Rightly dividing the word of Truth (II) Balance (I) Love and Truth

There is a sense in which it is right to be balanced, and a sense in which it is not. How do you bring balance to “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength?” The church at Laodicea was rebuked for being lukewarm, and they were commanded to be zealous and to repent (Revelation 3:19). Zeal of course does have to be according to knowledge (Romans 10:2), it should not be fanatical. But coming to the place where we need balance, there are many truths Biblical truths, that have to be held in tension, in balance. And this morning I want to discuss love and truth in this context. God is love (1 John 4:8), but God is Truth too. The deity of the Lord Jesus Christ, is one of the non-negotiable essentials I was discussing the other day. And the proof that God is Truth comes in John 14:6 where Jesus says “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life.” And we need to hold love and truth in balance!

So how do we get this out of balance? Well the truth without love is harsh, condemnatory, judgemental and of course unloving. And we see this both inside and outside the church? I remember a conversation with a colleague who was harshly judging the whole of the evangelical church. I told him “The horse you ride, is every hand as high as those you are judging.” It is certainly true that there are those in the church who are harsh, condemning, judgemental and unloving, and this is wrong. But it is also wrong to tar everybody with the same brush! I know many in the Church who are very loving. And however loving we are, we can always improve by allowing God’s love to flow through us!

But we can get it wrong the other way too. Love without truth can lead to lawlessness. God is love, not love is god, that is idolatry! And when we get this out of balance, it can be very destructive. I want to use a perhaps unrealistic example to make the point. I work in recovery circles with alcoholics and others, and I have struggled myself. So I certainly have compassion on the struggles of an alcoholic. Perhaps his father before him, and his father before him, were alcoholics. I also understand that they may be biological components to his difficulties. I understand that there is a real a sense in which he may be unable to help himself. I mean Paul could claim “The things I don’t want to do, these are the very things I do, and the things I want to do, I don’t do them either” (Romans 7:19). But should I therefore affirm the alcoholic in his alcoholism, or cover for him in his destructive behaviour? I think not, we call this enabling, it gets love and truth out of balance!

Father, we need to talk about tough love. Love that may even appear to not be love, but nevertheless love that involves actions that have the best interest of the person at heart. In fact affirming him in his addiction, it is the very opposite of love! The Scripture put is this way "He who does not discipline his child, hates the child” (Proverbs 13:24). It is of course hyperbole. Father, I suspect that we are all out of balance at some level, either having too much of the wrong kind of love, or too much of the wrong kind of truth. Help us Lord, help me this morning. Thank you that when we fully surrender to You, You have promised to lead us into all truth and to love in Jesus Name Amen

Rightly dividing the word of Truth (I)

In this quote from 2 Timothy 2:15, Paul is telling Timothy to be diligent to make sure he is "accurately handling and skillfully teaching the Word of Truth (AMP). So clearly there is a right way and a wrong way to handle the Scriptures. This morning I want to talk about exegesis and eisegesis. Exegesis is the process of drawing out the meaning from a text in accordance with the context in order to discover what the author is saying. Eisegesis, on the other hand, is reading into the text our own ideas or interpretation. When we go to the Bible to try and prove what we already believe, we are likely to engage in Eisegesis. There’s a lot of it going on! It’s difficult, because we all come to the text with baggage, with our own traditions and preconceived notions. Too often we read what we want to see in the text, rather than what is actually there.

An example of eisegesis in the Bible can be found in 2 Corinthians 3:14, 15. Paul speaks of a veil that is over the spiritual eyes of unbelieving Jews when they read the Old Testament. Speaking personally, I remember well an incident years ago when a certain church in the city told some people we had led to the Lord to “come out from among them” (2 Corinthians 6:17). This church identified "us" as the the “them!" A closer examination of the context however shows this to be nonsense. In particular, Paul is expounding on what it means to “not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers” (verse 14), and so clearly the “them” are unbelievers. This begs the question of what it means to be unequally yoked, but we will not go into that here.

The interpretation of “Judge not, that you be not judged” (Matthew 7:1) as “let there be no disagreement period,” is another example of eisegesis. If we are to do an exegesis of this verse, then we need to know exactly what Jesus means here. I mean is Paul contradicting Jesus when he says “Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge” (1 Corinthians 14:29). What is happening here is that the word “judge,” has two different meanings. In the last quote, the idea is to discern between what is of God and what is not. In other words judging here is discerning. In the context of the Matthew passage Jesus says “For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged…. it will be measured back to you.” In other words if you judge harshly as in self righteous condemnation (rather that discerning that something is wrong), you can expect to be judged harshly too.

Father, we who are spiritual cannot go to one who is overtaken in a sin to gently restore him, if we are not allowed to discern (judge) that he is overtaken in a sin (Galatians 6:1)! You do not condemn us Lord (Romans 8:1), so neither should we condemn. But neither can we be salt and light if we are not allowed to address issues. We need to speak the truth in love Lord (Ephesians 4:15), and it’s far too easy to get these things out of balance. We need your help Lord, in Jesus Name Amen

“Can’t you make the Bible say anything you want?” The “reality” I live in…Part 8

When I talk about the Bible being objective Truth, I often hear the response given in the title of this post. So let me answer “Yes, but that 'make' is the operative word. I mean, in order to do this you have to force it. And actually, using the same type of “rules,” you can make the dictionary say the very same thing!” In other words you have to violate the rules of sound interpretation! It happens a lot. I was recently grieved by a facebook post from an old friend, who has turned a Biblical “no” into a “yes!” Some of this mental gymnastics is quite skillful. I don’t say this with admiration, but rather with concern! Peter warns that those twist Scripture do so to their own destruction, and lead the ignorant and unstable down the same path (2 Peter 3:16; Matthew 18:6).

Peter also informs us that no prophecy of the Scripture is of private interpretation (2 Peter 1:20). Paul councils Timothy of the need of the diligent study in order to accurately handle and skillfully teach the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15). Hermeneutics, the theory and methodology of correct interpretation, is a vast subject, and we need help to correctly interpret the Scriptures. We need help to even know exactly what are the original texts. There are however only minor variations, and no Orthodox teaching is threatened by any of such variation. We also need help to know which parts to take literally (i.e Don’t murder, don’t commit adultery) and which parts not (i.e. “If you don’t hate you father … you cannot be my disciple” - Luke 14:26 - it’s called hyperbole- look it up). Of course, non of this absolves us of our responsibility to test all things (1 Thessalonians 5:21). We need to listen, really listen to both sides of an argument, and we need to feel the weight of an opposing argument.

Some things, the foundational things are very clear to the unbiased mind, and the Bible is its own best interpreter. The writer to the Hebrews gives us a list of elementary foundational principles. He tells us “let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment” (Hebrews 6:1, 2). On the other hand, Peter in the context of his warning about Scripture twisting, also tells us that there are some things that are hard to understand. James tells us that we should not be many teachers, since in many things we all fail, and that ours is the greater condemnation (James 3:1,2). We need to take these warnings seriously.

Father, Your word tells us “If anyone causes one of these little ones--those who believe in me--to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea” (Matthew 18:6). But You also tell us “On this one will I look: On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, And who trembles at My Word” (Isaiah 66:2). So I ask You morning Father, to keep me close to You. Help me to be diligent to study and to accurately handle Your Word. Keep me low this morning Lord, in Jesus Name Amen

Which denominations (II) The “reality” I live in… Part 7

I have argued (Sunday December 1), that we cannot live without absolutes. We may not see that or want to admit it, but our actions betray us. In particular many show by intense and hostile criticism directed towards those who disagree, that for all practical purposes they regard their own ideas, values and “truths” as absolute. We discussed (Sunday again), that it is foolish to trust in our own heart and mind, in our own subjective opinions. The Christain World view, on the other hand, is based on the objective Word of God. As always, there is much to say here! But to start,let me say that my testimony, and the testimony of millions and millions down through the ages, is that faith in Christ, in His death and resurrection, and in His Word, this faith is a sure foundation, and an anchor for the soul (Hebrews 6:19).

