Does God have standards for His believers?

Question

In other words, does He want only people who quote the Bible by chapter and verse while not really understanding it, or does He want His people to be able to intelligently and soundly crush the arguments of their opponents with logic and sound reasoning?


And please, I am NOT implying that Christians are stupid or incapable of logical, rational thought. This question is in response to a pattern I've noticed in here describing my initial query.

Rico3151- Now why do you want to be so judgemental? OK- I'll change my name to mildly bad-attitude.

Tuberroot- If I were to pick a best answer right now, you'd be it. So far you seem to be the only one getting the point to my question. Thank you for a well thought out and reasonable response.

THX1138- I agree with you totally. By the way, THX1138 is an old, old George Lucas movie, yes?

DISCLAIMER- OK, OK- so using "crush" wasn't the best choice of word. It's Cicero's fault. He told me to do it, ha! ha!

Answer 1

I've noticed the quotes too. Sometimes they are not in context. But the talents of those who are committed to God vary. Some may be in training, as I am, to be a sort of Apologist. Not that I am claiming something over others, but that I just notice certain things about what's being said. Over 20 years of being a Christian can do that to you.

Yes, God has standards, and that is : trust Him. So it's a trust issue, not a behavioral perfection/sinless issue. And yet you will see here many questions that ask, was this a sin? was that a sin? And they go on and on trying to make themselves for God.

An analogy that I have used before to describe this phenomenon was: Sarah and Abraham made Ishmael, when God's plan was for them to create Isaac. It's as if Sarah and Abraham thought they had to help God fulfill his word, and then he proved them wrong. The only thing that came out of Ishmael was trouble, and we are faced with that problem to this day.

And so I think that a part of what you are seeing is that some Christians are attempting to make themselves for God, instead of trusting God to make them.

Answer 2

If you read the Bible and quote it like some scientific fact, but you don't live by it and you don't understand it, then you're not doing any good. I, for one, would not get myself into a debate with someone about something biblical if I haven't got a sure fire argument and a rock solid understanding of what I've read and what I'm saying. That's a fair amount of stupidity. God doesn't want us to do that at all.

Answer 3

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How do you reason away the uncomfortable feeling which comes from a mere cursory review of Mathew chapter 4:1-9 where Jesus merely quoted scriptures to suggestions.

Edited: Mathew 4:6 Indicates that the sound logic and reasoning which was attached to the scripture by Satan was meet with a single scriptural response from Jesus.

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Answer 4

Knowing scriptures is nice, but all that means is one knows scriptures.
Applying them properly would be the next step.
It is possible to twist and bend them.
Logic and reasoning ALONG WITH well applied scripture should be sufficient for anyone hungering for truth.
Although, 'crushing' arguments is not the main goal.
Building up is the main goal, not tearing down.

Answer 5

God does expect his followers to read the Bible and also be prepared to discuss it logically with people.

We are supposed to be studying and reasoning ourselves through life....always being ready to give an answer for the hope we have in Christ Jesus.

Answer 6

Ephesians 6:10,11,12,13
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.
Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14. Stand therefore, having your loins girted about with TRUTH, and having on the breastplate of RIGHTEOUSNESS;
15. And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of PEACE;
16. Above all, taking the shield of FAITH, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17. and take the helmet of SALVATION, and the word of the Spirit, which is the WORD OF GOD.
18. PRAYING ALWAYS, with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.

I capitalized the standards. FAITH, HOPE AND CHARITY AND above all LOVE.

Answer 7

God asks us to have for every man an answer for the hope that is within us. Personally, I see alot of Christians on this site that do a beautiful job of doing just that.

Answer 8

I'm pretty sure crushing people isn't part of it. God has standards for us-but like a parent they are the sorts of things that he would like for us and for our own good; forgiveness and love-he's not forcing us to do either of these things though for his love. God loves everyone-even tyhose that spit venom about him, or deny his existance. His love is not contingent upon anything-whether you feel the effects is up to you.

Answer 9

That is exactly what I do...

I study out the Mormon, JW, and Catholic faiths before talking to people about the contradictions between that faith and God's Word... and believe me, there are TOO many!

Answer 10

Sounds like your user name sums this question up pretty well so I'll not wast time with an answer.