All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Tim 3:16,17 (NKJV)
I've written on this subject before but I think it's an important one. Early on in the book of Romans you can see Paul referring to "the Holy Scriptures". Why did he do this? The book of Romans was written to Jews living in Rome. It was a common practice at that time for Jews to more often quote a rabbi than to quote Scripture. Often, people quoted one rabbi quoting another rabbi who quoted another rabbi, etc. Paul probably wanted to emphasize he was not quoting another teacher or another apostle but was quoting God's Word.
The practice of giving too much credence and authority to a human teacher was not limited to first century Jews. It's a problem today in our churches. We spend a lot of time quoting Christian teachers and leaders. We, in essence, can begin to "follow" a particular teacher. We align ourselves in their various camps. This is not right. When God has spoken on a subject we need to hear and follow what God has said, not someone else's interpretation of what God has said.
Now, there is certainly room for availing ourselves of other people's teachings. God did give some to be teachers. However, we need to be sure we are not elevating them to a level beyond what God intended. Their teaching may illuminate the Word but it should never be allowed to become the Word.
One of the dangers is we begin to align ourselves with a certain teacher and then that teacher, being merely a human being, will stumble or fall or begin to stray. We then either follow or we reject them. Either way, our faith can be shaken and we can become confused. When we are confused we become an easy target for our adversary who seeks to devour us.
Reading books is a good thing. It's good to read both the classics from those who have gone before us to those who are currently striving to teach the Word of God. But, we need to make sure we are spending the most time reading what God has to say and if God has spoken directly on the subject, we need to obey what He has said. Jesus said "follow me" not "follow my followers".
I've written on this subject before but I think it's an important one. Early on in the book of Romans you can see Paul referring to "the Holy Scriptures". Why did he do this? The book of Romans was written to Jews living in Rome. It was a common practice at that time for Jews to more often quote a rabbi than to quote Scripture. Often, people quoted one rabbi quoting another rabbi who quoted another rabbi, etc. Paul probably wanted to emphasize he was not quoting another teacher or another apostle but was quoting God's Word.
The practice of giving too much credence and authority to a human teacher was not limited to first century Jews. It's a problem today in our churches. We spend a lot of time quoting Christian teachers and leaders. We, in essence, can begin to "follow" a particular teacher. We align ourselves in their various camps. This is not right. When God has spoken on a subject we need to hear and follow what God has said, not someone else's interpretation of what God has said.
Now, there is certainly room for availing ourselves of other people's teachings. God did give some to be teachers. However, we need to be sure we are not elevating them to a level beyond what God intended. Their teaching may illuminate the Word but it should never be allowed to become the Word.
One of the dangers is we begin to align ourselves with a certain teacher and then that teacher, being merely a human being, will stumble or fall or begin to stray. We then either follow or we reject them. Either way, our faith can be shaken and we can become confused. When we are confused we become an easy target for our adversary who seeks to devour us.
Reading books is a good thing. It's good to read both the classics from those who have gone before us to those who are currently striving to teach the Word of God. But, we need to make sure we are spending the most time reading what God has to say and if God has spoken directly on the subject, we need to obey what He has said. Jesus said "follow me" not "follow my followers".
Copyright © 2006 Greg Holl. All rights reserved.