But how can they and we, be so sure when there are so many different churches and denominations, often saying very different things? The first thing to say, is that among the denominations that hold a very high view of Scripture, the places where we agree far outweigh the places where we differ. As in all disagreements it is far too easy to major on minors! And expanding on what I claimed last day, through the hard work of interdenominational dialogue, Parachurch organizations have substantially identified the necessary nonnegotiable essentials for unity. The Parachurch organizations InterVarsity and Operation Mobilization (for example) agree on “The unique divine inspiration, entire trustworthiness, and authority of the Bible” (the InterVarsity version). Their respective statements can be Googled to verify this agreement.

As to the the Bible being objective truth, my first claim is that it is self verifying. We saw earlier examples of Old Testament prophecies that were fulfilled in the New (see 30 November’s post). In fact there are well over a hundred such prophecies fulfilled by Jesus. But there is much more to this self verification. J.B. Phillips speaks of the Bible’s “ring of truth.” The Bible itself, puts it this way “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). All this can be tested, the Bereans did! They were “more noble than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so” (Acts 17:11). This example of the Bereans should challenge us to make the foundation of our faith secure. It is important to know that we have not believed cunningly devised fables (2 Peter 1:16). It is important to know not only what we believe, but why we believe what we do. This is part of what it means to love the Lord with our mind!

Father, there is no such thing as a perfect church or denomination. But there are a number of things we need to be sure of before we commit ourselves to any particular congregation. And first and foremost is to make sure that the Word of God is held in very high regard. When this is not the case, we are likely to pick and choose what we believe. Many do! And when we do this, then inevitably we are adrift on a sea of relativity, where we can be sure of nothing. We need an anchor Father for our soul, thank You Lord for the assurance, for the peace, for getting ever closer to You, and to life in all its fullness when we trust in You and Your Word in Jesus Name Amen

He who speaks first seems to be right .. The “reality” I live in… Part 6

“The first to plead his case seems right, until another comes and examines him” (Proverbs 18:17). It is of course, the language of the law courts, where the pros and cons, the pluses and minuses of the case are brought out, so that an intelligent verdict can be arrived at. In our culture however, especially in the court of public opinion, there is more and more pressure to disallow the examination of ideas! And as I have been implying in these posts, when our “truth” is left unexamined, then it feels right, even when it’s a lie!

On top of this, I have observed that we tend to gather ourselves together with those who agree with us. And within these gatherings there is more often than not, a tremendous pressure to conform to the majority view. And again unfortunately, this is true both inside and outside of the church. Part of this pressure comes in subtle and not-so-subtle ways, and those with different views are often ostracized. The result inevitably, is they either conform, or leave or sit silently seething. Since we should be eager to preserve unity (Ephesians 4:3), this pressure ought not to be, especially in the church! Uniformity is not the same as unity! And it seems to me, that these things are part of the reason we have so many different denominations.

It is comforting to be among people with whom we agree, but I have to say that there have been times when I have learnt more from people with whom I disagree, than from those with whom I agree. The verse “as iron sharpens iron, so man sharpens man” (Proverbs 27:17) is relevant here. Of course, one of the implications of the analogy, is that there has to be some friction. In particular, we will likely be taken out of our comfort zone. For this reason, when we speak the truth, it needs to be spoken and received in love and humility (Ephesians 4:15; Galatians 6:1). There is a reason we need to be commanded to to bear with one another and to forgive one another in love (Colossians 3:13).

Father, some of the conversations I have needed to have, have not only taken me out of my comfort zone, they have been quite painful. But we will not be set free, if we refuse to listen to, or resist the truth (John 8:32). We need Your help to listen to one another Lord, to really listen, and not just be waiting for the other person to stop speaking so we can tell him or her “the truth.” This is especially true when we are at loggerheads with one another. So I am praying for myself and those reading this blog this morning Lord, that our speech may be “full of grace seasoned with salt, and that we may know how to answer one another” (Colossians 4:6) in Jesus Name Amen

Which denominations (I)? The “reality” I live in… Part 5

Ask many Christians which is the right denomination, you will often hear “Mine!” And since this claim is widespread, and there are between 30,000 and 40,000 registered Christian denominations, it is no no wonder the World is skeptical! But it is no solution to become anti-denominational as some have, quoting Paul’s condemnation of those who say “I am of Paul,” or “I am of Apollos,” or “I am of Cephas” … (1 Corinthians 1:12). In fact, I know of those who have gathered under this banner saying “We will not take any name.” And in doing they are in grave danger of becoming a “no-name” denomination, in the same way we have “no name” products in the supermarket! I mean “no name” products are still products!

