Your Interpretation or the Truth?

John 17:17

 

1995066

Topic # 0623

 

Introduction

            A.  Many in the denominational world say that no one can understand the Bible alike.  Thus, they believe, a necessary explanation of the different denominations.

            B.  Even some of our liberal brethren are saying this now.

            C.  During studies in the past, when confronted by the truth in a matter, this is the first statement out of their mouth: "Well, that's just your interpretation..." or a simple "I don't agree with that..."

                        1.  This results in a "placebo" remedy for them, that they think gets them out of a corner with the truth.  (A feel good remedy that resolves absolutely nothing.)

                        2.  They aren't disagreeing with me, they are disagreeing with the TRUTH of the scriptures.

            C.  The New Testament plea for unity stands in direct contrast to this opinion.

                        1.  Denominational preachers pray over the radio, "lord, we thank thee we all have the church of our choice."

                        2.  Jesus prayed, "that they all might be one." in Jhn. 17:20-21.

            D.  Do we have to rely on individual interpretations or is there a standard of truth that we can go by?

 

Do People Have Different Interpretations of the Bible?

            A.  There is division over what people think the Bible teaches, e.g., ask different preachers, "what must I do to be saved?" or "Can One Fall From Grace?"  "Is there miraculous healing today like that we read of in the Bible?"

            B.  Division proves misunderstanding.

                        1.  A syllogism to prove the point:

                                    a.  Truth is consistent, i.e. it never contradicts itself.

                                                1.  This is a self-evident truth.

                                                2.  Truth is like parallel lines.  Parallel lines may be stretched to infinity, and they will never intersect.  One may tell the truth from now on, and he will never cross himself.

                                                3.  When we hear a man contradict himself, we know that he is wrong somewhere.  That is why consistency is important.

                                    b.  The bible is truth according to Jn. 17:17.

                                    c.  Therefore, the Bible is consistent, i.e. it never contradicts itself.

                        2.  Application of conclusion.

                                    a.  If we understand the Bible at all, it will be alike.  Read 1 Cor. 1:10.

                                                1.  If I were to say of a man, "He says one thing to me and something entirely different to you."  Would I not call him a liar?

                                                            a.  Do people not do this with the Bible?

                                                2.  What does this make of God, when one says of his word, It says one thing to me and something entirely different to you.

                                    b.  If we accept conflicting answers, someone is wrong.,  Read 1 Tim. 6:3-5.

                                                1.  1+1=2.  This will always be true.  What if I had a different interpretation of this, e.g 1+1=458.  You would not agree with this.  Would you say, "Well it really makes no difference, as long as they are honest and sincere, they are all right?"

                                    c.  It is not a matter of personal interpretation or opinion.  Read 1 Peter 4:11.

 

What Believing in "Different Interpretations" shows:

            A.  Lack of faith in the Lord.

                        1.  A person who does not believe that His Word is Truth (John 17:17) does not have faith.  Their faith is only "skin deep"

            B.  Lack of desire to study the Scriptures.

                        1. When someone disagrees with the truth, they never know why they disagree, they just disagree.

                        2.  I preached a sermon about using mus. inst. in worship.  A person told me that they disagreed.  That is all they said....  I don't agree with it..."

                                    a.  If you disagree, then can you point the Scripture out that proves otherwise?

                                    b.  Not looking for opinions.

                                    c.  The statement, "It's in there somewhere" will not be sufficient.

                                    d.  Looking for "Thus Sayeth the Lord."

                                    e.  take others word that the Bible says what they believe, and don't investigate to see if it is the truth.

                                                1.  Not like the Bereans in Acts 17:10-12

            C.  Lack of trust in God that he would leave something easy for us to understand.

                        1.  If God loves us as He said in John 3:16, if Jesus went to prepare a place for us to come be with Him in heaven(Jhn. 14:2-4), WHY WOULD GOD TRY TO CONFUSE MAN WITH ALL KINDS OF DIFFERENT INTERPRETATIONS????

            D.  Instability or wishy-washiness...

                        1.  Throughout the years, many denominations have proved themselves to be wishy-washy in their doctrine....

                                    a.  Methodist have changed their mind about women preachers.

                                    b.  Jehovah's Witnesses have changed their mind about the generation of 1914 living to see the 2nd coming...

                                    c.  Many denominations are changing their doctrines to allow homosexuality in their establishments.

                        2.  If you believe in different interpretations of the Bible, you are like the man who built his house upon the sand. 

                                    a.  Matthew 7:24-27

 

Is there just ONE interpretation of the Bible?

            A.  Is the Bible an understandable book?

                        1.  God wants us to understand.  Read 1 Tim. 2:3-4.

                        2.  He revealed an understandable plan.  Eph. 3:1-6.

            B.  Is man capable of understanding the Bible?  For the answers Read Eph. 5:17; Jn/ 6:44,45

            C.  Are things different today?  People have studied the bible and have contended that too many things had changed since the Bible was completed and that men could no longer understand it.

                        1.  God's teaching is unchanged.  1 Peter 1:24,25.

                        2.  Man's nature is unchanged.  Eccl. 1:9-10.

            D.  It is primarily a matter of attitude.  Read Acts 28:24-27. 

                        1.  It is a matter of "want to..."  submitting OUR will to HIS...

                        2.  Some have a bad attitude and a closed mind. 

                                    a. mom and dad have been doing it this way all of their life

                                    b. don't want to offend, or disappoint someone.

                                                1.  Would rather disappoint Jesus, than some man...

 

Conclusion

            A.  Yes, there is only ONE interpretation of the Scriptures.

                        1. Eph. 5:17

            B.  How wonderful it would be if we would all heed the admonition.

                        1. 1 Cor. 1:10

                        2. How can we do what Paul said, if there are different "interpretations" of the Bible?

            C..  We simply need to speak as the oracles of God.  1 Pet. 4:11.

            D.  Why not be saved today, as the Scriptures teach?

                        1.  If you are in error, now is the time to correct it.