“Life Applications”

Biblical Illiteracy

2 Timothy 2:15

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a worker who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.

Poor belief is a result of not knowing what the Bible SAYS.  A poor understanding is a result of not knowing what the Bible MEANS.

It is essential that we, as believers of Christ engage in INDIVIDUAL daily study of God’s word to ensure that we become FAMILIAR with God’s desired approach to different subject matters.  An equally important matter is to ensure that we are being taught God’s word by QUALIFIED men of God.

Many people have misinterpreted and misunderstood different passages of Scripture as a result of relying ONLY on their personal interpretation of Scripture.  A QUALIFIED teacher will be able to accurately explain the culture at the time that the Scripture was written, provide sound Biblical cross reference, and teach the Scripture in its proper context.

 

“Life Applications”

Balanced Teaching

It is essential that we live our lives by balance.  Many teach on the love of God but exclude the wrath of God.  It is essential that we have balance in our teaching.  It is IRRESPONSIBLE to simply focus on the LOVE of God without acknowledging that there is a PENALTY for sin.  In regard to wrongdoing, many believe that we should issue forgiveness without ever holding people accountable for their actions.  The Bible teaches us to forgive others of the wrongs that they have done to us but we need to also acknowledge their inappropriate behavior to ensure that it is not repeated. 

It is also important to provide balanced teaching in regard to the relationship of Christians and unbelievers.  Second Corinthians 6:14 give clear instruction that we should not BOUND ourselves together with unbelievers.  It also warns us that we are to avoid FELLOWSHIP with unbelievers.  However, Romans 12:18 teaches us to live PEACEBLY with all men.  This means that we should not have unbreakable bonds with unsaved people, but we should make ourselves available to them because they need to hear the Gospel and witness Christ’s example through us. 

Finally, as it applies to judging, the Bible does not command us not to judge; it explains the MANNER in which we are supposed to judge.  We should not be JUDGMENTAL, which means to exercise extreme judgment.  However, we should always EVALUATE the lives of others.  The Bible teaches us that the way we judge is the way WE will be judged.  If we fail to correct a person’s actions in love, then when we are in the wrong, and at some point we will be, others will not administer grace when it is time to correct our behavior. 

 

“Life Applications”

Assumptions

There is a difference between the truth and what we assume to be true.  In Numbers 13:33, ten of the spies that Moses sent to spy out the land of Canaan reported that when they saw the occupants of the land, the people saw them as grasshoppers.  But in Joshua 2:8-11, Rahab informed the spies that Joshua sent to Canaan that when the citizens of Canaan heard of everything that God had done to the enemies of Israel, they became terrified. 

The unconfirmed assumption of the ten spies caused the Israelites to spend forty additional years living in the wilderness.  We cannot assume that the things we think about ourselves matches what others think about us or who God has determined we are.