J
Men made up the degrees thing, but Scripture is replete with exhortation to study, warnings against ignorance, and man being responsible for his knowledge, or lack thereof. 2 Timothy 2:15; "Do your best..." &c.
In fact, Nicodemus was rebuked for his lack of knowledge, being "the" teacher of Israel. It was a proper, fitting rebuke. Surely the Holy Spirit wanted him to engage in further study, and he was already well studied.
Since God ordered study. One reason Paul was so well used was because of his vast knowledge of Scripture.
The Holy Spirit inspired the writings exhorting us to grow in knowledge, to study &c. So, looks like He's into this thing pretty much.
Then there is the flip side where people think ignorance is being spiritual.
That's a broad and a low swing. Do you have some specific examples of this happening that you can share with us as proof and evidence? Or, are you just swinging at everyone who has a degree, studies, is quite knowledgeable, knows the Biblical languages et al?
Also, aren't you the one who welcomes people here and that tells them we have smart Bible people here to help them? That's pretty ironic.
For the record I don't know of any theologians who fit into your derogatory statement, but I do know many people who love to demean those educated in Scripture, theologians and the like. Frankly, it's ugly, unbiblical, ignorant and divisive. It happens on this forum daily, and is used to be dismissive of other brothers and sisters who labor in doctrine and in the Word, and know what they're talking about. I highly respect them.
If we had more of them (those with degrees) and sound teaching, there would be less ignorance and less pride in ones ignorance. I don't see the LORD rebuking any person for deep study and learning via their "study of God" (aka theology). Thank God for them.
1 Timothy 5:17
In fact, Nicodemus was rebuked for his lack of knowledge, being "the" teacher of Israel. It was a proper, fitting rebuke. Surely the Holy Spirit wanted him to engage in further study, and he was already well studied.
Since God ordered study. One reason Paul was so well used was because of his vast knowledge of Scripture.
The Holy Spirit inspired the writings exhorting us to grow in knowledge, to study &c. So, looks like He's into this thing pretty much.
Then there is the flip side where people think ignorance is being spiritual.
That's a broad and a low swing. Do you have some specific examples of this happening that you can share with us as proof and evidence? Or, are you just swinging at everyone who has a degree, studies, is quite knowledgeable, knows the Biblical languages et al?
Also, aren't you the one who welcomes people here and that tells them we have smart Bible people here to help them? That's pretty ironic.
For the record I don't know of any theologians who fit into your derogatory statement, but I do know many people who love to demean those educated in Scripture, theologians and the like. Frankly, it's ugly, unbiblical, ignorant and divisive. It happens on this forum daily, and is used to be dismissive of other brothers and sisters who labor in doctrine and in the Word, and know what they're talking about. I highly respect them.
If we had more of them (those with degrees) and sound teaching, there would be less ignorance and less pride in ones ignorance. I don't see the LORD rebuking any person for deep study and learning via their "study of God" (aka theology). Thank God for them.
1 Timothy 5:17
whether accurately or not that is of value,another way to define "Smart" would be to say that one does not go looking for trouble and don't try to make themselves out as more important than God,I'm not saying that people who obtain degrees are doing wrong by God,but one must be weary of one's standing,no man woman or child is superior to God just as he told Moses,how that he is whom makes people how they are particularly intelligence wise,for Moses was refusing at first to work for God because he felt unqualified which in a sense was "smart" in humility but God needed him to be a servant right then and there not years later when he could learn what "he felt" was proper,
or even I under lamens terms could be viewed as "unqualified" by "people" to teach anyone about salvation,baptism,or of God's word the bible,because I only have a high school diploma,but God is different he sees the value that we do not so easily see through our very own eyes,he has laid it upon my heart to teach others through the holy spirit,by way of these Christian chat sites,and who am I to resist God?
I am but a mere man,my only validations to teach for God,are being saved and baptized,receiving God's holy spirit,and having a great love for God and having compassion upon my fellow brother and sisters in Christ whether lost or not I care for all of God's children,
my concern for these "credentials"that many so require is that,a person whom seeks after knowledge and high standing of man can despite intelligence lose sight of whom they really serve,there are but two masters,God,and satan,tis good to always follow God wholly without seek of self gain,for then does one allow for growing in spirit,
anything in this world can be viewed in this world as "good" but it is all vanity,we are to "endure" til the end until Jesus returns,not delight in the wiles of this world or seek superiority because God is "Almighty" not us and we are to be his humble servants,for what God desires of us is not,high intelligence,or high standing,instead he desires for us to work for him when he calls us,not in our own good time,no matter how high one's intelligence one can still stumble upon their own words,and do not what God desires,
it is "wise" to do what you can when you can fir God,not follow what others say you "have" to be because God is the one "True" Judge of All of us,not each other,"True Wisdom" is to "obey" God,and to "hearken"'when he calls,for what use is "Knowledge" if one uses it not for whom "gave" you,not only mere knowledge but your very life,"knowledge" is no more useful than rotted armor for if "Knowledge" is gained but not used for God,then it is just as useless,because yes it can convince people that you are "wise" using "words" to cover yourself in a haze to hide behind,but when one comes to you whom is "wise" for they serve God devoutly then you no longer have any defense to hide behind because if there is no "righteous" reason to use the "acquired" "Knowledge" then what use is it to God,no use,
discern how you like,but if nothing else is understood by anyone in this post understand this...
"God is no respecter to persons" it is not,your "Knowledge" that makes you a servant of God,is not your standing in this world,it is not how well you speak,it is all in how you love God and humble yourself to him that defines whom is God's servants.
Last edited by a moderator: