| OVERCOMING HARD-TO-BE-UNDERSTOOD SCRIPTURES 2 PETER 3:16 |
Man is full of troubles and vested interests which can prevent him from enlightening his mind
with understanding (Ephesians 1:18; 3:4). Included are learning disabilities, short attention span,
fear of unknown, ignorance about words, lack of study skills, mental illness, grudges and hatred,
dishonesty, worldliness, and inertia (lesson #1). Nevertheless, the preeminent Christ can pave the
way to a new day, for willing souls! Colossians 1:13-18. The key word there is "willing" (see
John 7:17).
with understanding (Ephesians 1:18; 3:4). Included are learning disabilities, short attention span,
fear of unknown, ignorance about words, lack of study skills, mental illness, grudges and hatred,
dishonesty, worldliness, and inertia (lesson #1). Nevertheless, the preeminent Christ can pave the
way to a new day, for willing souls! Colossians 1:13-18. The key word there is "willing" (see
John 7:17).
One of the worst statements to come out of people's mouths is: "You can make the Bible say
anything." They might as well call God a harlot. People usually would not insult even their worst
enemy by saying, "You can prove anything by them." That is saying that they are an unstable,
two-faced, double-tongued liar! But the real problem is those who twist the scripture, and do so
to their own destruction. 2 Peter 3:16 says, sAs also in all his epistles, speaking in them of
these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned
and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. That word
"wrest" means twist, like you would to wring out a wet dish cloth. Scripture-twisting is how
people are destroyed of the devil (cp. Genesis 3:1-4ff).
anything." They might as well call God a harlot. People usually would not insult even their worst
enemy by saying, "You can prove anything by them." That is saying that they are an unstable,
two-faced, double-tongued liar! But the real problem is those who twist the scripture, and do so
to their own destruction. 2 Peter 3:16 says, sAs also in all his epistles, speaking in them of
these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned
and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. That word
"wrest" means twist, like you would to wring out a wet dish cloth. Scripture-twisting is how
people are destroyed of the devil (cp. Genesis 3:1-4ff).
2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be
ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. Honest people know that they must study to
ascertain the meaning intended by God in His word. Jesus highlighted three other kinds of people
who are not (Luke 8:11-14). The Bible, and how it is written, has an uncanny ability to weed out
those who admit their need and desire to learn, from those who pretend they already know
enough (see Matthew 13:13-17).
ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. Honest people know that they must study to
ascertain the meaning intended by God in His word. Jesus highlighted three other kinds of people
who are not (Luke 8:11-14). The Bible, and how it is written, has an uncanny ability to weed out
those who admit their need and desire to learn, from those who pretend they already know
enough (see Matthew 13:13-17).
Difficulties of the Scripture. There are some facts to consider, as well as some benefits:
1) Difficulties can add depth to our souls. By "digging into the mine" of scripture, we can learn
for our own self that God's message is intact. Proverbs 1:1-7; 2:1-5; 3:13-18.
2) Difficulties in translation reflect man's struggles not God's. God is immortal; man is mortal
(see lesson #15 on "Perfect").
3) In a *reliable translation, there are no doctrinal problems because of difficult scriptures. [*I
use KJV (1611), then for comparison resort to ASV (1901), NASB (1960), or NKJV (1982); I
do not really need, nor recommend any other, than these four translations.] To true seekers, the
truth will become clear (John 8:32).
4) In your dictionary, look up "paradox." In Holy Scripture, a paradox helps to hold our
attention. Paradoxes in scripture are found true, after they stir our mind to penetrate. So in our
culture today, "slim chance" and "fat chance" can mean the same thing - after we think about the
context. Then in Isaiah 9:6 and Luke 12:51, the Prince of Peace, does not bring peace. Say
what? ... Not to those who reject Him. It reads like a paradox, but is simple when understood .
5) Divinity leads humanity, not vice versa. God does not say what man would say, because He is
not a man; He is God (1 Samuel 15:29; Numbers 23:19; Titus 1:2).
6) Scripture writers were miraculously inspired (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21). Original
manuscript writers had no mistakes. Bible translators, while they may have been helped
providentially, were not so inspired. Even though no original manuscripts exist today, there are
thousands of copies to be diligently compared, including some dating back to the second century.
Then when archaeological finds like the Dead Sea Scrolls came along, it only confirmed the Bible
as the most verified book of history.
1) Difficulties can add depth to our souls. By "digging into the mine" of scripture, we can learn
for our own self that God's message is intact. Proverbs 1:1-7; 2:1-5; 3:13-18.
2) Difficulties in translation reflect man's struggles not God's. God is immortal; man is mortal
(see lesson #15 on "Perfect").
3) In a *reliable translation, there are no doctrinal problems because of difficult scriptures. [*I
use KJV (1611), then for comparison resort to ASV (1901), NASB (1960), or NKJV (1982); I
do not really need, nor recommend any other, than these four translations.] To true seekers, the
truth will become clear (John 8:32).
4) In your dictionary, look up "paradox." In Holy Scripture, a paradox helps to hold our
attention. Paradoxes in scripture are found true, after they stir our mind to penetrate. So in our
culture today, "slim chance" and "fat chance" can mean the same thing - after we think about the
context. Then in Isaiah 9:6 and Luke 12:51, the Prince of Peace, does not bring peace. Say
what? ... Not to those who reject Him. It reads like a paradox, but is simple when understood .
5) Divinity leads humanity, not vice versa. God does not say what man would say, because He is
not a man; He is God (1 Samuel 15:29; Numbers 23:19; Titus 1:2).
6) Scripture writers were miraculously inspired (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21). Original
manuscript writers had no mistakes. Bible translators, while they may have been helped
providentially, were not so inspired. Even though no original manuscripts exist today, there are
thousands of copies to be diligently compared, including some dating back to the second century.
Then when archaeological finds like the Dead Sea Scrolls came along, it only confirmed the Bible
as the most verified book of history.
How we study and grapple with God's word, shows who we are. Those who seek (Matthew 7:7)
know the Bible tells the truth (John 17:17).Those who will not seek, whether due to selfishness,
ignorance or vainglory - they are the ones who will say anything about the Bible, church, God,
Christ. For example, instead of Genesis 1 & 2 creation in the beginning, they will say, "inorganic
matter to living amoeba to monkey to man" over eons.
know the Bible tells the truth (John 17:17).Those who will not seek, whether due to selfishness,
ignorance or vainglory - they are the ones who will say anything about the Bible, church, God,
Christ. For example, instead of Genesis 1 & 2 creation in the beginning, they will say, "inorganic
matter to living amoeba to monkey to man" over eons.
Humans usually will not admit their weakness, ignorance, laziness or pride. So what do they do?
They project them upon God. They charge the Infallible Ruler of the universe, with their own
shortcomings. What a shame. But the good news is that a Savior came to earth and paid the
price so that souls can be redeemed; So that self can overcome. Proverbs 14:6 says, A scorner
seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth.
They project them upon God. They charge the Infallible Ruler of the universe, with their own
shortcomings. What a shame. But the good news is that a Savior came to earth and paid the
price so that souls can be redeemed; So that self can overcome. Proverbs 14:6 says, A scorner
seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth.
OvercomingSelf.net
Help Your Self article #4