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Theology

Are the scriptures sufficient?

sermonindex Jan 5, 2013

2 Timothy 3:16 - 17

All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness so that tbe man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Is this true? Are tbescriptures sufficient to instruct us in the ways of Christ? If they are not then why?

Bearmaster.

A
andres Jan 5, 2013

Yes, the Scriptures are suffcient..
andy

A
a-servant Jan 5, 2013

Yes, the Scriptures are suffcient. I like to quote someone that understands our time and 2 Timothy 4:3  For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

-----
The Mystical model of Christianity in these last days of strong delusion and great apostasy has replaced the Biblical model. So-called ministers are idolized and even worshipped because they give spiritual experiences that are NOT OF GOD. Many who would claim to be Christians are NOT. Many so-called Christian ministers promote a mystical model of Christianity that is NOT OF GOD. The mystical model is based only upon two things, rather than the three things in historic Christianity. The mystical model has only the spirit and one's human spirit. Few today realize that the spirit transmitted is called the holy spirit by the Hindu and Buddhist as well as the Christian. The spirit in the mystical model of Christianity is NOT OF GOD.

The Biblical model of Christianity is based upon the Word of God, the Spirit of God, and the renewed regenerated mind of man. True faith says that I only accept and believe what is based upon God's written Word. The only Faith that is OF God is measured by its determination to DO what God said, just because God said so. There is really NO place for the Word of God in the Mystical Model of Christianity. IT IS NOT CHRISTIANITY, but rather the mystical model is Christian OCCULTISM.
-----

J
jimp Jan 5, 2013

hi, ask the pharisees...jimp

M
MaryJane Jan 5, 2013

by bearmaster on 2013/1/4 14:32:08

2 Timothy 3:16 - 17

All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness so that tbe man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Is this true? Are tbescriptures sufficient to instruct us in the ways of Christ? If they are not then why?

Bearmaster.

___________


This is a difficult question and I am giving my answer tentatively although I may come back and add to my thoughts as the LORD shows me more on this topic. I plan to spend some time in study on this but my initial response to you is yes the Scripture is sufficient, "however" the Scripture itself(the words written) can not do anything with out the power of the HOLY SPIRIT working in a persons life. So yes the Scripture is sufficient to teach, admonish, encourage and train me in the ways that I should go to follow CHRIST but with out JESUS in my life, with out the working of the HOLY SPIRIT then they are only words on pages in a book. There is life to be found within the pages of GODS HOLY WORDS but only to those who seek HIM and HE gives understanding to. IF I were an unsaved person with no desire to know GOD then the BIBLE sadly would just be literature for me to read...This is my understanding as best as I can explain at this moment, the Scripture is the very WORDS of GOD given to us to point us to JESUS with the end result being a relationship daily living in submission unto KING JESUS as LORD of our lives. They are sufficient and useful as is said in the verse you shared but GOD has used other tools in the lives of believers as well. On many occasions GOD has used the words of other believers to encourage me, admonish me, and instruct me in the ways that I should go to follow CHRIST. GOD has also used events and things that happen in the world around me daily to teach me HIS ways...I believe HE is always using life experience, people, and events to point us to JESUS and help us grow in our walk with HIM. These things are not a replacement for the WORD and should never conflict with HIS HOLY WORD but they can be tools HE uses to grow us and help us walk closer with HIM.

This is my understanding :)

God bless
mj

P
proudpapa Jan 5, 2013

Hi Jimp

Brother Jimp wrote ///hi, ask the pharisees...jimp///

I will add to Jimps question and ask everyone,
according to scripture did the Pharisees believe their scriptures??

B
brothagary Jan 5, 2013

it depends exactly what you mean by saying sufisfent ,and if the sufishentcy is kept in contex with scripture its self ,,,scripture also says that he has givern some to be apostals ,propherts evenglests pasters teachers for work of the ministery and the edafing of the body of christ ,,, scriture is sufishent along with teachers preachers, proherts , ectra

paul was telling the evenglist and paster timothey to use scripture, expound it ,explan it ,use it to rebuke and reprove ,,

he wasnt telling timothey to go tell all the christans they dont need teachers or propherts ects , to go and get your bible just read it and reject all athority and teachers becasue scriture is all you need

no he wasnt saying that


but it is sufishent in the way of not needing any other philoshys or theorys or science or self help councleing ,or what ever the lost world can come up with

it is sufishent alright

blessings


proudpappa i dont think the pharisees believed the scripture ,they never undertood it

S
savannah Jan 5, 2013

Q. Are the scriptures sufficuent?

A. YES!

Yet,in saying so,I do not negate the necessity of the Spirit of God.

