Scripture Read: Galatians 1:11–12 For I would have you know, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. 12 For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.
Application: Many believe the Bible is a book written only by man. As usual the lie from the enemy has truth in it. This Book was written by the hand of man, but not only. Just like any other writing when we speak about who wrote it we do not limit it “only” to the physical hand that held the pen, we include anyone that participated in developing the message of the writing. Men did participate in the writing of the Word of God, but it was God’s message. Paul makes it clear that the message he is preaching is not his – it was revealed by God – He did not get it from study, nor tradition – the word declares that this gospel he is preaching is not from him:
“Revelation” - ἀποκάλυψις apokálupsis - to reveal. Revelation, uncovering, unveiling, disclosure. Apokálupsis is a grander and more comprehensive word, includes not merely the thing shown and seen but the interpretation, the unveiling of the same. The revelation of the mysteries refers to divine purposes and doctrines which before were unknown and concealed (Rom. 16:25 1 Cor. 14:6, 26). Of revelations from God the Father or Christ (2 Cor. 12:1, 7; Gal. 1:12; 2:2; Eph. 3:3). [1]
This emphasizes the stewardship of the message we have been entrusted with – it is not ours, it is His! We have no right to amend it, make it more Politically Correct, take away it’s narrowness, make it easier to accept or make it more difficult to attain. Our duty if we are people of integrity is to just present it as it is – no additions or subtractions. Our study can help us appreciate it more and understand more of Who our God is – but we have no right to change the message. The thing that I struggle with is my brothers who sit quietly by when these teachers, many are big names, change this message. I stand up and declare the sin of it and I am called unloving! Who is unloving? The one that faces the fact that we all have a disease and there is only one cure and you must receive it only the way the instructions demand? Or those that try to allow you your way to take the cure and in the end you die of that disease because those who “loved” you did not want to offend you; instead they let you die! Is that love? Father this really fills me with disgust and I cannot hide it. We must, we owe it to Jesus, Who paid this tremendous price, give the message as it is. Yes, we can share it in the context that you lead; we can “bridge”; we can be seeker friendly; we can show friendship evangelism – etc., but in the end the message will offend or there will be no conversion – no cure!! Jesus said this gospel will offend. It should not offend due to the way we present it, but when we tell anybody they are never going to be good enough, there works are as dirty rags, and there is ONLY one narrow way to eternal life – many will be offended! The medicine will hurt – but it will cure!
* Meditation Questions: Do you believe that without Christ – anybody, that means various religions and relatives – will be separated from God? Are you willing to change your method of sharing the gospel? What does that show you? Are you willing to change the message of the gospel? What does that show you? If you were dying of poison and you needed a shot to save your life - would it hurt? Would you want the pain of the shot? Would you need the shot? Would you take the pain to get the cure?
[1] Zodhiates, S. (2000). The complete word study dictionary : New Testament (electronic ed.). Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers.
No comments:
Post a Comment