It is always important to remind ourselves of some basic principles of Bible study to help us “rightly divide the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 is the key verse to help us divide truth from truth. All the Bible is truth, but we must make sure that we keep that truth in its proper context and proper dispensation. Applying scripture not directly speaking to us, as though it was speaking directly to us, can result in some difficult consequences.
The principles we reviewed today are:
1. There are two programs found in the Bible:
A. Prophetic Program: specific to Israel and the messianic kingdom. It currently in “time out” according to Romans 11, but will be back as the primary program for Israel and the world when the rapture of the Church Age saints has occurred.
Genesis 3:14-15, Isaiah 9:6-7
B. The Mystery Program: specific to the Dispensation of the grace of God and the body of Christ. This program has one apostle, Paul, who was given direct revelation from the Lord Jesus Christ. Galatians 1:11-17
There are seven mysteries delivered to Paul that map out who we are “in Christ” as individuals, and as the body of Christ, the Church. The word “mystery” means hidden wisdom or a secret kept by God. 1 Corinthians 2:7
Mysteries revealed to Paul:
The Mystery of the Dispensation of the grace of God – Christ in you the hope of glory
Romans 16:25-27, Ephesians 3:1-12, Colossians 1:25-29
The Mystery of Israel's blindness – Romans 11:25-27
The Mystery of God's Will – Ephesians 1:9-12
The Mystery of Christ and the Church – Ephesians 5:25-32
The Mystery of the rapture of the Church – 1 Corinthians 15:50-54
The Mystery of the Gospel – Ephesians 6:19-20
The Mystery of Godliness – 1 Timothy 3:16
The eighth mystery revealed to Paul is the Mystery of Iniquity / Antichrist, which has to do with the world after the rapture of the Church. 2 Thessalonians 2:7
2. Transdispensational Truth: As pertaining to Grace, Mercy, and Faith, is woven throughout scripture, as God moves mankind to His desired conclusion.
Genesis 6:8, Psalm 136:1-26, Titus 3:3-7, Hebrews 4:15-16, Hebrews 11:1 & 6
3. Dispensational Truth: God deals with mankind at different times in specific ways revealing Himself through progressive revelation.
4. The Law of Noncontradiction: Two opposites cannot be correct at the same time. Something cannot be both true and not true at the same time when dealing with the same subject.
Example: the Gospel before the cross in contrast to the Gospel after the cross
We must rightly divide these two gospels, which are both true, but not for the same time.
Galatians 1:6-9
5. The Law of double fulfillment: Prophetic events can be fulfilled more than once. Comparing scripture with scripture confirms a prophetic event as fulfilled. Luke 4:16-19, Isaiah 61:1-6
In visiting Matthew 8, we were introduced to the manifestation of the King. Chapters 8-11 record the credentials and proof of Jesus's claim to the throne of David. The King manifests His divine power by signs and wonders. Remember, the Jews seek a sign.
1 Corinthians 1:22
V.1-4: He manifested power over disease
V.5-15: He manifested power over illness, one by speaking the word concerning healing a gentile, and the other by a mere touch without asking.
V.16-17: All manner of disease was healed and demons cast out, shoeing he had power over the Devil and his minions
V.18-22: The cost of discipleship is discussed. There is a price to be paid on the journey to Christlikeness.
V.23-27: He manifested power over nature
V.28-34: He manifested power over Satan's kingdom by casting out the demons. They knew who he was!
We shall look at Matthew 9-10 this coming Sunday!
