2 Timothy 3:16-17 (KJV): “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”
Early on in my walk of salvation, I had tremendous zeal and the need for acquiring knowledge. My mistake was that I wasn’t concerned with truth (was ignorant) but was into much of a hurry to learn, I would take anything from anybody, anytime. I had assumed if they professed Christianity, surely it must be true. “For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.” Romans 10:2; that was my error.
I was acquiring books and articles written by men in an attempt to know God, whereas I would have been far better off reading scripture to see man, and myself from God’s perspective. In retrospect am fortunate there wasn't the internet then to add to that confusion I was experiencing. God was allowing me to run rampant in my quest, allowing me to become weary and truly thirsty for truth. God in love was allowing me to be hurt so that by that hurt He could heal.
I took all my acquired books, notes, guides and other nonsense and pitched them. Why would I want to spend money to know what someone else thinks they know of God. It says “All scripture is given by inspiration of God” what else do I need but that; God’s Word”. “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” Romans 15:4.
The most important thing to me is God’s Word. In the Navy when I was serving, the most used tool was the most abused; I speak of line or rope. Same today with fellowships that most abused tool is God’s word and will follow man’s ideas. Here is a good example: I have seen those who say they have experienced going to hell or heaven, tell of their experiences. “how that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.” 2 Corinthians 12:4. Here I see man fulfilling scripture in that: “having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” 2 Timothy 3:5.
God will allow us only to receive what He reveals to us as we grow in Him, in grace. We are not to hurry God, all that hurrying just steals from us the truth that God wants us to learn. “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15. Studying to learn why I am approved unto God, why I have been “to the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.” Ephesians 1:6. That I have been sealed: “ in whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,” Ephesians 1:13. How does this sealing by the Holy Spirit come? by belief, belief in what, in what God has said: “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; by which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:” 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. Immediately when one believes God: “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.” 1 Corinthians 12:13.
“But godliness with contentment is great gain. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.” 1 Timothy 6:6 & 8. "Trust in the LORD with all thy heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:5-6. Why isn't that enough?
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