Also,if the Spirit of God has given men wisdom to draw out truth from the Scripture,I will gladly and humbly listen and search the Scriptures to see if what they say or write is so or no. And this with the help of His Spirit.

Then the Spirit said to Philip, "Approach and be joined to this chariot." So Philip having run up, heard him reading aloud the prophet Isaiah, and he said, "So do you understand what you are reading?" Then he said, "For how could I unless someone guides me?" And he invited Philip, having come up, to sit with him. Acts 8:29-31

He answered, "For how could I unless someone guides me?"

"Which shows that he was of an excellent spirit and temper; since instead of answering in a haughty and disdainful manner, as great men are too apt to do; and instead of charging Philip with, impertinence and insolence, in interrupting him whilst reading, and putting such a question to him, he expresses himself with great and uncommon modesty; with a sense and confession of his ignorance and incapacity and of the necessity and usefulness of the instructions of men, appointed of God to open and explain the Scriptures: and though he wanted such a guide, and could have been glad of one, yet he was willing to use all diligence himself in reading, that he, might, if possible, come at some knowledge of the truth; which was very commendable in him; and no doubt but the spirit he was in was much owing to his reading the word, and to the Spirit of God disposing his mind in this manner." - Gill

"He puts a fair question to him: Understandest thou what thou readest? Not by way of reproach, but with design to offer him his service. Note, What we read and hear of the word of God it highly concerns us to understand, especially what we read and hear concerning Christ; and therefore we should often ask ourselves whether we understand it or no: Have you understood all these things? Matt. 13:51. And have you understood them aright? We cannot profit by the scriptures unless we do in some measure understand them, 1 Cor. 14:16, 1 Cor. 14:17. And, blessed by God, what is necessary to salvation is easy to be understood." - Henry

"The eunuch in a sense of his need of assistance, desires Philip's company (Acts 8:31): “How can I understand, says he, except some one guide me? Therefore pray come up, and sit with me.” He speaks as one that had very low thoughts of himself, and his own capacity and attainments. He was so far from taking it as an affront to be asked whether he understood what he read, though Philip was a stranger, on foot, and probably looked mean (which many a less man would have done, and have called him an impertinent fellow, and bid him go about his business, what was it to him?) that he takes the question kindly, makes a very modest reply, How can I? We have reason to think he was an intelligent man, and as well acquainted with the meaning of scripture as most were, and yet he modestly confesses his weakness. Note, Those that would learn must see their need to be taught. The prophet must first own that he knows not what these are, and then the angel will tell him, Zech. 4:13. He speaks as one very desirous to be taught, to have some one to guide him. Observe, He read the scripture, though there were many things in it which he did not understand. Though there are many things in the scriptures which are dark and hard to be understood, nay, which are often misunderstood, yet we must not therefore throw them by, but study them for the sake of those things that are easy, which is the likeliest way to come by degrees to the understanding of those things that are difficult: for knowledge and grace grow gradually." - Henry

"Note, In order to our right understanding of the scripture, it is requisite we should have some one to guide us; some good books, and some good men, but, above all, the Spirit of grace, to lead us into all truth." - Henry

J
jimp Jan 5, 2013

hi, very well composed. in business the greater the man ,the easier to talk to.in all things to do with Christ an christianity ,nothing happens until the Holy Spirit show up.You must be born from above.jimp tarry in jerusalem until...

sermonindex Jan 5, 2013

Perhaps I should refine my question. Can a simple babe in Christ grow in tbe grace and knowledge of Jesus through reading and listening to tbe New Testament? Can a simple child of God do this without the need of commentaries or systematic theologies? Understanding tbeir dependence is on the Holy Spirit.

Bear.

J
jimp Jan 5, 2013

hi, 40 years ago, i moved to baton rouge from new orleans to be a part of the great church i still call my home.i quit a great job in n.o. and found a job here working in a gas station. the owner wanted to be open at 5am and i was his man. he paid me for 2 years from 5 to 8 every day to read my bible. what a wonderful gift from God.i would only have 2 or 3 customers during that time.yes God can open the heart of man and fill him with truth with him only reading the Word.jimp

A
andres Jan 5, 2013

I also believe that God uses teachers to clarify things that our sin nature keeps us from learning.. Teachers were instituded by God also to help the Church grow, whether they be dead or alive..

As a father I teach my young boys (3 and 1 ) the scriptures but also teaching them systamaticlly about God
such as: God is Holy.. God made everthing...GOd is one; from the scriptures..

I hope to God that my teaching about God are not stale, because they are systamatic..


I think we must all agree that God uses the Holy Scripture, The Holy Spirit, and The Church to teach us about Himself ( plus an open heart).. If you take one of these out of the equation you run into problems

andy

M
MaryJane Jan 5, 2013

by bearmaster on 2013/1/5 3:41:06

Perhaps I should refine my question. Can a simple babe in Christ grow in tbe grace and knowledge of Jesus through reading and listening to tbe New Testament? Can a simple child of God do this without the need of commentaries or systematic theologies? Understanding tbeir dependence is on the Holy Spirit.

Bear.

_______

I believe of course that a new Christian can grow in their faith and walk with the LORD by reading the Bible(although I would not limit it to just the New Testament) however I also know from my own walk that GOD does not limit HIMSELF to just using the Bible to mold and shape us into HIS imagine. GOD has used many other wonderful brothers and sisters testimonies in my life to help me, to encourage, admonish, and strengthen me in my daily walk. I also believe as another pointed out that in the WORD the LORD gives some to be teachers, elders, and apostle so HE must want us to be involved in one anthers lives daily. For example could I really learn what it means to be servant, putting another persons needs above my own if I were locked away daily just reading my new testament...I think I might have understanding of the concept of what JESUS is teaching but until I am out there in the world, living with others and actually putting those things into practice then they are just concepts. We are the body of CHRIST, net together to encourage, and admonish each other daily so that none would stumble into sin and I believe that there have been many times GOD has used another to come up in my life whether it be through a teaching, or a book, or even an email to show me sin in my life, and to help me grow in HIM. My take on how best to answer your question, yes GOD can and does use the BIBLE to teach us and grow us but I do not believe HE limits HIMSELF to that one tool so why should we limit ourselves then??? Honestly there are so many wonderful teachings here on this site and all around us that GOD has placed on the heart of men and women through out the years and I would not want to miss out on the things HE might have for me because I put HIM into a box by thinking that "only the New Testament" can be used to cause me to grow in HIM.

Again I remain open to hearing from HIM on these things. Thanks for the topic, just curious what brought up the question for you and what are your thoughts on the topic??

God Bless
mj


sermonindex Jan 5, 2013

Hi MJ,

Thus thrrad was started as an off shoot if the systematic theology thread. Sister by now you know my thoughts on tbis topic. I do believe the scriptures are sufficient for one to grow in understanding of Jesus. I do believe a simple child of grace can learn about Jesus through the New Testament with dependence on tbe Holy Spirit. And yes. One most act on what they hear.

Bearmaster.

M
MaryJane Jan 6, 2013

by bearmaster on 2013/1/5 6:43:33

Hi MJ,

Thus thrrad was started as an off shoot if the systematic theology thread. Sister by now you know my thoughts on tbis topic. I do believe the scriptures are sufficient for one to grow in understanding of Jesus. I do believe a simple child of grace can learn about Jesus through the New Testament with dependence on tbe Holy Spirit. And yes. One most act on what they hear.

Bearmaster.

__________

Greetings bear

I have not read through the other thread that you mentioned but I will stop by and check it out. Do you not see any value in other teachings that are shared in helping Christians grow in their faith and walk with CHRIST? I only ask because I thought I remembered that you had shared from some other teachings that you had found to be a blessing. I could be confusing you with another though...sorry if that is the case. I believe we agree that a Christian can and does benefit and grow by spending time in the BIBLE. Do you see that there can be opportunity for GOD to use other teachings to cause us to grow as well?

God bless
mj

C
Christinyou Jan 6, 2013

John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

Who is parakleet? intercessor, consoler:--advocate, comforter. Who is sent to teach us all things? The Comforter, Holy Spirit, Teacher.

