In terms of those things, it is well to remember that Scripture repeatedly rebukes putting too much trust in human reason (1 Corinthians 3:18-20; 8:1-3; 1:20,21). This does not mean we should have no definite convictions. But it does mean we need to ask whether the secondary things we fight over are a matter of clear Scriptural teaching or just our opinion. I am not saying we should not have opinions on such things. But I have to ask whether these are clear-cut enough to be dividing over. It is my view that many of the things we divide over are Scripturally indifferent. But even if they are not, are they worth fighting over? In 1 Corinthians too much trust in our own wisdom is seen as the basis of divisiveness (1 Corinthians 1:10-17; 3:21-23; 8:7-13). Could it be we need to examine some of the things we divide over to see, not only whether they are Scriptural, but whether they are worth it? And could it be that on some of these questions we need to admit to ourselves and others that we do not know the answers? For it is hard to miss the resemblance of the present day Christian church to the church at Corinth.
In a spiritual world of quick fixes and vague emotion, is it crazy to believe there is still a place for insights based on simple, basic, theological understanding. I believe it is worth exploring.
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Thursday, January 31, 2013
Not Knowing All the Answers
In terms of those things, it is well to remember that Scripture repeatedly rebukes putting too much trust in human reason (1 Corinthians 3:18-20; 8:1-3; 1:20,21). This does not mean we should have no definite convictions. But it does mean we need to ask whether the secondary things we fight over are a matter of clear Scriptural teaching or just our opinion. I am not saying we should not have opinions on such things. But I have to ask whether these are clear-cut enough to be dividing over. It is my view that many of the things we divide over are Scripturally indifferent. But even if they are not, are they worth fighting over? In 1 Corinthians too much trust in our own wisdom is seen as the basis of divisiveness (1 Corinthians 1:10-17; 3:21-23; 8:7-13). Could it be we need to examine some of the things we divide over to see, not only whether they are Scriptural, but whether they are worth it? And could it be that on some of these questions we need to admit to ourselves and others that we do not know the answers? For it is hard to miss the resemblance of the present day Christian church to the church at Corinth.
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