For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions… - 2 Timothy 4:3
The line between truth and error is often very thin. I recall some years ago meeting with six other men from this congregation weekly over seven months and reading through what would eventually become our required reading for the Fellows Ministry. During our readings from the church history section we found ourselves discussing some of the heresies (false teachings) that impacted the early church. We found it interesting that we could be reading the teachings of a particular early church leader and find ourselves agreeing with what was said, only to find out that the particular teaching was eventually condemned as heresy by some later church council. Often, we found that we had missed a particular nuance in the teaching that, when workedout, really was unbiblical. It was simply very difficult to decipher that nuance in the midst of a cursory first reading.
As my mother used to love to repeat: “there’s many a slip betwixt a cup and a lip.” In other words, what seems simple and easy is not always simple and easy. Good theology is not always easy to grasp, even though the Bible itself is clear. The technical term for this reality is “perspicuity” (slide that word into a casual conversation today and see if you get a funny look). When applied to the Scriptures it means that God reveals himself to us clearly, or at least as clear as he chooses to be. The Bible can be understood because it is clear and precise in its presentation. This does not mean, of course, that we know everything we want to know about God. Some things remain hidden to us, which is by design (see Deut. 29:29). It does mean, however, that we cannot ignore the Scripture with the oft repeated complaint “I just don’t understand it!” If you do not have special needs that inhibit your mental capacity and you can read English at the middle to high school level - the Bible is open to you. You may not become a biblical scholar (few do), but you can comprehend what God is telling you about himself, his creation, his expectations, etc. The Scriptures are perspicuous (see, you canuse this word in a sentence).
With this being said, it is also true that not all the Bible’s teachings are equally clear. We should be careful about how we speak when God is our subject, or when the word of God is being discussed. Not so careful that we refuse to speak, however. Last Sunday evening, Bob and Esther Fetherlin (Bob is the president of One Mission Society, and he and Esther served as missionaries for several years in Malawi, Africa) were speaking with our high school youth. Bob asked the students if any of them knew what Galatians 2:20 says. I saw many students shift around in their seats, and many eyes were cast to the floor hoping to avert Bob’s gaze. I also knew that many of the students knew exactly what Galatians 2:20 says, it is a common memory verse. However, all refused to answer. I in no way mean to impugn the character of any of our high school students, we have a great group of kids! Had Bob asked the question of one of our adult groups, he likely would have had the same response. We often decline to speak out in Bible classes and lectures for fear of saying something wrong, or indicating that we agree with something that may then be shown to be false. We should not flippantly throw ideas around related to weighty issues, but neither should we refuse to speak for fear of being mistaken. Often, being correctedis one of the ways we learn best if our pride can sustain the blow.
As an example, last week in my Jym-shorts article I wrote about God’s simplicity. In that article I stated “God is love, and love is God” That sentence sounds reasonable, but it is false. I forgot to insert the very important word “from.” I meant to write, “God is love, and love is from God.” I missed that even though I read over my articles carefully. Those who edit my work (and are a great help to me) are not to be blamed. They look for errors in punctuation and grammar, not in theology. I found out when two of our other pastors pointed it out to me (not in an attempt to shame me, but in an attempt to clarify my teaching). We had a good laugh, but the point is still relevant - the line between truth and error is often very thin. It can even happen with a forgotten word.
John is teaching us in our study in 1 John to be guarded against false teaching. It is a task that takes diligence. Iron sharpens iron, and we all need to have edges shaved off occasionally. Do not fear God’s word, and do not fear honest mistakes when talking about God. “This too God will make clear to us,” Paul assures us in his letter to the Philippians. We learn as we go in this life, and in this walk of faith. Read the word, and talk about theology. It is a good practice! You will make some mistakes occasionally, but in doing so you will guard yourself against entrenched false teaching, and against those who intentionally mislead.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Jym