After finishing up my read of the
entire Bible straight through again earlier this year, it was my intention to
start again; using a chronological study Bible this time, which arranges the
text in chronological order. Well, I haven't started that project yet. I had
some curves thrown at me, so instead, I have been re-reading the Epistles
starting from Galatians forward (the short
ones). I'll explain why I chose to specifically read those in a moment. But
first, I want to say that I'm currently in 2 Timothy, and I have to tell you,
no matter how many times I go through a passage of Scripture, the Lord always
gives me meaningful personal applications and insights; sometimes new,
sometimes renewed. The Word of God does not "return void" (Isaiah
55:11).
People will sometimes say that they don't hear from the Lord, or that they pray but don't get a response. While the Lord certainly can give direction and response to one's heart and mind through the Holy Spirit, I believe His primary method of speaking directly to us is through His Word. My first question for people who are seeking guidance would be, "Are you reading the Bible?" Do you want to hear from the Lord? Do you read the Bible? Those are His words to us. Both general revelation to humanity and specific application (with guidance from the Holy Spirit) to individuals. It is amazing the personal direction He can and does give from passages that seemingly have nothing to do with one's personal situation. On the surface, the primary meaning of the text may be about something else. But God honors our dedication to seeking Him and reading His Word (He honors or magnifies His Word above His name; Psalm 138:2), and the Spirit gives us very personalized guidance in very impactful ways.
Now, I'm not advocating that people start reinterpreting Scripture for themselves to mean whatever they want it to mean. We know that Scripture is not open for private interpretation (2 Peter 1:20). The primary meaning of the text is still the best meaning for general understanding and application. But the Holy Spirit does give personal application to individuals from passages that may or may not have general application in the same way to all humanity. If the clear reading is a general application, then it's meant for all. But if you're reading a passage and the Spirit suddenly guides, or directs, or gives you an answer that might not have direct, obvious relation to the text, as long as it doesn't contradict clear direction from elsewhere in Scripture, then you've received personal application. The Holy Spirit leads us into truth (John 16:13). But don't try to impose that application onto others; this would be an error as it is meant for you. Legalism starts by doing things like that.
So why did I decide to start reading the Epistles again, instead of the entire Bible? Well, for one reason, they are much shorter, and reading the entire Bible can seem daunting or overwhelming sometimes; even leading to procrastination. Now, I've done it, more than once, so I'm here to tell you that it can be done; and I recommend you do it. Any serious follower of Christ that has access and ability should endeavor to read the entire counsel of God's Word. It is a commitment for sure, but one worth making, especially if you're committed to Him. It truly opens up your understanding of the character and plan of God. And it exposes your own true nature (Hebrews 4:12), and gives insight into the fundamental reality of everything. And besides, not being in His Word regularly, in addition to neglecting prayer and avoiding fellowship with other believers, can lead to isolation, uncertainty, confusion, misdirection, and spiritual atrophy. So, better to start small and read some, than to plan big and never start at all. It's good just to stay in His Word and not be away for too long. But that's not the only reason. As I mentioned, I had some curves come at me in life recently, so I decided to look to the Epistles for practical direction. And now I will explain why.
Let me start by saying that I believe the following: "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 3:16-17, NKJV) That said, for we who are redeemed under the New Covenant, which is through salvation offered by Christ in the covenant He initiated through His death and resurrection, the New Testament is our guide to understanding our relationship to Christ and YHWH God. It reveals and explains the promises and prophecies of the Old Testament. It is the "better" covenant (Hebrews 8:6). So the New Testament is our most practical and direct guide.
