Arguing about interpretations of Scripture

[Hopefully]

Don’t Argue About Scripture!

“The Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach … those who oppose him … in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth.” 2 Timothy 2:24-25

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What God Teaches
God knew that Christians would argue about their interpretations of Scripture. Therefore, He had Paul write this to Timothy: “Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen” (2 Tim. 2:14 NIV).
Ten verses later God had Paul add this: “And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth” (2:24-25).

Clearly, arguing about interpretations of Scripture is contrary to the will of God and therefore should be considered a sin! Scripture rightly says that such arguing is useless and can stumble those who hear it.

One writer asked this question: “If we argue about interpretations of the Scriptures, how can we expect people to believe them in matters concerning the resurrection of the dead, the hope of eternal life, and the kingdom of heaven?”

Conclusion
Let’s save our energy to do what God tells us to do, and to avoid what He tells us not to do! God tells us, “It is to a man’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel” (Prov. 20:3).

https://www.google.com/amp/s/tafj.org/2011/08/18/don%E2%80%99t-argue-about-scripture/amp/

 

 

[missmuffet]

If a person reads the Bible literally there should not be a problem with interpretation. 

[Arrabon]

15 minutes ago, Hopefully said:

Don’t Argue About Scripture!

“The Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach … those who oppose him … in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth.” 2 Timothy 2:24-25

@Hopefully

2 Timothy 2:14-17
"Remind them of these things, and solemnly charge them in the presence of God not to "WRANGLE" about words, which is useless and leads to the ruin of the hearers."

If your familiar with Greek, look up the word "Wrangle."

Edited September 11, 2021 by Arrabon

[Hopefully]

2 minutes ago, missmuffet said:

If a person reads the Bible literally there should not be a problem with interpretation. 

I agree, but do remember the announcement of parables. I think that’s when we know it’s not literal.

Really I just feel there is a bad spirit of the love of debate working on some of the people here and I want them to break free.
 

[Hopefully]

4 minutes ago, Arrabon said:

If your familiar with Greek, look up the word "Wrangle."

Can you help me understand the Greek use of the word wrangle?

 

[Hopefully]

I think this is a nice story about word wrangling. I understand this.

“Those who love word wrangling, the sport of delving into the murky meanings of biblical words and finding hidden, hitherto unknown insights and applications no doubt have had their fun with this one. Save yourselves? Are you kidding me?

However, no word study is needed here. The clear meaning of the expression refers to persons taking responsibility for their present and future situations and “getting up and leaving this place.” Leave the saloon, break the stranglehold of your surroundings, end your addiction to this depraved culture. Decide to change!

Anyway you want to say it.

The crowds in Zion’s streets understood what Peter was saying. We know that because immediately after he said it, three thousand of them got up and came to him, “accepting his word” is how Luke put it, and were baptized into the family of Jesus Christ.”

[missmuffet]

18 minutes ago, Hopefully said:

I agree, but do remember the announcement of parables. I think that’s when we know it’s not literal.

Really I just feel there is a bad spirit of the love of debate working on some of the people here and I want them to break free.
 

Parables were a common form of teaching in Judaism. For those with a genuine hunger for God, the parable is both an effective and memorable way for conveyance of divine truths. The parables Jesus taught is a blessing to those with a willing ear. 

[LearningToLetGo]

Read the words.

Understand the message.

Forget the words.

[Arrabon]

1 hour ago, Hopefully said:

Can you help me understand the Greek use of the word wrangle?

 

@Hopefully

The Greek language is so beautiful, and at the same time so amazingly complete in it's depth of meaning.

Must be why God chose this language to write much of the New testament.

The word wrangle, when looked up in koine (common language of the day, over much of the world, thanks to Alexander the great) Greek, is agonizomai, where we get the word agonize from. We also get the word "strive" from this word also, or "to strive", in the context of trying to win a physical contest, such as wrestling, or in the case of your topic, trying to win a contest of words, which implies in this case, " a hindrance in the development of the Christian life, because, the conversation on the part of at least one of the people talking, is competing in thought, in order to win  at the conversation, which is self-serving, instead of up-lifting and encouraging to the hearer or hearers.

Special effort must be taken to never approach a conversation with brother or sister like what you describe as negative talk.

John 13:35, " By this everyone will know that you are my brothers and sisters, if you love one another.”

In this, and many other verses, there is nothing acceptable to God, other than we deeply love and have kindness for each other, and by our giving Godly love, the world will see a love they want, and be a testimony to all around us, as they see God in us, and in actions of His loves towards each other.

Extra added verse with no Greek.

1st John 4:20,

"If someone says, “I love God,” and yet acts like he hates his brother or sister, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother and sister (in word or action) whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen."

Edited September 11, 2021 by Arrabon

[Hopefully]

6 hours ago, Arrabon said:

1st John 4:20,

"If someone says, “I love God,” and yet acts like he hates his brother or sister, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother and sister (in word or action) whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen."

“trying to win a physical contest, such as wrestling, or in the case of your topic, trying to win a contest of words, which implies in this case, " a hindrance in the development of the Christian life,”

Amen. Thank you so much. I appreciate your words.