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 perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. 2 Timothy 3:16, 17.
Scripture is the key that unlocks Scripture. The suppositions of men are worthless. Great care is to be exercised, lest human fallacies be brought in. Every student is to be educated to give a clear exposition of the Word, according to the example Christ has given in His teaching. He said nothing to gratify curiosity or to stimulate selfish ambition. He did not deal in abstract theories, but in that which is essential to the development of character, that which will enlarge man’s capacity for knowing God, and increase his power to do good. He spoke of those truths that relate to the conduct of life, and that unite man with eternity. We read that the common people heard Him gladly. The people “were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power” (Luke 4:32).
We need not tax our minds for some farfetched explanation of the words of Scripture. Thus the Jewish teachers did. They quoted the ideas and traditions of the rabbis, confusing the minds of their hearers. They taught for doctrine the commandments of men. We are not to seek for revelations that have not been made in the Word of God. In the simplicity of Christ we are to present the plain teaching of the Bible. Men in high positions of trust in the world will be charmed by a plain, straightforward, scriptural statement of truth.
I have been instructed that the churches have not been advancing in a knowledge of the truth for this time, but that if the teachers of truth will take up the work clearly marked out in the Scriptures, the feet of many will be planted firmly on the platform of eternal truth. Many will know more than ever before of the truth that has been given for these last days….
Let every step taken be a step of advancement toward genuine conversion, toward unreserved consecration of heart, mind, soul, and strength to the service of the Lord. Let all that is done tend to genuine reformation in thought, in word, in deed, in character building. Let the true be discerned from the false. Do not allow the enemy to lead you to weave wrong figures into the pattern. Keep the love of Christ prominent before the children and youth. Repeat to them often His simple lessons.—Letter 111, March 13, 1904, to Elder G. I. Butler, at the time president of the Southern Union
The Upward Look p. 86
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Prayer Requests
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Dear Friends,
One time Ron, Eileen, and I took a little walk at a local nature area that is about five miles of our house. As we walked along, we talked and laughed and just had a good time together.
Suddenly Ron thought he saw a man walking two very large dogs around the curve on the path ahead of us. It was only a momentary glimpse, as there were bushes and other greenery obstructing his view. Eileen picked up our dog, Junior, to protect him from the dogs that were soon to appear. We watched a little fearfully, hoping that the man was able to control those large animals and most of all, that they were not ferocious. Just then, the man and his “dogs” emerged from behind the trees. We began to laugh! What Ron had seen, was a man on horseback, leading another horse by its reigns!
Just as that quick glimpse gave us a wrong idea, so it is in a spiritual sense. If we look at one verse by itself, we may misinterpret what we read; because we do not compare Scripture with Scripture, “for precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little.” Isa 28:10 These verses, taken together, will give us a clear picture of God’s message to us.
How many times we read it’s words without asking for the guidance of the Very One Who guided those who wrote. “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” 2 Peter 1:21
How often we open God’s Holy Word with our pre-conceived ideas. When we do this, we lose the very message God has for us. David prayed, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” “Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.” Ps 119:105; 73:24 From Genesis to Revelation, it’s Author has filled His Message to us with the counsel so vital to our spiritual life, for “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 perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Tim 3:16, 17
Jesus says, “Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.” Matt 13:52 God’s Word holds a Treasure beyond our hopes and dreams. It points the way to peace and happiness, yet how many times we become so busy with worldly persuits, that we neglect studying the Scriptures altogether. With tears in His voice, our Great Creator declares, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” Hosea 4:6 This need not be. Our Loving Redeemer has provided all that we need to know His will, all that we need to be saved.
May we ever pray as did David, “Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.” 119:18 May we, in these last days when all but the very elect will be deceived, ask the True Witness for the eye salve of spiritual discernment that He so freely offers. (Matt 24:24; Rev 3:14-20) May we daily “study to show [ourselves] approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Tim 2:15
Rose