Now the last book in the New Testament is Revelation. It is prophetic in nature, and is considered apocalyptic literature, which is to be read and understood as such, especially in light of the rest of Scripture. The first 5 books, the 4 Gospels and Acts, are historical/biographical narratives. They record the life, words, and actions of Jesus, the Apostles, and other disciples/followers from the first-century Church. Of course, they contain teachings of God the Son (our Savior), and the Apostles, which are profitable for doctrine, etc. But they also contain record of facts, actions, and events that occurred, which in and of themselves should not be taken as general directives for practical application. To try to codify doctrine, or model Church structure or individual behavior off of historical/biographical narratives, which in many places simply state how things were, would be a mistake. For example, we are not called to die on the cross for the sins of mankind as Christ did. Nor are we directed to wear camel's hair and eat locusts and wild honey as John the Baptist did. Nor are we required to literally wash each other’s feet with water (this was a demonstration modeled for us of how we are to be humble and put the needs of others before our own). Nor should we assume that speaking in tongues is necessary to demonstrate the filling of the Holy Spirit simply because that is what happened to the Apostles on the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2. Nor should we assume that being baptized according to a specifically prescribed methodology, being baptized at all for that matter, or receiving the laying on of hands, is required to receive the Holy Spirit simply because it occurred this way in Acts 8. These were specific events which are simply recorded in Scripture to tell us how things occurred for specific groups in specific places at specific moments in time. They are examples of how things happened for some people, and are not to be used exclusively to formulate doctrine or determine practical application. The entire counsel of the New Testament, and even the Old, should be considered in doing so.
That's where the Epistles come into action, and is why they are so important. The Epistles are instructional letters that explain New Covenant doctrine. They teach us and direct us. The guide and provide practical application. They are direct, and illuminate God's Word and reveal the mysteries of God's plan. They explain why, for example, Christians no longer need to observe the ceremonial, dietary, legal/procedural, and sacrificial ordinances of God's Law. However, they do command us to follow the general moral commands of God's Law, including those related to sexual conduct, etc. They release us from the other said ordinances by way of revealing and explaining the New Covenant, which has replaced (or superseded) the Old as the way by which humanity is able to enter into relationship with its Creator. That is not to imply that the doctrine of Supersessionism (Replacement Theology) is correct, which also asserts that the Church has replaced Israel. This last is not Biblical and is not taught in Scripture. In fact, Paul explains the exact opposite to us in Romans 9 and 11. Israel still has a role in God's plan, and a prophetic destiny to fulfill from Scripture. And God's promises to Abraham, Jacob, David, and the Nation of Israel are not all fulfilled yet. And God keeps His promises.
The Epistles are short. They are direct. They are instructive. They are explanatory. The Epistles provide general guidance and practical application for all Christ followers. And that is why I turn to the Epistles often when seeking direction from the Lord. And that is why I recommend them for Christians who are wanting to grow spiritually, grow relationally, or to start a regimen of regular immersion in God's Word.
Thanks for reading. Grace and peace.
People will sometimes say that they don't hear from the Lord, or that they pray but don't get a response. While the Lord certainly can give direction and response to one's heart and mind through the Holy Spirit, I believe His primary method of speaking directly to us is through His Word. My first question for people who are seeking guidance would be, "Are you reading the Bible?" Do you want to hear from the Lord? Do you read the Bible? Those are His words to us. Both general revelation to humanity and specific application (with guidance from the Holy Spirit) to individuals. It is amazing the personal direction He can and does give from passages that seemingly have nothing to do with one's personal situation. On the surface, the primary meaning of the text may be about something else. But God honors our dedication to seeking Him and reading His Word (He honors or magnifies His Word above His name; Psalm 138:2), and the Spirit gives us very personalized guidance in very impactful ways.
Now, I'm not advocating that people start reinterpreting Scripture for themselves to mean whatever they want it to mean. We know that Scripture is not open for private interpretation (2 Peter 1:20). The primary meaning of the text is still the best meaning for general understanding and application. But the Holy Spirit does give personal application to individuals from passages that may or may not have general application in the same way to all humanity. If the clear reading is a general application, then it's meant for all. But if you're reading a passage and the Spirit suddenly guides, or directs, or gives you an answer that might not have direct, obvious relation to the text, as long as it doesn't contradict clear direction from elsewhere in Scripture, then you've received personal application. The Holy Spirit leads us into truth (John 16:13). But don't try to impose that application onto others; this would be an error as it is meant for you. Legalism starts by doing things like that.
So why did I decide to start reading the Epistles again, instead of the entire Bible? Well, for one reason, they are much shorter, and reading the entire Bible can seem daunting or overwhelming sometimes; even leading to procrastination. Now, I've done it, more than once, so I'm here to tell you that it can be done; and I recommend you do it. Any serious follower of Christ that has access and ability should endeavor to read the entire counsel of God's Word. It is a commitment for sure, but one worth making, especially if you're committed to Him. It truly opens up your understanding of the character and plan of God. And it exposes your own true nature (Hebrews 4:12), and gives insight into the fundamental reality of everything. And besides, not being in His Word regularly, in addition to neglecting prayer and avoiding fellowship with other believers, can lead to isolation, uncertainty, confusion, misdirection, and spiritual atrophy. So, better to start small and read some, than to plan big and never start at all. It's good just to stay in His Word and not be away for too long. But that's not the only reason. As I mentioned, I had some curves come at me in life recently, so I decided to look to the Epistles for practical direction. And now I will explain why.
Let me start by saying that I believe the following: "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 3:16-17, NKJV) That said, for we who are redeemed under the New Covenant, which is through salvation offered by Christ in the covenant He initiated through His death and resurrection, the New Testament is our guide to understanding our relationship to Christ and YHWH God. It reveals and explains the promises and prophecies of the Old Testament. It is the "better" covenant (Hebrews 8:6). So the New Testament is our most practical and direct guide.
Now the last book in the New Testament is Revelation. It is prophetic in nature, and is considered apocalyptic literature, which is to be read and understood as such, especially in light of the rest of Scripture. The first 5 books, the 4 Gospels and Acts, are historical/biographical narratives. They record the life, words, and actions of Jesus, the Apostles, and other disciples/followers from the first-century Church. Of course, they contain teachings of God the Son (our Savior), and the Apostles, which are profitable for doctrine, etc. But they also contain record of facts, actions, and events that occurred, which in and of themselves should not be taken as general directives for practical application. To try to codify doctrine, or model Church structure or individual behavior off of historical/biographical narratives, which in many places simply state how things were, would be a mistake. For example, we are not called to die on the cross for the sins of mankind as Christ did. Nor are we directed to wear camel's hair and eat locusts and wild honey as John the Baptist did. Nor are we required to literally wash each other’s feet with water (this was a demonstration modeled for us of how we are to be humble and put the needs of others before our own). Nor should we assume that speaking in tongues is necessary to demonstrate the filling of the Holy Spirit simply because that is what happened to the Apostles on the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2. Nor should we assume that being baptized according to a specifically prescribed methodology, being baptized at all for that matter, or receiving the laying on of hands, is required to receive the Holy Spirit simply because it occurred this way in Acts 8. These were specific events which are simply recorded in Scripture to tell us how things occurred for specific groups in specific places at specific moments in time. They are examples of how things happened for some people, and are not to be used exclusively to formulate doctrine or determine practical application. The entire counsel of the New Testament, and even the Old, should be considered in doing so.
That's where the Epistles come into action, and is why they are so important. The Epistles are instructional letters that explain New Covenant doctrine. They teach us and direct us. The guide and provide practical application. They are direct, and illuminate God's Word and reveal the mysteries of God's plan. They explain why, for example, Christians no longer need to observe the ceremonial, dietary, legal/procedural, and sacrificial ordinances of God's Law. However, they do command us to follow the general moral commands of God's Law, including those related to sexual conduct, etc. They release us from the other said ordinances by way of revealing and explaining the New Covenant, which has replaced (or superseded) the Old as the way by which humanity is able to enter into relationship with its Creator. That is not to imply that the doctrine of Supersessionism (Replacement Theology) is correct, which also asserts that the Church has replaced Israel. This last is not Biblical and is not taught in Scripture. In fact, Paul explains the exact opposite to us in Romans 9 and 11. Israel still has a role in God's plan, and a prophetic destiny to fulfill from Scripture. And God's promises to Abraham, Jacob, David, and the Nation of Israel are not all fulfilled yet. And God keeps His promises.
The Epistles are short. They are direct. They are instructive. They are explanatory. The Epistles provide general guidance and practical application for all Christ followers. And that is why I turn to the Epistles often when seeking direction from the Lord. And that is why I recommend them for Christians who are wanting to grow spiritually, grow relationally, or to start a regimen of regular immersion in God's Word.
Thanks for reading. Grace and peace.
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