Unless you’re a hermit, you cannot escape dealing with other human beings. Common, everyday interaction between people requires that both/all participants can ‘define the terms’ that each is using in their conversation—that is, if there is any hope of gaining knowledge, much less understanding of what the other is saying. The result is a bond or relationship of one kind or another where harmony or an intelligent decision to “agree to disagree” exists, thus allowing each to go about their life in peace. The lack of which, results in the opposite. At best, strife, quarrels and/or alienation—as evidenced in family, neighbors, political parties, nations; at worst—wars, and rumors of war—as evidenced across the globe.
This applies in higher learning, as well. In any ‘field of study’ one pursues, a definition of terms, as defined by its ‘authority,’ is required if one has any hope of gaining knowledge and understanding of the subject or advance to the next level. After all, does the student presume to correct the professor? Would he show himself to be approved by the teacher if he took the words of the teacher and say that they are merely thoughts, therefore subject to his own private interpretation based on personal feelings and experiences? If a medical student didn’t purpose in himself to adhere to the prescribed, defined ‘terminology,’ would he rightfully earn the level of, or be granted the status of, ‘medical doctor?’
The same holds just as true (if not even more so) when it comes to being approved of God and advancing in His eternal plan and program. If we have any hope of gaining knowledge and understanding of what God is saying to us, we must ‘study’ His actual words to us--and that, according to His prescribed way.
2 Timothy 2:15
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
As the commercial says, “people listen when E.F. Hutton speaks…” how much more then should we, who profess to be ‘not of this world’ [Colossians 1:13], listen when our Authority speaks through His Word(s). We are without excuse, as we have those Word(s). If we hope to be found ‘approved’ of Him (our Teacher, our Authority), we had better adhere to His words of truth, His way, in His Book, the KJV, and not of those other books—i.e., ALL other modern versions that are inferior, having words added and subtracted from them. (‘Adding and subtracting” from the Words of God is what Satan did in the Garden, thus confusing, deceiving and leading Eve astray. Adam’s sin wasn’t that he ate of the fruit—that was the result of his sin. Adam’s sin was that he listened to his wife [Genesis 3:17], rather than his God. That is a lesson we need to learn from: listen to God, not others when their words do not line up with the words of God! [Romans 3:4])
The Authorized Version of God’s Word, KJV, is not difficult to read; but as with any field of study, it takes perseverance and hard work [Ecclesiastes 12:12]. God has not left us to go it on our own, though. He has given us the Holy Spirit to teach us—NOT by only praying for the knowledge, understanding and wisdom and then going about our day without thought about Him but—by putting in the time and studying. That is the way God does things—through His Word of Truth! As we get Pauline doctrine IN us rightly divided, the Holy Spirit can then take those verses and compare verse with verse, teaching us God’s way—not man’s way—throughout our day.
1 Corinthians 2:13
Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
2 Timothy 2:7
Consider what I [Paul] say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.
Romans 8:5
For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit [do mind] the things [verses from the Word of Truth] of the Spirit.
(It’s important to note that any teacher worth his salt will communicate to the student, defining and explaining the terminology he uses as he teaches—leaving no guesswork, thus aiding the student in his learning. Well, God is the ultimate worthy Teacher (trustworthy to teach us) helping us all the way—leaving no guesswork as to what He would have us learn.)
1 Corinthians 2:14..16
But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned….For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ.
We praise God for His Grace, Mercy and Faithfulness to us!
Grace to you!
P.S. Another prerequisite of life is to know Who your FINAL AUTHORITY is!! …but that’s another study for another day.
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