Study to Show Yourself Approved

With the abundance of study resources available to us today, a lot of people seem to think it's enough to just read or listen to what others have to say about the Bible. Maybe they believe they are being diligent in their Bible studies when they read a lot of books and commentaries, listen to various preachers on the radio or on TV, or search the internet in search of truth. Naturally, they are very careful to only listen to "reputable" teachers who have done enough studying and research to know what they're talking about. Unfortunately, many of these "reputable" Bible scholars are leading people astray and don't even realize it themselves. They really believe what they're teaching so they can be very convincing.

"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world." I John 4:1

People are always asking why there is so much disagreeing in the Christian faith and this is one of the reasons. All it takes is one person who thinks he has discovered a unique truth about God's word, and it isn't long before he's out preaching about it. As more and more people hear this new "truth" and begin agreeing with it, it isn't long before a new doctrine and another new denomination is born. There are so many different denominations and doctrines in the world today, it's no wonder there is so much disagreeing among Christians. The Bible says "the gate is straight and the way is narrow that leads to life, and few there are that find it," (Matthew 7:14) so naturally, each one wants to believe they are one of the few who have found it. Sadly, by following a person instead of God, they are going through "the wide gate and traveling the broad way, that leads to destruction." (Matthew 7:13)

"Don't give heed to fables and commandments of men that turn from the truth." Titus 1:14

Although most people, who inadvertently end up following a person rather than God, are sincerely seeking the truth, there are others who latch onto a particular person's doctrine mainly because what they preach sounds a lot more appealing than what the Bible actually says. They don't want to hear anything that might convict them, so they look for preachers who say what they want to hear. It's amazing how verses of the Bible can be sugar-coated to excuse sins that people don't want to acknowledge. Today, there are as many doctrines and denominations as there is candy in a candy store, and people can just take their pick. It's not hard to find one that fits any particular lifestyle.

"In the last days people will not endure sound doctrine, but following their own lusts will find many teachers...they shall turn away their ears from the truth and shall turn to fables." II Timothy 4:3-4

The many interpretations of man are confusing, and are really only as good as whomever they might appeal to. If people are honest they will admit this is the primary reason why they choose certain denominations or doctrines over others, because it fits what they want to believe. The Holy Spirit, on the other hand, gives the truth, whether it sounds appealing to us or not.

Paul said to the church at Corinth: "My speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of Power, that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God." II Corinthians 2:4-5

Having a thirst for knowledge is natural for Christians, and sometimes it can actually be helpful to hear someone else's point of view, but this should only be done by someone who is mature in the Word and is capable of discerning truth from fable. There's only one way to acquire this ability, and that's to spend a lot of time in the scriptures, allowing the Holy Spirit to give the proper understanding. We must study to show ourselves approved, meaning it's a personal endeavor to gain understanding so we can rightly divide the Word of Truth, and be better able to discern.

"Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth." II Timothy 2:15

As wonderful as it may seem to have the abundance of study resources we have available to us today, it makes sense to be cautious and go first to the most trusted source of truth. The Bible is "profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness, because it was written by the inspiration of God." (II Timothy 3:16)

"If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater." I John 5:9