Why Do We Have so Many Different Interpretations of the Same Scriptures?
I hope you’re having a great week. I’d like to pick up on something I mentioned last written post regarding the three filters that we all need to process information accurately and make the right decisions in life. Decisions that can affect us not only for now but for eternity.
The third filter that I mentioned last week was the “Biblically Accurate Filter.”
I used 2 Timothy 3:16 NLT as a starting point. “All scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.”
Also, Ephesians 4:4-6 tells us that, “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” This passage emphasizes the unity that should exist in the body of Christ.
The question I want to pose and address today is this, “Why do we have so many different interpretations of the same scriptures?” To begin with, I can think of a few obvious reasons.
1. Ignorance of God’s Word. This is simply a lack of knowledge or knowing God’s Word. When people don’t really know what the Bible says about a particular subject they can simply make up their own doctrine, or follow someone who already has.
2. Lack of Spiritual Maturity. I Corinthians 3:2-3 addresses the lack of maturity of believers as a problem.
3. Emphasis on Personal Experience. This is a big one. So many doctrines have been developed because of personal experiences rather than God’s Word. Never define God by your experience, only by His Word.
4. Unbelief. The harsh reality is that some people who claim to be Christians have never been born again. What is even a greater travesty is that some of these people are teaching in Bible Colleges, Seminaries and serving as pastors of churches.
Now, let's take this thought one more step into the reality of today. How is it that “Christians,” people who claim to be born again, committed followers of Jesus can have such a vast difference of interpretation of scripture when it comes to politics?
How is it that some Christians can overlook the barbaric practice of abortion, and vote for politicians who promise to make abortion legal up to the time of birth, while other Christians see this as a total contradiction to God’s Word?
How is it that some Christians will vehemently defend politicians whose economic policies are guaranteed to stifle our economy, and put more pressure on the poor while claiming to be champions of the poor, while other Christians seem to understand simple economics and can see through the thin veil of false compassion by those same politicians?
How is it that some Christians feel that we need to bow down to every thought, idea, and mandate given by someone in a government position of authority, regardless of any real facts to substantiate their position, while other Christians take the position that we should bear some responsibility of informing ourselves and making decisions based on facts and truth?
How is it that some Christians can completely accept the absolutely absurd claims of the gender identification crowd, while other Christians have no problem reading and understanding the Bible’s very concise, and clear interpretation of this issue?
Some usual suspects would be, ignorance of God’s Word, pride, self-indulgence, lack of spiritual discernment, personal agendas, and oh yes, how about just the plain old everyday variety or sin. Whatever the reason or reasons may be, the reality is, there will always be people who will ignore the truth of God’s Word and change it to accommodate their choices in life.
2 Peter 3:16 NLT “Speaking of these things in all of his letters. Some of his comments are hard to understand, and those who are ignorant and unstable have twisted his letters to mean something quite different, just as they do with other parts of Scripture. And this will result in their destruction.”
I realize that none of us know everything, and we all need to grow in the knowledge and revelation of God’s Word. Don’t allow your own personal agenda, preferences, or pride to keep you from experiencing the freedom that comes from knowing the truth, and developing an accurate “Biblically Accurate Filter.
-Pastor Gary Brothers
The third filter that I mentioned last week was the “Biblically Accurate Filter.”
I used 2 Timothy 3:16 NLT as a starting point. “All scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.”
Also, Ephesians 4:4-6 tells us that, “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” This passage emphasizes the unity that should exist in the body of Christ.
The question I want to pose and address today is this, “Why do we have so many different interpretations of the same scriptures?” To begin with, I can think of a few obvious reasons.
1. Ignorance of God’s Word. This is simply a lack of knowledge or knowing God’s Word. When people don’t really know what the Bible says about a particular subject they can simply make up their own doctrine, or follow someone who already has.
2. Lack of Spiritual Maturity. I Corinthians 3:2-3 addresses the lack of maturity of believers as a problem.
3. Emphasis on Personal Experience. This is a big one. So many doctrines have been developed because of personal experiences rather than God’s Word. Never define God by your experience, only by His Word.
4. Unbelief. The harsh reality is that some people who claim to be Christians have never been born again. What is even a greater travesty is that some of these people are teaching in Bible Colleges, Seminaries and serving as pastors of churches.
Now, let's take this thought one more step into the reality of today. How is it that “Christians,” people who claim to be born again, committed followers of Jesus can have such a vast difference of interpretation of scripture when it comes to politics?
How is it that some Christians can overlook the barbaric practice of abortion, and vote for politicians who promise to make abortion legal up to the time of birth, while other Christians see this as a total contradiction to God’s Word?
How is it that some Christians will vehemently defend politicians whose economic policies are guaranteed to stifle our economy, and put more pressure on the poor while claiming to be champions of the poor, while other Christians seem to understand simple economics and can see through the thin veil of false compassion by those same politicians?
How is it that some Christians feel that we need to bow down to every thought, idea, and mandate given by someone in a government position of authority, regardless of any real facts to substantiate their position, while other Christians take the position that we should bear some responsibility of informing ourselves and making decisions based on facts and truth?
How is it that some Christians can completely accept the absolutely absurd claims of the gender identification crowd, while other Christians have no problem reading and understanding the Bible’s very concise, and clear interpretation of this issue?
Some usual suspects would be, ignorance of God’s Word, pride, self-indulgence, lack of spiritual discernment, personal agendas, and oh yes, how about just the plain old everyday variety or sin. Whatever the reason or reasons may be, the reality is, there will always be people who will ignore the truth of God’s Word and change it to accommodate their choices in life.
2 Peter 3:16 NLT “Speaking of these things in all of his letters. Some of his comments are hard to understand, and those who are ignorant and unstable have twisted his letters to mean something quite different, just as they do with other parts of Scripture. And this will result in their destruction.”
I realize that none of us know everything, and we all need to grow in the knowledge and revelation of God’s Word. Don’t allow your own personal agenda, preferences, or pride to keep you from experiencing the freedom that comes from knowing the truth, and developing an accurate “Biblically Accurate Filter.
-Pastor Gary Brothers
2 Comments
Great word!!
Hello To whom ever receives this, hopefully Pastor Gary or Rose.
I have tried on many occasions over the past 10 years to meet with one or both of you, with no outcome. My desire was to inform you of some situations that take place at Cape First that you may have not been aware of ,including the mentors that you had during your learning to be a pastor. However, I realize now that my plight to provide you with such information may be null to your ears; since you have already been given false/and or lies designated as mentorship prior to my/ and others in my situation. Please consider meeting with church members personally.......Trump 2024!