If they did so, would false leaders be able to teach them things that are 180 from the Bible's teachings?
2007-09-23 14:36:58 · 35 answers · asked by Chi Guy 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Yes, why don't they?
The Bible references in high regard, the 'Beoreans', who after hearing the good news the disciples preached day after day, would then go and look at the scriptures to see for themselves if the things they were hearing were true.
I had wondered this very thing starting about 16 years ago, when I could not believe how many people were content to sit in church services week after week, without even a veiled attempt to check the Bible for the accuracy of what was being said.
I eventually did this on my own, and lo and behold, discovered that much of what was told from the pulpit, was tradition, not Bible fact. Thus began my journey to truth!
2007-09-23 14:39:22 · answer #1 · answered by Tim 47 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Probably the reasons are varied. Some people automatically assume that a person with a degree in divinity has been commissioned to teach them God's word the Bible. That combined with the fact that older men spoken of in the Bible are well reported on seems to be sufficient for them to feel that there is no real need to question a preacher. This is understandable; particularly if we consider the account at Acts 8:26-27, where a very influential man, who was already worshiping God, simply could not understand a very important teaching in God's word. An older man (that is to say, older spiritually) took the man aside and guided him to an understanding. Moreover, according to Romans 10:13-17, certain ones are definitely sent to teach God's word. These two scriptures show that a person cannot come to an accurate knowledge of truth on his or her own; God does have a channel by which he provides Bible teaching.
Having said that, though, there will be those who, for selfish reasons, resist true teachings, even as Romans 10: 17-21 shows. Some people simply do not have a love for truth –when they hear it, they often will reject it outright because it conflicts with what they want to do. To illustrate: the Bible is quite clear on the matter of fornication, isn't that so? But a couple will perhaps qualify their fornication by explaining that they are in love; perhaps even engaged. When their pastor ratifies that qualification, they continue in this behavior. Why? Because they love the feeling that this sexual intimacy brings them even more than they love the truth of God's word. Another example: many pastors teach that God wants his people to be materially rich and they need only sow a seed so that God can bless them with those material riches. This is so obviously against God's word that it should require no further comment. But people buy into this; reading along with the pastor as he provides them certain scriptures which seemingly fortify this teaching. And why? Because they want to be materially rich right now and they do not want to wait for the many blessings of God which will occur in the future. Even God said that he would leave people to themselves because they did not accept the love of the truth: 2 Thessalonians 2:10.
In the final analysis, in order to understand God's word the Bible, people must come with four things: humility, hunger, honesty and Holy Spirit. If they come to the table bringing those four, and they allow themselves to be fed from the proper channel, their study of the Bible will prove to be enriching and a blessing both now and into the future.
Hannah J Paul
2007-09-26 07:22:57 · answer #2 · answered by Hannah J Paul 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is why so much of Jesus' teaching condemns those who lead people astray. Remember that much of the world throughout history has not had scripture at hand to read and compare. Many throughout the world still do not. But, as you point out, having a copy of scripture doesn't make someone sound doctrinally.
Unfortunately, as much as the Spirit of the Lord can inspire a person, the enemy can deceive. Even some well-meaning, presumed "men of G*d" are deceived themselves.
People should be cautious to be teachers (James 3:1).
Teachers should know what they are teaching is correct (1 Timothy 1:6-8).
Believers should grow in their understanding of doctrine (Hebrews 5:12).
Study the scripture to be a good steward of the faith (2 Timothy 2:15).
2007-09-23 14:53:20 · answer #3 · answered by Michael R 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sheep generally follow. That's why God calls so many to lead and empowers them to teach and warn the sheep. There will always be wolves in sheep's clothing in the churches, but God calls enough leaders to lead........they all don;t answer the call. That's why God puts such a huge curse on those called to special service if they fail to take their responsibilities seriously or abuse their office. Even with leaders, it is commanded for each of us to study the scriptures to show ourselves approved, rightly dividing the Word of God. We all have our responsibility to learn the scriptures and sadly, you're right, that many won't study for themselves. It's up to the rest of us to encourage (or shame) them into at least reading the scripture on a regular basis. At the same time, we should be exposing false leaders when we run across them.
2007-09-23 14:49:26 · answer #4 · answered by Joyful Noise 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I attend church and bible study 2x a week. My husband and I also study the bible together.
Many Christians DO study the bible.
†
2007-09-23 14:42:32 · answer #5 · answered by Jeanmarie 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My church has bible study every day of the week. The pastor teaches us from the bible, which we study along as he teaches. Just like Paul spoke to the Bereans who "searched the scriptures to make sure what he said was true".
As to why others don't do this, I don't know. I can't speak for others.
2007-09-23 14:40:40 · answer #6 · answered by Esther 7 · 4⤊ 1⤋
For some people, it's a lack of time. But for many people, it's just being lazy. It's the same with everybody: the vast majority of atheists just get all their opinions from atheist web sites and never (as proven by most answers here) actually think through the issues themselves.
2007-09-23 14:42:34 · answer #7 · answered by Gary B 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
that's why you bring your bible to church with you and make sure that you're not being led in a different direction. i do study the Word, but my pastor is trained in the Word and able to teach it so I understand it and can apply it better to my life. maybe you should study it too...it can do everybody a whole lot of good. it can change the world. you'll never make us stop trying.
blessings.
2007-09-23 14:41:38 · answer #8 · answered by danielle:) 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
There are some quacks in the pulpit and there are some 'blind' parishoners that don't 'study to show thyself approved.'
This Christian is always reading and studying. I don't study any Harvard or Yale theology professors as they don't believe in the Bible.
2007-09-23 16:22:03 · answer #9 · answered by D.A. S 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because many people don't want the truth, they want to be told they are good people and are going to heaven if they just attend the church. Your right, if people actually read the bible, and the context of quoted verses, they would understand alot better and be less likely to be lead astray
2007-09-23 15:08:00 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