I had an incredible time today, studying the Word with you today! As we discussed this morning, rightly dividing the Word is imperative to our understanding the truths that are preserved in it. We must always remember — All the Bible was not written to me (2 Timothy 2:15), but all the Bible was written for me (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Isaiah 28:9-13 is the Old Testament equivalent, giving us a clear understanding of the importance of comparing scripture with scripture rightly dividing the word.
Isaiah 28:9-13: For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear. But the word of the Lord was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.
Comparing scripture with scripture, making sure that precept must be upon precept is imperative to a balanced understanding of God’s Word. When Israel refused to listen to the prophet, God did not change the message! It was line upon line! We are given the challenge to learn from the physical trials of Israel, and apply what we learn spiritually.
V.13-17 remind us, the goal is to be understood, not to self-edification, so that the church, the body of Christ, can be built up.
V.18-22 give us the reason for speaking in tongues (actual known and spoken languages), is to present Christ to unbelievers., and more specifically unbelieving Jews. Tongues are a sign gift, and the Jews require a sign.
Corinthians 1:22-24: For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
We are coming to the end of chapter 14, and will soon be digging in to, arguably, the greatest single chapter in all of scripture — 1 Corinthians 15! I look forward to walking through it with you all.