So let’s say it up front, there is no such thing as a perfect church or denomination. If you find one come and tell me, we will join, and it will no longer be perfect because you and I are there! There are no perfect churches, because there are no perfect people. As in Corinth it is inevitable that we will relate better to some leaders, or to this or that denomination. But what Paul is condemning in this passage, and this is what the “no -name” denominations seem to be missing, is the pride that allows these things to bring division (verse 10). We are to be eager to preserve the unity and the reconciliation that Christ purchased for us on the Cross (Ephesians 4:3; 2:14-16). But how can we preserve the unity with those who are wrong?

Well let me say first, that it is important to acknowledge that not everything that calls itself Christian is Christian. I have even heard of Church leaders who do not believe in God! So there has to be some basis for unity, after all “What fellowship has light with darkness” (2 Corinthians 6:14)? I have found that Parachurch organizations (Christian faith-based organizations that work outside and across denominations to engage in social welfare and evangelism) useful in this regard. Necessarily the needed statements of faith that come out of such organizations have been forged within the furnace of interdenominational dialogue. Consequently they have sorted out a set of nonnegotiable essentials from denominational distinctives and/or preferences. The remarkable agreement among the the statements of faith of these organizations InterVarsity and Operation Mobilization for example, gives testimony to the success of this endeavour.

Father, thank You that You have already broken down every dividing wall (Ephesians 2:14-16). It is sobering Lord that You have given the World permission to judge that we are Christians by our love for one another, and this has to be across denominational lines as well as within local fellowships. We need Your help Lord and Your mercy and forgiveness. Thank You that You have promised to build Your Church, and that the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it (Matthew 16:8) in Jesus Name Amen

It is foolish to trust in our own heart and mind. The “reality” I live in… Part 4

If there were no God, or if the Bible correctly interpreted (2 Timothy 2:15) could not be trusted, I would have to agree that all truth is relative. But no one can live this way, and nobody does! If a cashier, trying to cheat you, tells you that he is working with a different kind of arithmetic, would you accept it? Is two plus two four or not? I am not trying to say here that everything is absolute! But if in the end there were no absolutes, then we would all be adrift on a sea of relativity. It would be like living with spatial disorientation. This is something pilots learn about in ground school, where they teach you how easy it is for the body to fool the mind into thinking that it is right side up, when you could be anywhere!

This morning’s quote from Proverbs 28:26, is in effect telling us that it is foolish to try and live without absolutes, without the confidence that there are things that are truly true. This of course begs the question of what they are. But let me say that if you don’t believe Jesus’ claim that the Bible is Truth (John 17:17), then I would invite you to investigate it with your adult mind. It’s part of loving the Lord with all your mind (Luke 10:27). In particular, it is easy to dismiss Sunday school versions of Biblical truth. I am aware this morning, that books have been written, and were needed to be written, about just about every statement I am making in these recent posts. But I am feeling lead to challenge those of you who are not yet there, to investigate them!

The Bible’s principles and promises, together with the power of the Holy Spirit to live its truths, are intended to be an anchor to the soul (Hebrews 6:19). And the lie that all truth is relative, has left this generation adrift on the sea of subjectivity. It’s like trying to build a building without a square, or a plumb line. It has resulted in some calling call evil good, and good evil. The Bible warns against such, those who are wise in their own eyes((Isaiah 5:20,21). In the end there will be no excuse, because every rationalization and denial will be exposed for what it is (Luke 8:17).

Father, Your Word tells us that judgement is only delayed, and that the delay is designed to lead us to repentance (Romans 2:4). I confess this morning Father that we, Your church, have not always enhanced the gospel. Many times we have come across as arrogant, know it all and unloving. I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips (Isaiah 6:5). Your Word tells us Father that the time is right for judgement to begin with the household of God (1 Peter 4:17). I welcome its refining fire Lord, as I come to You this morning with a humble and contrite heart in Jesus Name Amen