To get the full view of what I am talking about the next few days go ahead and read 2 Timothy 3:10-4:5.
In 2 Timothy 3:10-17 Paul is telling Timothy that impostors of the gospel of Jesus Christ would grow worse in the coming days. As a result of that Timothy was to stick close to the Scripture that was entrusted to him. Paul reminds Timothy that this Word has been given by God and was profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness. I want to look at why using the Bible for correction is important.
If we preach our opinion then what do we have as the standard for our lives. You know the saying, "everyone has at least one opinion". What makes your opinion stand above everyone Else's'? Even when our opinions can be based in Scripture, it is our job to preach the Scripture not our opinions.
Let me give you an example. In three of the four sermons I watched Sunday, the pastors talked about tithing. They did not do this in the context of their sermons and seemed to be getting on their soap boxes. When they talked about tithing, they never used one Scripture just personal stories and opinions. Although I knew their opinions were based in Scripture, I wondered what the person who did not have a knowledge of Biblical tithing was thinking.
Paul states that the Scripture is profitable for correction. If people are not tithing and the Scripture points this out, then this is good for making a complete man of God. If opinions are used for correction, well that is what we accuse others of being too judgemental.
I know some of you think I am splitting hairs, but the truth is that too many sermons are void of Biblical preaching. Again I come back to the question: Are you using the Bible to make your points, or are your points coming from the context of the Scripture?
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hmmm, speaking of tithing and scripture. . .
I first started to study the scripture on tithing to prove a friend of mine that he was wrong about tithing not being mandated. After searching long and hard, i could not defend my position.
He was right! Tithing is not for the new covenant believer. Primarily because we have a tutor that replaced the old tutor of stewardship. The Holy Spirit is our guide on stewardship. Abraham's works, Moses' law, Jesus command to his disciples under the law, Hebrews change in the priesthood, do not provide evidence that a law of giving is a minimum requirement upon those who have been born again in the Spirit.
Exodus 35 is a perfect example of how local ministry was supported by Spirit led, freewill giving. Israel did not tithe to the priestly line until they entered the promised land, and Exodus 35 gives a great illustration of how God's new testament ministry can be supported by freewill giving while journeying through our barren wilderness.
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