How do you recognize a wolf in sheep’s clothing? Well, you had better know the Word of God. “For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword. It penetrates even into dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.“ Hebrews 4:12
“Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path .” Psalms 119:105
“Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the Word of God.” Romans 10:17
Now there is a difference between deliberate deception by a wolf and spiritual ignorance. When Apollos preached in the synagogue at Ephesus, his message was correct as far as it went, but it was not complete. Priscilla and Aquila, two mature believers in the congregation, took him aside privately and instructed him in the full complete message of Christ. Apollos knew only John’s baptism, a baptism of repentance, not the baptism of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 18)
Preachers and teachers alike must be careful to preach the full counsel of God, remembering that “all scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness…” II Timothy 3:16
If you ignore or neglect any part of the Bible, you invite trouble. Christians should want to read and study the whole Bible and be able to correctly handle or rightly divide the Word.
We should discern in the Bible what God says to different people at different times! There are passages that apply specifically to the Jews or to the Gentiles or to the Church. We must be careful to distinguish between them. Although all of the Bible was written for us, not all of it was directed to us. False or misguided teachers, however, often pick out of context only what they think apply to believers today; passages that were actually given only for ancient Israel. ..like the law.
The Word of God in Romans 10:4 tells us, “Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes. Romans 6:14 tells us, “For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.” Galatians 5:4 tells us: “you who are trying to be justified by law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace.”
LIFE LESSON: A Christian who spends time daily in the Bible and in prayer will walk in the Spirit and have the discernment he or she needs for rightly dividing the Word of God.
We appreciate your continued support and for partnering with us to proclaim the truth in God’s Word about the love and grace of God. To Him be the glory!