One of the common errors that some have gotten themselves into is wrongly using the word of God which is Truth to establish a lie or using the word of God which is established on righteousness to support unrighteousness.
This error can spread borne by the wind of ignorance. Many are too lazy to go check the Bible for themselves to find out what it actually says. Ignorance does not exempt one from the painful consequences it leads to.
God said, in
Hosea 4:6 King James Version
6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.
We are rather to be like Berean Christians:
Acts 17:10-12 King James Version
10 And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.
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.
12 Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few.
In 2 Timothy 2:15 the solution to ignorance is proffered: Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth.
I am going to address one scripture that has been wrongfully quoted and wrongly applied through the years by unbelievers and backsliding Christians.
Matthew 7:1 King James Version
7 Judge not, that ye be not judged.
Matthew 7:1 – sadly their are people who quote it as a defensive response knowing what they are doing – using it as a deterrent to any Christian highlighting a sinful act that they shouldn’t do nor continue in; because they do not want to change their sinful ways nor drop a bad habit.
However, understanding must be supplied so as to help apply the meaning of that verse correctly. So one doing a righteous act – who is doing the ministry of reconciliation is not falsely accused nor the one who is found with sin and is willing to change his or her ways not condemned.
Galatians 6:1 Amplified Bible
6 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any sin, you who are spiritual [that is, you who are responsive to the guidance of the Spirit] are to restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness [not with a sense of superiority or self-righteousness], keeping a watchful eye on yourself, so that you are not tempted as well.
If people who are practicing sin are called up on it so that they may turn away from sin and go back to God chose to quote Matthew 7 verse 1 defensively (at the person who called them up on their sin), instead of being remorseful and being moved to change their ways such have condemned themselves and are on the highway to hell as a personal choice. On the other hand if the person who is calling up a person on his or her sin is doing it with the intention to condemn them or just to criticise them in such a situation Matthew 7:1 is applicable.
Matthew 7:1 AMP
“Do not judge and criticize and condemn [others unfairly with an attitude of self-righteous superiority as though assuming the office of a judge], so that you will not be judged [unfairly].
Matthew 7:1 TPT
“ Refuse to be a critic full of bias toward others, and judgment will not be passed on you.
Strongs Concordance:
Greek: κρίνω
Transliteration: krinō
Pronunciation: kree’-no
Definition: Properly to distinguish that is decide (mentally or judicially); by implication to trycondemnpunish:– avenge conclude condemn damn decree determine esteem judge go to (sue at the) law ordain call in question sentence to think.
2 Timothy 2:14-16Amplified Bible, Classic Edition
14 Remind [the people] of these facts and [solemnly] charge them in the presence of the Lord to avoid petty controversy over words, which does no good but upsets and undermines the faith of the hearers.
15 Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth.
16 But avoid all empty (vain, useless, idle) talk, for it will lead people into more and more
Till next time. Have a glorious day!
The Message Bearer
Cornelius Bella
corneliusbella 