The faith of many has been sabotaged as they came to
something in scripture that went counter to their understanding or confused
their theology.
There are several ways people approach this fairly
common dilemma. Some study harder, read commentaries, search for explanations
by others. This is often the right thing to do. We need to allow difficulties
to motivate us to study. However, this can be a dangerous first step. Understanding
scripture requires more than diligent study and natural intelligence. It calls
for wisdom and spiritual insight. James says anyone who lacks wisdom should ask
God. (James 1:5)
Sometimes people try to twist the scripture to say what they
already think. I do not need to tell you this is wrong, but we
certainly see it a lot.
I also see people getting louder in their affirmation of
what a scripture seems to contradict. How many angry retorts have you heard
against Paul’s statements about predestination (Eph.1:5) or some other doctrine
that Scripture affirms or seems to put forth? Right or wrong this is
unspiritual behavior.
Romans 12:14 tells us spiritual things are discerned by the
Holy Spirit. He begins by bringing us to the point of meekness. We must submit
to God’s truth no matter what. Then ask the Spirit to work patience in your heart
to wait on His illumination. I recommend memorizing the verse or difficult passage. Then in patience and meekness
meditate on it, praying for God to speak to your heart.
With this Spiritual foundation in place you can go to
commentaries and study what others have written about a passage. It is
interesting that commentaries seldom delve into passages that trouble us. But
that will not keep God’s Spirit from giving you special insight into His truth.
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