Honouring Scripture Over Emotion: Learning from Paul’s Example

Honouring Scripture Over Emotion: Learning from Paul’s Example

In moments of provocation, how do we respond? Do we let our emotions dictate our actions, or do we submit ourselves to the authority of God's Word? Paul’s encounter with the high priest in Acts 23:2-5 offers a powerful example of humility, self-control, and unwavering reverence for Scripture—an attitude we should value and imitate.

Paul’s Immediate Reaction

When struck unjustly, Paul’s first response was sharp: “God shall smite thee, thou whited wall” (Acts 23:3). His words carried righteous indignation, exposing the hypocrisy of Ananias, who violated the law he claimed to uphold. Yet, when informed that he had spoken against the high priest, Paul did not defend his initial reaction or justify his anger. Instead, he immediately submitted to the truth of Scripture, quoting Exodus 22:28: “Thou shalt not revile the gods, nor curse the ruler of thy people.”

This swift correction is remarkable. Paul could have clung to his frustration, arguing that Ananias was corrupt and undeserving of honour. But he did not. His commitment to God’s Word outweighed his personal feelings, reminding us that Scripture, not emotion, must govern our responses.

What Lessons Can We Learn From This

Embracing Correction and Truth

Embracing Correction and Truth

Spiritual maturity is a journey—a transformative process that challenges us to move beyond our own understanding and align our hearts and minds with the truth of God's Word. This growth often involves reproof and correction, two elements that may feel uncomfortable but are essential for shaping us into the image of Christ. As believers, we are called to renew our minds through Scripture, allowing God's wisdom to displace our own, and in doing so, we begin to understand the deeper truths of God’s word, His will and His judgements. 

The Galatian saints struggled with this, relying on their own efforts and clinging to the law of Moses instead of embracing the faith-centered doctrine that Paul taught. Their error lay in attempting to perfect themselves through fleshly endeavours rather than submitting to the transformative power of God's Word. This serves as a lesson for all believers: true transformation comes not from our own wisdom or actions, but from the renewing of our minds by Scripture alone. We cannot layer God's truth on top of our flawed thinking and expect to grow; instead, we must allow His Word to reshape us entirely. 

Acknowledging our need for correction is critical in this process. Paul warns in 2 Timothy 2:25-26 that those who oppose themselves are caught in the snare of the devil, unaware that they are walking in false doctrine. The first step to freedom is recognizing and admitting our errors. This attitude of humility helps us to change our mind and leads us back to the path of truth. Like the Galatians, we may sometimes find it difficult to accept correction, especially when it challenges deeply held beliefs or exposes areas of weakness. Yet, this willingness to embrace reproof is vital for spiritual growth. 

Rightly Divide to Understand Salvation in the Grace vs. the Kingdom Programs

Rightly Divide to Understand Salvation in the Grace vs. the Kingdom Programs

Introduction: A Common Misunderstanding About Salvation

In discussions about salvation, many well-meaning Christians, who do not rightly divide the word of truth, fall into the trap of mixing different biblical instructions intended for distinct audiences and periods. This misunderstanding often stems from combining teachings from Jesus’ earthly ministry with those found in the Apostle Paul’s epistles, which outline the gospel for the present dispensation of grace. Here is a summary of this prevalent but doctrinally inconsistent viewpoint:

1. Confession for Salvation: Based on Matthew 10:32 and Luke 12:8, it is argued that public confession is required for salvation, along with faith.
2. Repentance from Sin: Verses like Luke 5:32 and Luke 24:47 are used to emphasize that turning away from sin (repentance) is a prerequisite for salvation.
3. Water Baptism: Passages such as Mark 16:16 and Acts 2:38 are interpreted to mean that water baptism is necessary for the remission of sins and salvation.
4. Endurance for Salvation: Matthew 24:13 is cited to suggest that believers must endure until the end of their lives to secure salvation.
5. Peter’s Message at Pentecost: Acts 2:38 is taken as universal guidance for salvation, combining repentance and baptism for the remission of sins.

While this view appears comprehensive, it mistakenly blends requirements from Israel’s kingdom program under the Old Covenant with the grace program revealed through Paul. Sadly, these misunderstandings place undue burdens on believers and obscures the simple, liberating truth of salvation by grace through faith alone. With this overview established, let us analyse these points to uncover what is doctrinally wrong, why these interpretations are inconsistent with the current dispensation, and what the correct biblical teaching is. Rightly dividing the word of truth brings clarity, freedom, and a deeper understanding of God’s plan.

Be vigilant of false teachers and always confirm everything by what the Word actually says

Be vigilant of false teachers and always confirm everything by what the Word actually says

This post contains someone's reaction to the following post:

• https://thebigpicturelink.blogspot.com/2023/07/so-much-said-is-so-few-words.html

Sadly, the below reaction is a common event. It illustrates the level of shallowness in Bible study and blatant ignorance of God's Word. It also shows how the pride and presumption of people like this can so easily lead other Christians astray, who are not yet stable in the Word, and who can be tossed to and fro, carried about with every wind of doctrine, (Eph.4:14).

Please evaluate the statements below and then read my response attentively to observe what the Bible 'really' says about our salvation and standing before God. 

Disputing ignorance with what the Bible really says

Disputing ignorance with what the Bible really says

STATEMENTS:

• AnyOne Who is.. NOT ... born again of The Holy Spirit... is.. NOT .. Saved -- John 3:3, 5
• AnyOne Who Doesn't Have the Same Spirit as Jesus...is NOT Saved -- Romans 8:9
• AnyOne Who Doesn't Carry their cross & Follow Him...is NOT Saved -- Matt 16:24-26 / Mark 8:34 37 / Luke 9:23-25
• AnyOne Who is.. NOT...Led by the Holy Spirit is..NOT Saved -- Romans 8:14
• AnyOne Who Doesn't Know my Fathers Will for their Life...is NOT SAVED -- Matt 7:21
• ---->>> Ephesians 5:18 --- Be FILLED... with the HOLY SPIRIT...
• AnyOne Who Doesn't Obey Jesus...is NOT SAVED -- Hebrews 5:9
• AnyOne Who Doesn't Know His Voice & Follow Him...is NOT SAVED -- John 10:27

RESPONSE TO SUCH IGNORANCE

The above commentary is fairly typical of people out there who respond to doctrine and bible studies through arrogance and immaturity. They are the 'know-it-alls' who themselves have closed their hearts and minds to sound instruction and correction. Beware of the advice and vanity they post. Always compare scripture with scripture and ensure you have scriptural proof of any comments and opinions before taking it to heart and setting your faith upon it.