The 'Presumption' Syndrome - Part 2
.... In our previous posting we introduced the 'Presumption' Syndrome, in which a Christian starts using their own knowledge of the Scriptures to guide themselves instead of depending on the Lord to lead them. When this occurs they are no longer clinging to Him, so their relationship begins to suffer; and in a still broader sense they are starting to leave Jesus out of their beliefs. Their 'walk' becomes very impersonal, very religious, and even self-serving. So let’s examine the proper role of Scriptural knowledge in following Jesus...
.... At it’s very core, our walk with the Lord is a dynamic, living relationship. It exists in this right, even if we’ve never seen the Scriptures. The Bible is simply a tool that God has provided to help us connect with Him correctly. It points us to Him, promotes this relationship, shows us His heart and mind more clearly, teaches us and guides us in new applications, corrects us with precision, and generally serves to keep the relationship pure. Thus it helps us to grow in Him properly, and to serve Him more effectively:
.... At it’s very core, our walk with the Lord is a dynamic, living relationship. It exists in this right, even if we’ve never seen the Scriptures. The Bible is simply a tool that God has provided to help us connect with Him correctly. It points us to Him, promotes this relationship, shows us His heart and mind more clearly, teaches us and guides us in new applications, corrects us with precision, and generally serves to keep the relationship pure. Thus it helps us to grow in Him properly, and to serve Him more effectively:
.... "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."
(2 Timothy 3:16-17)
.... So if ever we find a discrepancy between what we ‘feel’ the Lord is saying to us, and what the Scriptures have actually declared on the same subject, we can rest assured that the Scriptures are correct! (2 Peter 1:19). This is one of the main reasons why God authored them! But even so, the Scriptures play a supportive role, and the relationship itself remains primary. Paul described the use of knowledge in support of relationship thus:.... ". . . for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day."
(2 Timothy 1:12)
.... In this passage, Scriptural knowledge is pointing us toward God to bolster our confidence in Him -- which also means that it cannot be an end in itself!
.
.... Again, Paul shows us how the Scriptures, alone, can not save us. They can only point us to Jesus, who alone can save us:
.... Again, Paul shows us how the Scriptures, alone, can not save us. They can only point us to Jesus, who alone can save us:
.... ". . . and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus."
(2 Timothy 3:15)
.... So the Scriptures are a tool for helping us know the Lord and for understanding His mind clearly, but they are still a means, and our personal relationship with the Lord is the end of the means. We will conclude this discussion in our next posting. To proceed to the next lesson, click here
Daily Bible Reading: John 9
posted by loren at 12:00 AM
4 Comments:
In these comments we should reiterate the importance of the Scriptures, which I do not intend to play down in any way. Although I have respect for everyone's experience, we must always bear in mind that experience is never the guide of our faith.
Consider Peter, who saw the Lord transfigured, which was a majestic experience! But even though he knew what he saw, he said:
For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty.
For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."
And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.
And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts;
knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation."
(2 Pet 1:16-20)
In other words, Peter knew what he
saw, and yet he was basically saying "If you could show me that my experience was not Scriptural, I would yield to the Scriptures over my experience." This is God's very purpose in writing them!
In all of this, no one would try to tell Peter that his experience wasn't genuine, just that it may not have meant what he thought it meant.
On the other hand, Paul tells us that: "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."
(2 Tim 3:16-17)
This tells us that the Scriptures are a completly sufficient source, so there should never be a question that we can't take back to God's word for some basic guidance; yes, enough to thoroughly equip us for each task. This is the standard to which God holds Himself, in having written the Scriptures, and I have always found it to be true.
At the bottom of this is the assurance of God's own Divine nature. God will never contradict Himself, so neither will His revelations, in or out of the Bible. This offers us assurance and stability as well, though we must be prepared to trust Him and yield to His word:
"He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, but whoever walks wisely will be delivered."
(Prov 28:26).
By
loren, at 8/15/2005 12:33 AM
Hi Loren,
I wanted you to know I am still dropping by the blog. I was encouraged to see various people encountering the truth in Christ you are sharing. May the Lord continue to reveal Christ in your writing.
Berry
By
Berry, at 8/15/2005 1:35 AM
Hi Berry,
I saw your new blog entry last night, I'm looking forward to the day when you have more time on your hands. I know you miss blogging.
By
loren, at 8/15/2005 10:29 AM
Loren your thoughts always kinda hit me the same way Oswald Chambers do. You are a very focused brother. Would to God that everyone is as focused as you. I'm so glad I ran into you. Your writings always call me to anchor in YHVH as I have this drifting tendencey you talk about.
Thank you brother. It is so easy to get wrapped up in issues of today but your site calls me back to quietness and the still waters.
By
Bhedr, at 8/15/2005 11:14 PM
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