Daily devotion – what does the Bible say on the matter?
2Ti 3:16 – All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
The Bible does not tell us that the internet is where we find Bible doctrine. Yet it seems today that many Church attendees, base their doctrinal views from such sources, instead of the Bible.
The only way to defeat satan’s lies is with God’s truth. “Thus saith the Lord!” is the final answer to every question. Evil men and deceivers are going to get worse and worse.
They will deceive more and more – 2Ti 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 2Ti 4:4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.
In the last days, there will be more deception and imitation; and the only way a Christian will be able to tell the true from the false is by knowing the Word of God. What does the Bible say on the matter. Not what the internet says on the matter, or Wikipedia.
The doctrine of inspiration of Scripture is vitally important, and a doctrine that Satan has attacked from the beginning – “Yea, has God said?” – Genesis 3:1.
It is inconceivable that God would give His people a book they could not trust. He is the God of truth, Jesus is the Truth – John 14:6. Jesus said of the Scriptures, “Thy Word is truth!” – John 17:17.
A Christian who studies the Bible and applies what he learns will grow in holiness and avoid many pitfalls in this world.
So, when a situation arises whereby you want to know what to do – see what the Bible says on the matter. If the Bible is silent on such then seek the Lord’s leading on the matter.
On matters of personal concern, such as certain foods, Paul reminds us, we need to be careful – Col 2:16 So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, Col 2:17 which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ. Col 2:18 Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility and worship of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind.
In the Book of Romans Paul also gives us some additional wisdom on things where believers have differing views– Romans 14: 19 So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up. 20 Don’t tear apart the work of God over what you eat. Remember, all foods are acceptable, but it is wrong to eat something if it makes another person stumble. 21 It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything else if it might cause another believer to stumble. 22 You may believe there’s nothing wrong with what you are doing, but keep it between yourself and God. Blessed are those who don’t feel guilty for doing something they have decided is right. 23 But if you have doubts about whether or not you should eat something, you are sinning if you go ahead and do it. For you are not following your convictions. If you do anything you believe is not right, you are sinning.
But at the end of the day – doctrine is what the Bible says…not my opinion, or my leanings.
We are not to force our opinions on others – There are certain truths that all Christians must accept because they are the foundation of Biblical doctrine. But areas of honest disagreement must not be made a test of fellowship. Paul is telling us – If you have a sincere conviction about a matter, keep it to yourself and do not try to force everybody else to accept it.
Believers may hold different convictions about many matters, but they must hold them in love.
What does the Bible say on the matter – that’s the place where we all are to go.
As Christians, we need to have space for difference of opinions—unity in essentials, liberty in nonessentials, and in all things, love.