What good is the Word? 2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

reproof; Strong's Greek Dictionary
1650. elegchos
Search for G1650 in KJVSL
elegcoV elegchos el'-eng-khos
from 1651; proof, conviction:--evidence, reproof.

correction; Strong's Greek Dictionary
1650. elegchos
Search for G1650 in KJVSL
elegcoV elegchos el'-eng-khos
from 1651; proof, conviction:--evidence, reproof.

instruction; Strong's Greek Dictionary
3809. paideia
Search for G3809 in KJVSL
paideia paideia pahee-di'-ah
from 3811; tutorage, i.e. education or training; by implication, disciplinary correction:--chastening, chastisement, instruction, nurture.

righteousness; Strong's Greek Dictionary
1343. dikaiosune
Search for G1343 in KJVSL
dikaiosunh dikaiosune dik-ah-yos-oo'-nay
from 1342; equity (of character or act); specially (Christian) justification:--righteousness.

All these works are done by the Comforter, which is to bring us to the understanding the now, that we have Christ rebirthed in us, and the Scriptures are Christ alive and put into our hearts and minds by bringing the mind of Christ to our teaching and understanding of who we are in Christ.

Romans 15:6 That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 1:10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

1 Corinthians 2:16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

Without the Mind of Christ, The life of Christ, the Faith of Christ, The Grace of Christ, the Wisdom of Christ, the Righteousness of Christ, The Sanctification of Christ, the Redemption of Christ, and on and on, the Word alone is not understood by the World.

God's Word will never return void, but it is by His decree that we by His Holy Spirit and the born again life of His Son in us that we can do nothing without this revelation from above and in us.

Philippians 4:6-8 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Mark 10:27 And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.

It takes the Living Word in us Himself that the Word is alive in us that we understand the Scriptures unto the Glory of God our Father.

1 Peter 1:22-23 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

He is our life in the Word. This how powerful the Word is;
Ephesians 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Who's Sword is used to put The Spirit of Christ in us and teach us the Mind of Christ that is in us also, which if we don't have we are none of His.?


In Christ: Phillip

sermonindex Jan 6, 2013

Blaine, you wrote:

Thus thrrad was started as an off shoot if the systematic theology thread.

NO?!?...really?.....sorry, a lil sarcasm....and i'm not "blaming" YOU, but we all saw how well that thread went...i do think it was one of the most heart rending threads i've seen here.

Blaine, my feeling is this, its between you and the LORD, you can lead a mule to water, but you cant make it drink.

head knowledge about God has been going on for centuries......and head knowledge is head knowledge, heart knowledge is heart knowledge, ego and pride are ego and pride. Its like rotting meat smelled afar....you dont need a PhD to discern the rank odor of rotting flesh......your nose TELLS YOU that truth....much the same way that Jesus said those who are near to the Kingdom of God, will have the faith of a child....and what is the faith of a child, a child is absolutely DEPENDENT, hence when an "adult", usually a parent says, 'dinner will be served shortly', the child BELIEVES.....it doesnt need "PROOF", the child KNOWS the parent loves it, and wants to feed it, so it is with God. i know God loves me, i'm his child, i believe Him, in ALL His Promises......."doubt" doesnt even creep into my heart, and THAT in itself is a Gift, the Gift of Faith.....now for me to explain this Gift to ANYONE, would be like trying to descibe the smell of wood smoke....what do i say?

uhhh, its smells like wood smoke.

i pray this thread doesnt go awry like the other.

and brothagary, you made this rash statement:

proudpappa i dont think the pharisees believed the scripture ,they never undertood it

what do you mean?

maybe you should read Deuteronomy 13...or consider what Gamaliel said to those who wanted to stomp the disciples for preaching the Ressurected Messiah, before you write as such.....and i DO write that in humility to you.

P
proudpapa Jan 6, 2013

Hi brothagary

I asked 'according to scripture did the Pharisees believe their scriptures??'

brothagary wrote //proudpappa i dont think the pharisees believed the scripture ,they never undertood it//

That is the right answer, Jesus said that they did not believe the scriptures. You are right had they believed the scripture they would have understood it but instead they believed the Jewish Orthodoxy of their day wich had done gymnastics with the scriptures. Had they truly believed the scripture they would not have been blind to that reality.

B
brothagary Jan 6, 2013

calm down neil your staring to freak out bro take a few deep breths , i was answering a question from our brother pappa ,,,there was no rashness or malis,,,i felt i did not want pappa to think i was ignoring him

brother please don let your jewish roots casue you to misjudg my intentions regarding the pharrisees

blessings

sermonindex Jan 6, 2013

Phillip I believe you have brought some very rich truth in your post for us to meditate on. One thing that did grip me was Jesus is the Word. And his words are the Word. One can not separate the two. Thus can it be said the more of his words you have in you the more of Jesus you have in you? Or am I sipping on some Arkansas shine assuming this?

Bearmaster

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