For Correcting

by Terry Laughlin | Apr 20, 2016 | The Bible

For Correcting

2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All Scripture is God Breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training for righteousness, so the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

The Bible is the Word of God and is useful for correcting.  The Greek word for “correcting” (ἐπανόρθωσις epanórthōsis ) is only used in 2 Timothy 3:16.  “Correcting” here means “to set right again, to correct faults, to reform manners, literally how to get right.  (The Complete Word Study of the New Testament; Analytical Lexicon of the Greek New Testament; Theological Dictionary of the New Testament; The Greek English Dictionary; Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament Based on Semantic Domains; The Bible Exposition Commentary)

Visionaries who succeed in their dreams strive for correction.  They have learned through life’s experiences to seek out trainers who are thoroughly equipped for the task at hand.  The NFL is full of successful players who out of college sought out trainers/teachers/coaches who can define their weaknesses, correct their faults and reform their game.   College football programs send their most gifted players to training camps that begin with affirmations and give corrections before camps close.

In the horse business it is not uncommon to find horse lovers, who spend hours at club meetings, trial rides and other horse events.  These wannabes talk about their hopes, dreams and adventures.  However, horsemen seek out proven trainers who can and will correct wrong ideas and practices to succeed in the business.  True horsemen are very concerned with the horse’s physical and mental welfare, thus they sacrifice time, pride and expenses to be corrected.  These sacrifices benefit the horses, riders and owners.

True Bible teachers know the truths of Scripture – mankind’s “heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure.  Who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9)   They are fully aware of Proverb 14:12, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.” 

In modern times, America is a full example of what happens to a nation that refuses to be corrected by the Word of God, for she is suffering many of the curses found in Deuteronomy 28:15-59.  Marriages and families throughout America are splintering apart for not seeking to be set right by the whole counsel of God’s Word.  The Bible contains many written corrections to the people of God about their irregularities.

1 Corinthians 12-14 gives correction to the Corinthian Church because a self-indulgent spirit was creating chaos. (Matthew Henry Commentary; The Preachers Outline & Sermon Bible; The Bible Knowledge Commentary; A Commentary, Critical and Explanatory on Old and New Testament Commentary) The opening verse in chapter 12 says, Now, about spiritual gifts… I do not want you to ignorant.”  Para-church ministries have been raised up by the Lord to restore that which is being broken in the institutionalized church.

True born again Christians seek correction in God’s Word so they can have their faults fixed and get right before God and Christ, so through the enabling of the Holy Spirit they can be effective during the journey of life.  Do you seek to read and study the Bible so you can be corrected?

Intrigue Them

by Terry Laughlin | Apr 20, 2016 | The Bible

Intrigue Them

Literally thousands are searching outside of their local churches to find answers about today’s issues.  Most in this country assume that the Bible is irrelevant for today.  Many self-appointed ministries use enough Scripture in their writings to appear religious, but fail in the art of exegesis of Scripture.  Exegesis means “exposition or explanation,” therefore Biblical exegesis involves the examination of a particular text of Scripture in order to properly interpret it. Exegesis is a part of the process of hermeneutics, the science of interpretation. A person who practices exegesis is called an exegete.

Good Biblical Exegesis is actually commanded in Scripture.  2 Timothy 2:15 says, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”  Those who are called to “Preach the Word” are also commanded to give careful instructions. (2 Timothy 4:2)  We are given this promise in Scripture, “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”  (Hebrews 4:12)  We are told in the Old Testament, “so is My word that goes out from My mouth:  It will not return to Me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:11)  Matthew Henry wrote, “That according to the different errands on which the word is sent it will have its different effects. If it be not a savoir of life unto life, it will be a savoir of death unto death; if it do not convince the conscience and soften the heart, it will sear the conscience and harden the heart; if it does not ripen for heaven, it will ripen for hell.”

With such a command to preach the Word and considering the awesome promise of God, why wouldn’t any Bible teacher want to diligently search the Scripture and inform people what God has to say about today’s issues?  People want more than the usual Sunday morning message; they want to be prepared by Christ-appointed preachers (Ephesians 4:11) to teach others what the Bible says about modern issues, such as the 2^nd Amendment, fiscal issues, Biblical marriage, work ethics to name a few.  Whether it is propeller or not (2 Timothy 4:2) preachers have the responsibility to lead people to the written Word.  Preachers will one day give an accounting on how well they gave careful instructions (2 Timothy 4:2) about the issues people face as they live in this sin-cursed world.

Religious slogans cannot feed the human soul; Jesus said, “It is written: `Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ” 

Are you diligently searching the Scriptures, learning what God’s Word has to say about the hot issues of the day?  Christians want to know what He has to say about the presidency, the armed forces, paying taxes, as well as living in these days!  Pastors, ministries, Bible teachers and all soldiers of Christ must work hard to intrigue others to consider God’s perspective on the issues people face.