much time and energy trying to disprove them as you did proving it, actually twice as much time is better, five times is better yet. Any valid theology will stand that test. You can’t disprove truth.
2) Test it on someone sound in the word who feels comfortable to disagree with you. Be open-minded with one who is sound in the word. See if they can change your mind. Don’t go “opinion shopping” to find someone who agrees with you. One of the reasons national ministries fall is because nobody who sees the leaders slip loves the leader enough to belly up to their responsibility to tell him/her they are headed for trouble. Yes, I said nobody loves him enough to tell him he is wrong because if they loved him they would tell him he is in error. The problem is, he is a great man. After all, how can the great man/woman be wrong? They hear from God. Answer, they have the same weaknesses you have and they probably have more temptation.
3) Pray and tell God, “I have this wonderful idea,” then be quiet and listen to what he says. He may not be as thrilled. Don’t take that too personal, many others have learned this. I have.
4) Go back and repeat steps 1-3 at least twice. Three or four times are better.
5) Now, you may be ready to share that wonderful revelation. (maybe) Give it at least a couple days more consideration.
Jesus said…
John 5:39
39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
(KJV)
….
James 3:1
1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.
(KJV)
The word “masters” is the Greek word didaskalos. From the Strongs lexicon this can be doctor, master, teacher. When you teach you are responsible for those you teach. You are responsible for those you take into error. Let me repeat that. When you teach you are responsible for those you take into error. Your blood could be on your hands.
1320 didaskalos (did-as’-kal-os);
from 1321; an instructor (genitive case or specially):
KJV– doctor, master, teacher.
But we are not to pull back from presenting the word. I like the context of the word presenting better than preaching. That is why we must be accurate in the word, be able to rightly divide it, and to know the hope of our calling.
2 Tim 4:2-4
2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
(KJV)
There have been many who have used the scripture for commerce. There are many who have taught doctrines only because they sell. Several years ago I subjected some of the doctrines of the 20Th century to some scrutiny. It was an interesting study.
