Well Studied!

There are many who have a great interest in learning. They read history. They read literature. They read philosophy. Nevertheless, many in their pursuit of knowledge are like those Paul noted who are "always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth." ( 2 Timothy 3:7 ESV) The Greeks were very zealous in their pursuit of knowledge. When we think of some of the great thinkers among the Greeks we recognize names like Aristotle, Plato, and Socrates. The problem then and even today is that too many are studying the words of men rather than the WORDS OF GOD!

Some today place the teachings of Jesus on a par with other great teachers. However, Jesus made some very clear statements that would place Him in the category of one of the greatest liars who ever lived if He is not Who He claimed to be. When we read His words, His interaction with others, and the manner in which He responded to charges and question, we should recognize a wisdom far above that of any man.

When Paul was reminding those at Galatia of the Gospel of Jesus he had preached to them and that they had accepted, he also asserted. . .
"(11) For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is NOT MAN'S GOSPEL. (12) For I DID NOT RECEIVE IT FROM ANY MAN, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ." ( Galatians 1:11-12 ESV)

The message Paul preached was not "man's" message. Nor was it Paul's message. It was the LORD'S MESSAGE. That is why Paul continued to preach "Jesus Christ and him crucified" ( 1 Corinthians 2:2), always directing the focus away from himself to the Lord and to God! And because it was GOD'S MESSAGE, we find it does not conflict with the other inspired writers of Scripture preserved in the Bible; God being the common source behind it all.
What are we reading the most? What are we studying the most? I know those of you who are in school have many studies you must complete. However, as the words of men have been studied more and the WORDS OF GOD have been studied less, has our society and this world become a better place?

What are we allowing to influence our life: the words of men or THOSE OF GOD? If we want to please men, then studying their words will help us move that direction. If we want to please God, we must become more acquainted with HIS WORD. That way we will know how to approach Him, worship Him, talk to Him, talk about Him, and know what we can expect of Him. It is only GOD'S WORD that is going to help us find the Way to where He is! May we keep our minds traveling up that road!

Have a great day GAINING THE HIGHEST EDUCATION!
Carl

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