The Inspiration is Not Up for Interpretation
"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."
2 Timothy 3:16
Well, here it is. I was just pondering the authority of Scripture yesterday. Scripture inspired by God and penned by Paul. Yesterday's Scripture from Paul made me laugh, and today's is a little ironic. These two Scriptures were written in the same letter, by the same man (inspired by God, I might add). How can I be so critical of one segment, then in the next chapter say, "Amen?"
I think critical thinking is...well, critical when interpreting Scriptures. It's good to go over the words of God again and again to gain a better understanding and more opportunity for revelation. While interpreting Scripture with criticism is important, faith in the inerrancy of Scripture trumps any attitude toward the written word. I cannot believe parts of Scripture and discount other parts because of my misunderstanding. I will misunderstand some segments because I'm human and still growing in my faith. When I let these misunderstandings prompt disbelief in portions of Scripture, I am inviting a breakdown of the foundation of my faith.
Because I am confident in my faith (any other way to handle faith would be a waste of time), I have no choice but to believe in the validity of Scriptures. Even in cases when I get annoyed at Paul, I must choose to pray that God will grant me revelation. Prayerfully considering the Word of God will always result in spiritual gain. When I am gaining spiritually, my faith in God and Scripture grows. It's a win, win!
God, grant me wisdom today. Help me to understand what Scripture says so that it will indeed be useful for doctrine, reproof, correction, instruction in righteousness and so that ultimately the Scriptures will equip me for every good work. Build my faith through your Word, that it would stand against the biggest critic...Satan. Give me discernment to judge the interpretation of Scripture by other people. Help me not to believe only what they say, but to filter it through what You say. I love you and believe you...every word you have inspired. Speak to me today, that I would know more and more of You.
I think critical thinking is...well, critical when interpreting Scriptures. It's good to go over the words of God again and again to gain a better understanding and more opportunity for revelation. While interpreting Scripture with criticism is important, faith in the inerrancy of Scripture trumps any attitude toward the written word. I cannot believe parts of Scripture and discount other parts because of my misunderstanding. I will misunderstand some segments because I'm human and still growing in my faith. When I let these misunderstandings prompt disbelief in portions of Scripture, I am inviting a breakdown of the foundation of my faith.
Because I am confident in my faith (any other way to handle faith would be a waste of time), I have no choice but to believe in the validity of Scriptures. Even in cases when I get annoyed at Paul, I must choose to pray that God will grant me revelation. Prayerfully considering the Word of God will always result in spiritual gain. When I am gaining spiritually, my faith in God and Scripture grows. It's a win, win!
God, grant me wisdom today. Help me to understand what Scripture says so that it will indeed be useful for doctrine, reproof, correction, instruction in righteousness and so that ultimately the Scriptures will equip me for every good work. Build my faith through your Word, that it would stand against the biggest critic...Satan. Give me discernment to judge the interpretation of Scripture by other people. Help me not to believe only what they say, but to filter it through what You say. I love you and believe you...every word you have inspired. Speak to me today, that I would know more and more of You.
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