By Danzil Monk
© Copy Right all rights reserved
There is no question that there are many disagreements among professing Christians.
Not only on biblical doctrine but also around the issues of politics, science, sociology,
psychology, and other points of study.
Even the cause of many of their disagreements cannot be agreed upon by the various groups that make up the visible Christian church. Why? Because Man is a sinner, and even those within the confines of the Christian faith have not all learned to walk in the Spirit of God who saved them.
Carnality still commands far too much control over the hearts and minds of those who claim to have made Jesus the Lord of their lives.[1]
Indeed, it is this sin of carnality that lies at the root of the conflict between professing Christians.
Another factor, (though many within Christianity tend to avoid discussing the possibility), is that many of those professing to be “Born Again”, have never truly experienced the New Birth.
This I believe accounts for many of the serious conflicts within the ranks of the visible church.[2]
However, while sin may be the major factor, it is clearly not the only factor. There are other causes that affect even those who are truly saved and sincerely striving to please God and live the kind of life that he demands of us.
One of those primary causes of conflict is error through a lack of knowledge that leads to miss-information, misinterpretation, and the misapplication of the word of God.
When believers fail to properly study and use unreliable sources, whether uninformed or unlearned ministers or books, CD’s DVD’s or tapes that contain false information, and except those erroneous views and propagate them without establishing their validity, they contribute to the problem.
It is unfortunate but true that far to many of us except what we hear our teachers or ministers say and what we read in books or on the internet and see on TV or hear on the radio, CD’s and DVD’s without checking it out to verify it’s validity. If it sounds good we except it, if it comes from someone whom we respect and believe has a great knowledge of the word of God we take it to be fact without subjecting it to scrutiny.
Some even dare to trust their source because they like the way they look and sound.
To do so however places too much trust in the sources.
The bible tells us to “prove all things” and to “hold fast to that which is good.”[3]
Granted, to do so requires a great deal of effort and can be tedious work at times but this is necessary if we are to uphold and benefit from the truth.
I am also aware of the pressure that this kind of statement puts on pastors, ministers and teachers, and some may resent it, however, that’s a small price to pay in order to ensure that Gods people are given the kind of sound information that they need to grow in the truth of Gods word since so much is riding on our accurate Biblical knowledge.
Those of us who are preaching to and teaching people ought to be willing to be questioned about what we have thought and we ought to have an intelligent answer, and more importantly the correct answer.
The lack of proper study and command of accurate teaching on a sufficient verity of important biblical subjects has been a serious problem for many churches and it has resulted in the miss education of the saints as well as the misrepresentation of our faith to the world and those who are hostile towards our faith.
This kind of representation of Jesus Christ is unacceptable and inexcusable.
While it is rarely admitted or even discussed, non-the less it is true that when we error in our doctrine, or practice carnal behavior we give apparent legitimacy to those who attack us as cults or false teachers. Moreover, we give the cultist and the Atheist and all other hostiles assistance in drawing seeker to their lies.
Use the most reliable source and resources.
While it is important that we give our leaders honor and appreciate their labor to provide us with the knowledge of God’s word, we should never consider them as the final authority on spiritual matters or on the word of God. We should understand that no one is beyond error and therefore everyone’s teaching should be scrutinized and his or her correctness confirmed. We should strive to make sure that they and we use the most reliable resources and sources. Failure to do so weakens our conclusions and arguments and can result in serious error.
Study carefully.
Many errors are the result of careless study habits. Failing to be diligent in our method of study and very careful of how we examine what we are examining can result in confusion and misconception. Such misconceptions are then often past on the others and propagates false teaching that harm others.
Make sure that your conclusions are correct.
Coming to hasty conclusions without carefully rechecking all possibilities and sincerely allowing the evidence to speak for itself is another cause of error. Ignoring important facts and evidence in order to hold on to a faulty view is not only unproductive but it is dishonest. Truth does not need to be defended with tricks and dishonest games whether oral or literary, wile it requires much study to ensure correctness, it is necessary.
Never assume that you have all the answers.
It is arrogance to think that you have all the answers; only God can make such a claim.
Anytime we feel that we have arrived and are the epitome of Biblical knowledge we expose our folly and unworthiness of teaching others. It is wisdom to seek out the knowledge the knowledge of others who are reputable and to share views to sharpen your understanding.
Never except weak arguments
Many believers who are eager to honor their teachers often except anything that they say without question, this is fine when they are correct in what they say, but when they are clearly putting forth weak arguments to substantiate there point, it is wrong to just except it without question. Even though some leaders find it offensive for laymen or other ministers to “question” their teaching, this is necessary in order get at the truth. Questioning teachers in sincerity (not for argumentation in disrespect) on points where they are not strong forces them to dig deeper or acknowledge their lack of knowledge and all are benefited.
Become acquainted with the structure of the bible
Understanding the structure of the Bible will enable you to see and understand the big picture, and properly apply the principles of Biblical interpretation.
Learn the history of our Bible.
Knowing the history not only of how the Bible came to us, but the detailed history that the Bible covers is an essential knowledge for anyone seeking to share the truth of God’s word with others correctly. Such knowledge is also a mandatory defense against Atheist and others who would pervert the history.
Knowing the language of the Bible.
Knowing the original language of the Bible is without a doubt the most difficult part of necessary Bible study. So difficult that the average Christian usually passes on this requirement. While I fully understand the apprehension, I must still impress upon you the great importance that such understanding has for the believer. While we can do well without such knowledge if we have become proficient in using lexicons and other reference materials that give us the accurate meanings and applications of the Greek, Hebrew and Aramaic words, we would do far better if we actually knew the languages.
Understanding the principles of Hermeneutics.
Hermeneutics is the science of interpretation, the method by which we determine the actual meaning of a test. It is therefore obvious why such knowledge is important. Failure to understand and apply the proper principles of hermeneutics can and has resulted in the worst kind of misinterpretation of Bible texts.
Walk in the Spirit of Love.
Only by truly walking in the spirit of love can we be properly inspired and motivated to do all that we should be for God. And this motivation will drive us to accomplish most if not all of what has been discussed in this article as requirements for our spiritual excellence.
Pray without ceasing for God’s wisdom.
Since it is a fact that God will answer prayer, we must be ever prayerful for God’s wisdom and help in developing into the kind of people that will truly and consistently glorify Him in all that we do and say.
[1] This issue is discussed in detail in my lesson series “THE CREATION AND FALL OF MAN” and “SALVATION”.
[2] I believe that plain old carnality in baby believers (some of whom claim to be mature), accounts for most of the problems.
[3] 1 thess. 5:21