Do You Agree Or Disagree-Part 4
1st Corinthians 2:11
Do You agree or disagree the Scriptures reveal God’s purpose in the creation of the world and man? Paul speaks of "the things of God" which only the Spirit knows, yet by that same Spirit we may be given understanding. Whatever God has done, is doing, and will do is revealed in the Scriptures. In the broadest
sense the purpose of the Scriptures is the revealing of the mighty acts of God, their connection with the world and man, and the eschatological future.
In his letter to the Roman Christians Paul wrote, "whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope" (Romans 15:4). If that was true in the first century it is no less true in the 21st century. In a world that often seems rather meaningless and even
purposeless, the Bible declares, there is hope in God.
Do you agree or disagree the Scriptures declare a divine mystery? Paul wrote to the Roman Christians, "Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret for long ages past, but now is manifested. and by the prophets according to
the commandment of the eternal God, has been made known to all the nations, leading to obedience of faith” (Romans 16:25-26). Thus the Scriptures make known a mystery long hidden, namely the Gospel of salvation, and their purpose is to bring about faith among all people.
Do you agree or disagree the laws, commandments, and injunctions of the Scriptures declare a way of life for all mankind? The Israelites were told to obey the commandments and live: "choose life, that you and your descendants may live" (Deuteronomy 30:19). In the New Testament the way of life in Christ and in His commandments is declared. The difference in the Old Testament declaration and the New Testament declaration, the Christian has been given the ability through redemption in Christ and the indwelling of the
Holy Spirit to do what the Israelite could not consistently do, namely to walk in God’s will
and way.
This brings us back to the words of Paul about Scripture: "All scripture is inspired by God." The verse continues with the words: "and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work" (I Timothy 3:16-17). Do you agree or disagree "reproof,"
"correction," "training" all belong to the Christian walk?
Since Scripture is God’s written word, we must know the Author if we are to know His word. One may gain some knowledge of the Bible by reading it as an historical and literary document, but for genuine understanding there is the necessity of being attuned to His voice and message. It is only as we know the God of the Bible that we can truly hear His word.
This means that we need to be "born anew" (John 3:3) for this to happen. Jesus asked Nicodemus, a leading Pharisee, "Are you a teacher of Israel, and yet do not understand this?" (John 3:10). As a teacher of Israel Nicodemus presumed to know the Old Testament Scriptures thoroughly, but he did not understand about spiritual rebirth; and not having experienced that rebirth he was lacking in true understanding. Those "born of God" through Jesus Christ are children of God and can hear the Father’s voice.
