It is sometimes interesting to consider the "insights" derivative one's taking of various biblical verses and/or statements out of context.
As children, we were often exhorted to learn our Sunday School "memory verses" and, indeed, were sometimes rewarded for so doing. At the same time, a certain downside exists in reducing Scripture to "sound bite" segments that can, and frequently do, lead to a perception of God's word in terms of isolated, disconnected pronouncements. A few examples - by no means limited to the younger set:
1. "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God" (John 3:3). Nocodemus' inability to grasp the full intent of Jesus and his ministry derived from the fact that God's kingdom ("reign") cannot be meaningfully comprehended ("seen") apart from one's having been spiritually reborn. The theme is not one's "going to heaven."
2. "Study to show yourself approved..." (II Tim. 2:15). This is not an injunction to read one's Bible (needful though that is), but centers rather on Paul's exhortation to Timothy that he so apply himself (original meaning of the word "study") in all aspects of life and service so as to gain God's approval and give witness to the validity of his ministry and calling. The subject is not necessarily, nor primarily, that of reading.
3. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Phil. 4:13). Reference here is to the apostle's ability to remain firm and resolute in all circumstances. God will provide the necessary resources for surviving that which, in accordance with divine will, Paul must endure. It is not the expression of a psychological, religiously oriented "self realization" wherein one becomes persuaded that "I can do, or become, whatever I desire."
4. "As a man thinks in his heart, so is he" (Prov. 23:7). Focus here centers on the deceitful man who translates his thoughts into action. Despite pretentions to the contrary, his nature will ultimately carry through. In other words, "Be warned, be careful and be smart." It has no connection to "thinking one's way to success"
5. And finally...We recall the time one of our deacons, with no small degree of certitude, advise me that, so long as they eventually marry, there is nothing wrong with couples living together outside the bonds of matrimony. Scripture? Why, of course! No less a personage than the apostle Paul had himself stated that, "if you marry, you have not sinned" (I Cor. 7:28)!
Ever wonder why your pastor may have at times been tempted to become a used car salesman?
Burl Ratzsch
Showing posts with label Scripture. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Scripture. Show all posts
Monday, July 27, 2009
Friday, July 10, 2009
SIRACH
Few things are more vital to Christian faith than the Scriptures whereby God's nature, purposes and plan for mankind are made known. As Ambrose of Milan (d. 397 A.D.) observed, "God walks in the Holy Scriptures, seeking man."
Formation of the present biblical canon presents an interesting story. In the Church's earlier days, wherein Christ's return was generally viewed to be imminent, the apostles represented defining authority in relation to doctrine, meaning, values and objective. In time, however, the need for authorative written guidance became increasingly evident. Christ had not yet returned and the apostles were passing on.
Over time, many works and writings were considered. There was a seemingly endless supply of such - ranging from the inspired and helpful to the uninspired and heretically deviant. It would not be until the latter half of the fourth century that a generally accepted determination of Holy Writ would be achieved.
One of the writings deemed useful by many was the pre-Christian era Book of Sirach, otherwise known as Ecclesiasticus (not to be confused with the better known Ecclesiastes of biblical inclusion). As a wise man imbued with a profound love for God and the things of God, its author sought to inspire the same in others. While not generally found in Protestant Bibles, it is interesting that the King James Version originally included the work (the Puritans removing it some century and a half later) and continues in some of our modern KJV "pulpit Bibles" under the name Ecclesiasticus. In any case, there is much of an inspiring nature within its contents. In addressing the subject of counsel and advice, for example, Sirach advises:
"Be on the alert when one proffers advice, find out first of all what he wants. For he may be thinking of himself alone; why should the profit fall to him? He may tell you how good your way will be, and then stand by to watch your misfortune... Instead, associate with a devout man who you are sure keeps the commandments; who is like-minded with yourself and will feel for you if you fall. Then, too, heed your own heart's counsel; for what have you that you can depend on more? A man's conscience can tell him his situation better than seven watchmen in a lofty tower. Most important of all, pray to God to set your feet in the path of truth" (Sir. 37:8-15 NAB).
One is not hard pressed to find exhortation of considerably less benefit in many of today's literary offerings
Burl Ratzsch.
Formation of the present biblical canon presents an interesting story. In the Church's earlier days, wherein Christ's return was generally viewed to be imminent, the apostles represented defining authority in relation to doctrine, meaning, values and objective. In time, however, the need for authorative written guidance became increasingly evident. Christ had not yet returned and the apostles were passing on.
Over time, many works and writings were considered. There was a seemingly endless supply of such - ranging from the inspired and helpful to the uninspired and heretically deviant. It would not be until the latter half of the fourth century that a generally accepted determination of Holy Writ would be achieved.
One of the writings deemed useful by many was the pre-Christian era Book of Sirach, otherwise known as Ecclesiasticus (not to be confused with the better known Ecclesiastes of biblical inclusion). As a wise man imbued with a profound love for God and the things of God, its author sought to inspire the same in others. While not generally found in Protestant Bibles, it is interesting that the King James Version originally included the work (the Puritans removing it some century and a half later) and continues in some of our modern KJV "pulpit Bibles" under the name Ecclesiasticus. In any case, there is much of an inspiring nature within its contents. In addressing the subject of counsel and advice, for example, Sirach advises:
"Be on the alert when one proffers advice, find out first of all what he wants. For he may be thinking of himself alone; why should the profit fall to him? He may tell you how good your way will be, and then stand by to watch your misfortune... Instead, associate with a devout man who you are sure keeps the commandments; who is like-minded with yourself and will feel for you if you fall. Then, too, heed your own heart's counsel; for what have you that you can depend on more? A man's conscience can tell him his situation better than seven watchmen in a lofty tower. Most important of all, pray to God to set your feet in the path of truth" (Sir. 37:8-15 NAB).
One is not hard pressed to find exhortation of considerably less benefit in many of today's literary offerings
Burl Ratzsch.
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