The Diminishing Ground of the Absolute - Paper Credentials

sermonindex Apr 4, 2011

2Cor 3:1 Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some others, epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you?

This is probably going to “hit a nerve" for paper credentials are nothing more than diplomas and licenses.

Never in the Bible does anyone of God’s spokesman ever certify his divine authority by producing or referring to some piece of paper. All a diploma means is that one has memorized enough answers to pass a test and had money to go to school. Of course, if one goes to a “Bible College”, one must also learn how to sing the party line in order to make a “career” from it.

And what is a license?

Who or what gives a man permission and authority to speak for God? How is it, that someone who has a license to practice medicine or law is also regarded as an authority in spiritual matters? Does six years of education that are invested in one’s economic prospects make one more spiritual? Does having a license to practice law prove that one has divine light? Does a paper license from some denominational schism grant divine authority?

Once again: carnal and worldly accomplishments are held up for the admiration of the Church.

Luke 16:15 And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.

But who is listening.

Are you?

L

lylewise Apr 4, 2011

The priests of the true order are ordained at rebirth. From the moment they are truly saved their diploma carries more weight than any seminary can issue. May God wake us from the slumber and lethargy of which we have become so accustom.

sermonindex Apr 4, 2011

Just to be clear so that no one will misunderstand me.

I should add that there are men that have paper credentials that have been called of God into HIS ministry, but it was not because of THEIR credentials.

If we cannot identify with what Paul is saying then we are still prizing and using our worldly "qualifications and honors" to OPEN DOORS of ministry and give us STATURE over the brethren.

Php 3:4 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:
Php 3:5 Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;
Php 3:6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.

Php 3:7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
Php 3:8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,

J

JB1968 Apr 4, 2011

So, what are you saying? It's wrong to go to Bible college and be ordained into the ministry? Just wondering.

C

ccchhhrrriiisss Apr 4, 2011

I think that all true believers with extensive educations will be the first to lay it all down at the feet of Jesus as "dung" when compared with the awesome privilege of just sitting at the feet of our Lord in prayer.

A degree is not the same as an "education." It is merely a stamp of approval for a certain amount of study. Without the proper motivation to actually earn the education, a degree is worthless (except, perhaps, in finding a job). A degree -- whether in Bible, history, ancient languages or engineering -- is only as valuable as the actual education behind it.

Of course, I wouldn't want to fly in a car or jet constructed by someone who simply claimed that "God showed him" how to build it either. I wouldn't want to read a Bible that was translated by someone who didn't study the source languages. I wouldn't trust a medical doctor whose education was confined to a volume of Gray's Anatomy.

Of course, the very fact that we can read must be attributed to some form of education -- whether formal or informal. It is interesting when we consider that the majority of people who have ever lived went through life never knowing how to read and write. It was much more of a rarity in the ancient world.

BTW, that computer that you are using to read this was probably designed by a person who was educated. So were the machines used to construct the parts.

Of course, a "license" or "degree" is merely a stamp of approval or sign of the completion of coursework. In addition to my own "secular" education, I also went through a correspondence Bible program. I opted to NOT graduate...even though I essentially completed the requirements of the degree program. Like you, I was much more interested in what I could learn from the program than any type of stamp of approval from a governing agency.

I think that it is also important that we do not display petulance toward those who chose to receive a formal education. A secular education (whether a formal education from a college or an education that comes via a trade) can help us provide more adequately for the physical needs of our families. Like Paul, we can count it all "dung." But also like Paul, we can use those tools -- like any tools -- to assist us in our efforts to bring Christ to this dark world.

sermonindex Apr 4, 2011

Chris,

How is it that you managed to miss my point, completely?

I said:

Who or what gives a man permission and authority to speak for God? Does a paper license from some denominational schism grant divine authority?

This is not about formal education in which to provide for your family. I have a formal education. Do I really have to explain this?

Take the boxing gloves (petulance) off.

Lylewise, understood it.

777

sermonindex Apr 4, 2011

Hi JB.

Ok, I see that Chris is not the only one who misunderstood, so maybe I was not clear. I will explain.

In a sentence:

Our worldly credentials are not the basis for which God calls us into ministry and all believers should be aware of that.

God calls, not based on what worldly knowledge we know.

He CALLS, CONFIRMS and APPROVES NOT based on our diplomas, degrees, or certificates.