Gaining Knowledge in Scripture Through L.H.O. #1
Barriers to learning
The first barrier we all must overcome to begin to learn is the supposition that we already know the answer. As Paul observes in Berea (see verse list). In that manner we also are called to approach the word of GOD with all readiness of heart and mind. Ready to learn and test the subject against scripture with purity of heart and purpose. As we progress please always correlate the statement on the left with GODS Word on the right. ||1 Thess. 5:21 KJV|| 21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good
||Acts 17:11 KJV|| 11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
||2 Tim. 3:16 KJV|| 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
The LAW and its Purpose | "Levitical Priesthood"
To understand any subject in scripture with an origin in the law we must first understand The LAW.
Question
Answer
Scripture
Q: So the first most important question regarding the law is are we justified by the law and can we earn salvation through our works?
A: This is clear for all Christians and New Testament readers NO! Salvation comes through Faith in Jesus Christ.
||2 Tim. 3:15 KJV|| 15And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus See Also:1 Thess. 5:8|1 Pet. 1:5,9 | Jude 1:3
Q: So if we are not justified by the LAW what is its purpose for Christians today?
A: The Law is GODS tool to guide us on what SIN is and to teach us so that we might gain Faith in JESUS.
||Gal. 3:24 KJV|| 24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. ||Rom. 3:20 KJV|| 20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. See Also Rom 7:7 | 1Jn. 3:4
Q: So if we break the law do we have salvation?
A: The law does not dictate your salvation your not going to Hades’s just because you broke Gods Law. Jesus is our sacrifice to cleanse our sins through grace. Salvation is through Faith in Christ Jesus. Albeit Faith inherently fosters obedience with all applicable aspects of the law
||Rom. 8:2 KJV|| 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. ||Rom. 3:31 KJV|| Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law See Also Rom. 3:27-28
The LAW GODS Tool to Identify SIN
Understanding Reaffirmation & Removal
We might ask ourselves: So now I’m confused. I’m not under the law because Jesus died so that I might have grace unto forgiveness. However I know the law is still relevant because it was a Schoolmaster to teach me what sin is Gal. 3:24. Then Paul also said we establish the law Rom. 3:31.
Question
Answer
Scripture
Q: But didn’t God do away with parts of the law?
A: Yes one common example is clean food vs unclean food
|| Mk. 7:18-23 NKJ || So He said to them, “Are you thus without understanding also? Do you not perceive that whatever enters a man from outside cannot defile him, 19 “because it does not enter his heart but his stomach, and is eliminated, thus purifying all foods1?” 20 And He said, “What comes out of a man, that defiles a man. 21 “For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, 22 “thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. 23 “All these evil things come from within and defile a man.”
Q: So then how do I know what parts of the Law are SIN that I should avoid and which parts aren’t?
A: Through careful study of scripture we can see removal and reaffirmation through the disciples.
||2 Tim. 2:15 KJV|| 15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Q: Should we then as Christians judge one another by the LAW?
A: Never, humble yourselves and guide one another with love in obedience first looking to your own flaws.
||Jas. 4:10-11 KJV|| 10Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up. 11Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speakethevil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeththe law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.
||Matt. 7:3 KJV|| 3And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerestnot the beam that is in thine own eye?
Unto Offence & Disagreements
Insight
Scripture
Romans 14 starts off giving us beautiful insight. While its core exemplifies how we should treat disagreement on topics of holidays and clean vs unclean with fellow Christians. It starts by letting us know albeit dealt with compassion, not both of these individuals with opposing views can be correct. One is weak in faith. We don’t point this out to argue a view point but to emphasize although grace and mercy for each of us varies, there is only one truth in Gods word. None the less Judge them not nor they judge you, because Jesus accepts you both.
||Rom. 14:1-3 KJV|| Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. 2For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eatethherbs. 3Let not him that eateth despise him that eatethnot; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.
Paul continues to tell us not to judge one another. Especially in a way that would cause another believer to fall away from faith in the slightest.
||Rom. 14:13 KJV|| 13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblockor an occasion to fall in his brother’s way.
In the next verse Paul explains that nothing by itself is unclean / sin but to him that believe it to be of sin then it is so.
||Rom. 14:14 KJV|| 14 I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemethany thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.
For the finale Paul explains how we shouldn’t destroy one another by argument of eating / observing to the offence of our fellow believers. But do unto one another as to build faith in GOD.
||Rom. 14:15-20 KJV|| 15 But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died. 16 Let not then your good be evil spoken of: 17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.18 For he that in these things servethChrist is acceptable to God, and approved of men. 19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. 20 For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence.
