Making a Habit of Arguing/Debating Scripture

[Hopefully]

Is this Godly? Especially on a daily/weekly basis and for years? I lasted about 3 months but my spirit does not allow me to continue. God wants us to worship him not the Bible.
 

“Keep on telling everyone these truths. And warn them before God not to argue about words. Such arguments don’t help anyone, and they ruin those who listen to them.”
‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭2:14‬ 

Commentary

Having thus encouraged Timothy to suffer, he comes in the next place to direct him in his work.

“I. He must make it his business to edify those who were under his charge, to put them in remembrance of those things which they did already know; for this is the work of ministers; not to tell people that which they never knew before, but to put them in mind of that which they do know, charging them that they strive not about words. 
Observe, Those that are disposed to strive commonly strive about matters of very small moment. Strifes of words are very destructive to the things of God. That they strive not about words to no profit. If people did but consider of what little use most of the controversies in religion are, they would not be so zealous in their strifes of words, to the subverting of the hearers, to the drawing of them away from the great things of God, and occasioning unchristian heats and animosities, by which truth is often in danger of being lost. Observe, People are very prone to strive about words, and such strifes never answer any other ends than to shake some and subvert others; they are not only useless, but they are very hurtful, and therefore ministers are to charge the people that they do not strive about words, and they are most likely to be regarded when they charge them before the Lord, that is, in his name and from his word; when they produce their warrant for what they say.—Study to show thyself approved unto God,”

https://www.christianity.com/bible/commentary.php?com=mh&b=55&c=2
 

“Yikes, theology, what’s that? Allegedly, it’s all about interpreting the Bible to present a clear picture of God and his dealings with people. So what is a theologian then? 

 They’re the ones who try to do the interpreting. Their super-hero challenge is to accurately interpret Bible verses that aren’t clear and thus are open to different interpretations. Unfortunately, throughout Christian history, some theologians have interpreted the Bible to mean what they want it to mean. 

 And then they start arguing about the Bible, sometimes causing real damage within the church. But theology poses a bigger problem than just stirring up people. The purpose of the Bible isn’t to interpret it, but to guide our lives. 

 Anyone with plain common sense and a little experience in life can use the Bible for spiritual growth and guidance. We don’t need to be a theologian, but occasionally we do have to clear off the fog theologians leave on our spiritual windshield.

 So why didn’t God see to it that everything in the Bible is crystal clear? Because he wants us to exercise our faith more than our intellect. Because he wants us to follow his son, Jesus, not a book of black and white rules and regulations, one size fits all. The Jews already tried that, and it didn’t work out so well. God wants us to worship him, not the Bible.”

http://business.baylor.edu/Phil_vanauken/PersonalMinistry/Theological pretzels.docx

 

[walla299]

I don't bother arguing points of scripture that are non-salvational. Period. It only leads to more division. The Lord put a stop to me arguing needlessly years ago, and now I'm old enough that I understand some of why that's important. It's still a work in progress. Someone saying Christ is not God? That's worth arguing - but in a certain way. I think it was Spurgeon that said it, possibly someone else, but "The word of God is a lion and will defend itself. Just let it out of the cage." ( or words to that effect.) I've seen the Lord change many people's minds after showing them something in scripture and then letting the Holy Spirit do what He does best. Only God can change a heart - and that will change the mind!

That's my take on it, anyway.

[Not me]

@Hopefully

Blessings, I think someone is being taught inwardly...

A fellow follower of His, Not me 

[Jaydub]

1 hour ago, Hopefully said:

 So why didn’t God see to it that everything in the Bible is crystal clear? Because he wants us to exercise our faith more than our intellect. Because he wants us to follow his son, Jesus, not a book of black and white rules and regulations, one size fits all. The Jews already tried that, and it didn’t work out so well. God wants us to worship him, not the Bible.”

I love the debate forum, it causes me to examine myself. Why do they believe as you do? I have to study and relook at my beliefs

When someone makes a good point, I need to examine it, especially if it differs from my view, so it causes me to dig into the word

Quote

God wants us to worship him, not the Bible.

The Word and God are one,  John 1 is clear on that, so it is very important to have an understanding of the word

[leah777]

I love to learn and the debating gives me much to pray about and ponder on. I have learned so much on here. All of it good in the end, though sometimes it doesnt feel like it. Even the heated threads teach me much about other humans, interactions, and how different people can see the same thing in different ways.

If someone is in error in their learning or teaching, then it is important to look at scripture to find truth and unity. The Bible IS the Word of God. It is very important to know what it contains, and not what others tell us it contains.

To stifle discussion and examination of scripture is what leads to false teaching and cults. 

Often, the wording, and audience being spoken to in scripture, and the tenses used are vital as they can alter a whole meaning in scripture. 

I thank God for the posters on here sharing their understanding and knowledge. Yes, there are disagreements. There were disagreements in Bible times, we will not know fully and correctly until God reveals some things, but we can strive to know His Word as well as possible. I have had several things shown to me which I would have declared absolutely to be in the Bible, but the debates have opened up to me that I had been taught in error.

The debates may sometimes feel uncomfortable, but all of them bear fruit in one way or another. Examining and challenging our knowledge is good, not bad. The enemy wants us in ignorance.

 

[Who me]

7 hours ago, Hopefully said:

The Jews already tried that, and it didn’t work out so well. God wants us to worship him, not the Bible.”

Why are you arguing, that implies that people are getting cross and not listening to each other.

