I just got back to my hotel room from a day that I’ll not soon forget. I walked in the dry bed of the brook of Elah where David killed Goliath (I Samuel 17) and I walked in the very wet tunnel that Hezekiah constructed underneath the city of Jerusalem (2 Kings 20:20). I cannot wait to write about the blockbuster lessons that just naturally come to mind when viewing some of the amazing sights we’re seeing. I’m forever changed already. I can’t wait to get to heaven, because seeing what you’ve loved reading about is a powerful faith phenomena!
I know, however, that first I should complete the study for May. On the podcast (…Did I mention this transmitted from the shore of the Sea of Galilee?), I promised this list of verses from the epistles which use the word “doctrine” and, in context, show that doctrinal matters have already been settled or decided. Here’s my list, though yours may vary a bit.
Romans 6:17
Romans 16:17
I Cor. 14:6
I Cor. 14:26
Eph. 4:14
1 Tim. 1:3
1 Tim. 1:10
1 Tim. 4:6
1 Tim. 4:13
1 Tim. 4:16
1 Tim. 5:17
1 Tim. 6:1
1 Tim. 6:3
2 Tim. 3:10
2 Tim. 3:16
2 Tim. 4:2
2 Tim. 4:3
Tit. 1:9
Tit. 2:1
Tit. 2:7
2 Jn 1:9
2 Jn. 1:10
The point, of course, is that, since all doctrinal matters have been settled by the Holy Spirit, the ONLY authority of elders is in areas of judgment. Therefore, it is only natural that all of us will not agree with the judgment of our elders on every matter. That’s the nature of opinions. Authority for action in realms of judgment, biblically then, belongs to the elders. May we strive to hold up the hands of godly elders who are unafraid to lead God’s people in righteous choices. May we raise our sons to be qualified to do take on this daunting and honorable vocation in the body.
Also, we will be choosing winners of the prize package from Month 9 at the close of this month’s study, so don’t forget to enter your paragraph. Directions are in the study.
Diggers are some of the best people in the world! The Word makes good-hearted women great!
