But what does Scripture say?
Summary: Paul’s statement about Scripture points us to an important truth. God arranged for us to have Scripture for a reason.
In Luke’s account of the Acts of the Apostles, he shares a comment about the Jews in Berea. Luke writes:
“Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” (Acts 17:11)
Luke does not explain which writings the Bereans considered Scriptures, but a good starting point is the collection of writings we call the Old Testament.
Here, we have Paul asking the same question the Bereans asked: “But what does Scripture say?”
If you ever have to go to court, contemporaneous handwritten notes of an event are much better evidence than a person’s memories. Memories can fade or change with time. The written record does not change. Even better than a handwritten note is a notation in a bound notebook. Instead of arguing about who said what and when they said it, a notation in a log book includes the date and time, who was present, and what was said.
Scripture with a capital “S” is Holy Scripture, a written notation documenting something God has said or done. By comparing what someone says about God with Scripture, we can compare notes with what God has told us in the past.
Paul is making the case that Sarah and Hagar represent two distinctly different covenants (Gal 4:24). One is the covenant of the law, and the other is a covenant that promises salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. The law enslaves, and the promise of life in Jesus Christ through faith frees us from bondage to sin.
Confronted with two choices, we must decide where to place our faith — in the law or Jesus. Which will it be?
To answer this question, Paul points us back to the Genesis story about Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar. When we look at where Paul is pointing us we might be offended. The answer is stark, possibly even brutal. Because the answer is hard, we need to prepare ourselves to look at God’s Word, not only from our perspective but from God’s.
Application: God made certain the Holy Scriptures were recorded so that we would always have a way to check what people say about God.
Food for Thought: What is needed for us to be able to use Scripture as a guide?
Faith in Christ, prayer, seeking the Holy Spirit, humility and gratitude.
John 1:1 – In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 17:17 – Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 – All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
Hebrews 4:12 – For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Colossians 3:16 – Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
Thank you, Chris!
I like your list. “Humility” stands out as a “must have.” 🙂
Great Scriptures CH. I like your list too.
I will only add that it would be helpful to have access to the Scriptures (we definitely do in the US, but many in other countries are not so fortunate). Then with access we need to get into the Scriptures and some study of Scripture. Memorization also helps. Meditating on Scripture so that it goes from the head to the heart, and obey the Scripture. James 1: 22 – 24.
Rich,
Getting into the Scriptures, as you point out, is key. We can’t know what we haven’t read or heard. 🙂
What is needed for us to be able to use Scripture as a guide?
James 4:7, A humble heart in submission to God.
Proverbs 3:5-6, Life trusting and acknowledging God in all our ways.
John 6, 63, 16:13, 14:26, Philippians 2:13 Allowing the Holy Spirit to be our source of life, teacher, our guide, our source of all truth,
Colossians 3:16, Let the word of Christ dwell and rule our hearts as in fellowship with other believers we teach and admonish one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
Hi Ron!
Welcome back!!
Your comments are in keeping with the other observations today. You also help me to see our role in our relationship with God’s Word. Our hearts and minds need to be receptive to our Father and his Word.
Amen!