What is the objective of Bible Study?
1) Past Scripture is for examples as the way God had worked and dealt with people before this present end time.
1Co 10:6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.
1Co 10:11 Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
2) Present Scripture (i.e. The Word given to Paul for us Gentiles and Jews alike) is for direction on how to live today.
2Ti 3:16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 2Ti 2:15 Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2Ti 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
For Paul Says:
1Co 11:1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. (study and follow his walk and directions because he was the first Christian to understand the finished work of Christ. He gained this revelation from God himself.)
3) Paul was a instrument of God because of the divine revelation he received from God:
Gal 1:11 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. Gal 1:12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
4) Paul shares his new revelation:
Eph 2:1-9 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins. Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, by (grace ye are saved;) and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: for by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.
6) We are given a new responsibility that is greater than any commandment ever given before:
Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Rom 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. Rom 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
7) How can we maintain such high standards?
2Ti 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Heb 10:16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; Simply by letting go and let God. We are to simply put our spirit before our flesh and be obedient to God as He directs our path thru guiding our heart. We are now a member of the Body of Christ.
8) Paul confirms this message of us now being part of the Body of Christ when he corrects Peter for teaching the wrong gospel. :
Gal 2:11 But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. Gal 2:12 For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself fearing them which were of the circumcision.
9) And condemns anyone that would teach anything contrary to what God had given him by Revelation.
Gal 1:8-9 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
10) THEREFORE, any teaching prior to Paul’s must agree with what Paul taught or it is of a past dispensation. An example is the Jews without the law before Moses and the Jews while under the law. or the command to sacrifice in the old covenant and that Jesus was the last sacrifice in the new:
1Co 9:17 For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me. Eph 1:9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: Eph 3:1-3 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: how that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,
Col 1:25-26 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God; even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: Eph 1:10 That in the dispensation of the fullness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him.
No comments:
Post a Comment