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To: Lonely Bull
I understand what you are trying to get at. I agree that in these threads calling individuals name is inappropriate. My example from what Jesus said was to illustrate that Jesus didn't use placating or PC language when dealing with those who refused to listen to truth. However, both those we post to and those who lurk must see that we deal with strong opposition to teaching that is contrary to scripture and what Jesus and the apostles taught.

Our personal "spiritual state" is irrelevant. Using scripture IS the words of the Holy Spirit. They are NOT our words.

350 posted on 02/07/2015 6:57:13 PM PST by CynicalBear (For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus)
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To: CynicalBear
Our personal "spiritual state" is irrelevant. Using scripture IS the words of the Holy Spirit. They are NOT our words.

These are not our words, but these uses are our uses. If these words are a great gift, then we should take care to avoid misusing them. The wording of "rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15) suggests that there is such a thing as doing so wrongly.

I am reminded of 2 Peter 3:15b-16: "...even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction."

I am also reminded of John 5:39. Jesus said, "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me." He was speaking to people who possessed and had some understanding of the scriptures that were written at the time (cf. vv. 45-47), but they "[had] not [the Father's] word abiding in [them]" (vv. 37-38), had not "life" (v. 40), and had not "the love of God" in them (v. 41). Their uses of the scriptures would probably be deformed.

I actually first thought of Matthew 4:6, which contains what I could call the canonical example of the devil quoting Scripture.

If our "spiritual state" is corrupt, then even our uses of holy things will go awry.

"Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." (John 15:4-5)

Let us use the scriptures in a true and holy manner.

"Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?
"Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life." (John 6:67-68)

401 posted on 02/08/2015 4:54:43 PM PST by Lonely Bull ("And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient...")
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