Timothy was the minister teaching his church and it was his job to teach people, correcting false ideas.

This is clear from the contex of 2 tim2:14.

 

There is nothing wrong with debating, about our understanding of scripture. It is worth noting how the word ' Bible ' is used colloquial. Instruction books and manuals are often referred to as a or the ' Bible '.

This happens because in folk memory Christians are always referring to what the Bible says.

Christians should be people of the Bible with an in-depth, and intimate knowledge of it.

This is not as ignorant people accuse them, worshipping the Bible. But an out working of their love of and for Jesus, that they want to know him more. They are doing this by knowing what he has said and by seeking to understand it.

 

 

 

 

 

[Michael37]

8 hours ago, Hopefully said:

I lasted about 3 months but my spirit does not allow me to continue.

I spent 4 years in a particular small in-home ekklesia that had many positive aspects, but eventually the pushing of personal theological hobby-horses by certain parties crossed a line with me and my spirit did not allow me to continue. When asked why I was taking a rest from them my answer was that there was too much conflict. This conflict wasn't with me as such but between others who seemed to thrive in an argumentative environment. One older man repeatedly raised the same confused and convoluted issue he had about the Last Supper in spite of being gently shown his error and corrected many times. It was if he thought he had discovered some great theological flaw and everyone should applaud him for it, but to me it was just a heresy he was pushing.   

 2Co 12:20  For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as you would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults:

There are clashes on Worthy from time to time but the moderators and administration are usually very efficient in bringing these to heel/heal.

[Guest clancy]

9 hours ago, Hopefully said:

Is this Godly? Especially on a daily/weekly basis and for years? I lasted about 3 months but my spirit does not allow me to continue. God wants us to worship him not the Bible.
 

“Keep on telling everyone these truths. And warn them before God not to argue about words. Such arguments don’t help anyone, and they ruin those who listen to them.”
‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭2:14‬ 

Commentary

Having thus encouraged Timothy to suffer, he comes in the next place to direct him in his work.

“I. He must make it his business to edify those who were under his charge, to put them in remembrance of those things which they did already know; for this is the work of ministers; not to tell people that which they never knew before, but to put them in mind of that which they do know, charging them that they strive not about words. 
Observe, Those that are disposed to strive commonly strive about matters of very small moment. Strifes of words are very destructive to the things of God. That they strive not about words to no profit. If people did but consider of what little use most of the controversies in religion are, they would not be so zealous in their strifes of words, to the subverting of the hearers, to the drawing of them away from the great things of God, and occasioning unchristian heats and animosities, by which truth is often in danger of being lost. Observe, People are very prone to strive about words, and such strifes never answer any other ends than to shake some and subvert others; they are not only useless, but they are very hurtful, and therefore ministers are to charge the people that they do not strive about words, and they are most likely to be regarded when they charge them before the Lord, that is, in his name and from his word; when they produce their warrant for what they say.—Study to show thyself approved unto God,”

https://www.christianity.com/bible/commentary.php?com=mh&b=55&c=2
 

“Yikes, theology, what’s that? Allegedly, it’s all about interpreting the Bible to present a clear picture of God and his dealings with people. So what is a theologian then? 

 They’re the ones who try to do the interpreting. Their super-hero challenge is to accurately interpret Bible verses that aren’t clear and thus are open to different interpretations. Unfortunately, throughout Christian history, some theologians have interpreted the Bible to mean what they want it to mean. 

 And then they start arguing about the Bible, sometimes causing real damage within the church. But theology poses a bigger problem than just stirring up people. The purpose of the Bible isn’t to interpret it, but to guide our lives. 

 Anyone with plain common sense and a little experience in life can use the Bible for spiritual growth and guidance. We don’t need to be a theologian, but occasionally we do have to clear off the fog theologians leave on our spiritual windshield.

 So why didn’t God see to it that everything in the Bible is crystal clear? Because he wants us to exercise our faith more than our intellect. Because he wants us to follow his son, Jesus, not a book of black and white rules and regulations, one size fits all. The Jews already tried that, and it didn’t work out so well. God wants us to worship him, not the Bible.”

http://business.baylor.edu/Phil_vanauken/PersonalMinistry/Theological pretzels.docx

 

I can understand your concerns sister, I believe the Holy Spirit has led me away from the continual expression of how others have been saved.....then they start questioning how one is saved.......going over that same ground, which I have also been guilty of.....who does it benefit?.....my saving is the right way....no..no...no....God’s saving is the right way!.

Its not for us to judge who is saved.....only God knows who is children are...

Edited April 7, 2021 by clancy

[Ray12614]

Some things are not worth the debating about. Other times the 'iron sharpens iron' principle that should be applied and hearty reasoning of scriptures is profitable. I have learned over the years that I don't have to have the last word on any topic, and that I don't always have to be perceived by people as right. What matters is that God's Word has the last word, and anything more is just peoples opinions .   .   .

Thats my 2 cents anyway . . . 

[enoob57]

One doesn't need to study the Word of God very long to understand It's #1 God's Word, #2 all things are here because of it, #3 Jesus is the living embodiment of, #4 'IS' all that is needed to do the works of God... So yes anyone wanting to skew it's meaning should be debated/corrected for it is a command of God unto us all:

Jude 3

3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
KJV
 

Rom 10:17

17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
KJV
 

2 Tim 3:15-4:2

15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

4 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;

2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
KJV


God is very specific on this matter!