WHEN THE PERFECT COMES

"But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away." (1 Corinthians 13:10)

Devotion 3 of 17

ACADEMIA VERSUS EDIFICATION

Our explanations of Scripture must comport with the nature of God's Kingdom. Logic is good, and sound principles of interpretation are not to be despised. However, they are by no means the apex of kingdom qualities. At no point does God allow His people to step outside of His will and influence--especially in the exposition of Scripture.

Controversy Over The Text

A great amount of controversy has resulted from varied views of the text before us. This has not occurred because of the Word, or because of any ambiguity in its message. Rather, it has been induced by men that have thought "more highly" of themselves than they "ought to think" (Rom 12:2).

The wisdom of men is nowhere acclaimed in Scripture, nor is the ability to think and reason set forth as the ultimate means of appropriating the truth of God. In fact, it is quite to the contrary (1 Cor 1-2). Arguments affirming these things might have a sound of correctness to them, but it is only a delusion. The wisdom of man is not to be trusted because it is, and will always be, "foolishness" to God (1 Cor 3:19). Man's natural capacities are an asset, but they are also a liability. It is faith that saves, not reason (Eph 2:8-10)! It is faith that brings persuasion, not logic (Heb 11:1-3)! It is faith and patience that inherit the promises, not rationality and thinking (Heb 6:12). The person who believes God, is always superior to the person who does not!

An Explanation of Academia

When I use the word "academia" I do not intend to denigrate learning, study, or disciplined thought. There is no room in God's kingdom for the slothful of heart and the undisciplined of mind. Academia is a term of confinement that places an emphasis on erudition rather than salvation, and scholarship rather than faith. It is limited to this world, and does not require, nor is it driven by, hope. It deals, at best, with the surface of heavenly things rather than the heart of them. It tends to elevate men too highly, and lower the significance of God and Christ.

In academia, "believe" is very different from "the faith of God's elect" (Tit 1:1). Intellectual assent, or heartless consent, that an affirmation cannot be disproved, is enough in the academic world. But it is not enough for those that wish to "see Him as He is." Those limiting themselves to, or overstating, the academic aspect of knowledge, will become like the Athenians and Stoics. They "delighted to hear some new thing," reveling in the increase of their knowledge-base. However, they had no real appetite or love for the truth of God. When confronted with the resurrection of the dead, their academic excellence and penchant for knowledge withered and died (Acts 17:18-32).

Most division in conservative religious circles has been caused by a purely academic approach to Scripture. The derivation of words, technical meanings of expressions, and elaborate research into the comments of the religious community, are primary in an academic approach. They are secondary in the approach of faith. They are not to be despised, but neither are they to be extolled as though they were the key to spiritual understanding! As a matter of practical observation, when vaunted to a place of prominence, they have consistently occasioned division and carnality in the religious community. They only serve us when they are kept in a subordinate position.

The Mandate to Edify

When it comes to addressing the people of God, there is no question about what is to be accomplished. " . . . Let all things be done for edification" (1 Cor 14:26b, NASB). "And he gave some . . . for the edifying of the body of Christ" (Eph 4:11-12, KJV). "Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, that it may give grace to those who hear" (Eph 4:29, NASB). "Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do" (1 Tim 1:4, KJV).

What Does Not Edify Jeopardizes

Any proclamation or teaching that does not produce edification in those receiving it, is deficient in the most serious sense of the word. What does not edify thrusts into jeopardy, weakening spiritual virtues and forcing the hearers further from the grace they require.

The Apostles themselves were empowered primarily to edify. They were not chosen for greatness, but for Kingdom effectiveness. Paul expressed it well when he wrote, "For even if I should boast somewhat further about our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for destroying you . . . " (2 Cor 10:8, NASB). The authority he received was not simply to set the record straight, or provide an authoritative message--although he did so. He was given authority to build up the saints. To put it another way, he was to "feed" the sheep!

PRAYER POINT: Father, in Jesus' name, deliver me from any tendency to trust in the wisdom of men. Give me grace to believe.

-- Tomorrow: A VARIETY OF HUMAN INTERPRETATIONS --