The Year of our Lord, Jesus Christ
Matthew 22:29
Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.
Not knowing the Scriptures and not knowing the power of God is a deadly combo. Jesus Himself said that these two conditions are the reasons for errors in this life. An error is a mistake. Mistakes are made in life simply because individuals either do not know what the Bible states about a matter, or they do not know the power of God. Either or both lead to error.
As any preacher can tell you, these are problem areas. Now, before we go too far, consider the Sadducees. They quoted the Old Testament teaching of Moses. They believed that they were right, all kinds of right. They knew the Law of God and quoted Moses. What could be more right than that? What they didn’t know is that they were misapplying the teaching. God’s command for a near kinsman to raise up seed unto his relative had nothing to do with eternity. It had to do with maintaining that portion of the Promise Land in that family.
Remember Boaz? He redeemed Ruth, but not only her. He also redeemed the land, which was to be passed down to Elimelech’s, Chilion’s, and Mahlon’s progeny. It had nothing to do with eternity. But the Sadducees thought it did. Theirs was an error in not knowing the totality of the Scriptures in that they added something. They added eternity to an earthly teaching.
Remember Elisha? In a time of famine he prophesied that within about 24 hours the grievous famine in the land would be over. A lord (so called) who was close to the king said. …Behold, if the LORD would make windows in heaven, might this thing be? And he said, Behold, thou shalt see it with thine eyes, but shalt not eat thereof. (II Kings 7:2) On the next day the famine was over and the lord died just as the man of God said. What was the cause of the lord’s error? He did not know the power of God. He should have known that God can do anything.
While we are here thinking about the power of God, there are many today who make great errors because they do not understand the power of God. They teach rightly that He can do anything. But they fail to teach the total truth of that promise. The total truth is that God can do anything that does not contradict His Word or is outside of His Will. Consider salvation. He can save anyone. True. But the “anyone” must come to salvation the Bible way, through faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Even Ephesians 2:8-9 proves this. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
If the knowledge of the Scriptures and the knowledge of the power of God are so important. What plan does the Lord have to help individuals overcome these two mistakes? Church! Yep, the local, Bible believing, Bible teaching, and Bible preaching church. Every message the pastor brings is to help folks come to know the Scriptures and know the power of God. Many reject the entire notion of church. They think that they can do it all on their own. Why then does God call preachers, empower them, teach them, reveal truth unto them? So they can help others who have not the time, the inclination, or the calling to be His messenger. A faithful, committed, and purposeful adherence to your church schedule is the best tool against making these two errors.
Until next time,
William T. Howe, Ph.D.
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