You must be in fellowship prior to your Bible study, so that the spiritual information you receive can become a source, of blessing to your soul and produce spiritual growth.
18 Who [hostis] concerning [peri] the truth [aletheia] have
erred, [astocheo] saying [lego] that the resurrection [anastasis] is past [ginomai] already; [ede] and [kai] overthrow [anatrepo] the faith [pistis] of some.
[tis] KJV-Interlinear
18 men who
have gone astray from the truth saying that the resurrection has already taken
place, and thus they upset the faith of some. NASB
Now, at first glance you would think that someone who has made a statement that the resurrection has already occurred, is harmless and not really that bad of a person, nor is the statement that bad of a statement.
'So what,' you could say, 'So what, if they have an opinion, regardless if it is right or wrong. Because their comments harm no one. Right?'
And that is precisely why that kind of thinking is wrong and dramatically evil.
We already know that Hymenaeus, and Philetus, mentioned in the previous verse, are liars, deceivers, promote false ideas, guilty of constant chatter or babblings of no consequence.
We already know that this kind of talk breeds infectious sores that spreads rapidly and brings gangrene and death to those who hear, Isa.1.
So, being a little do-gooder, being a person who argues or debates over the meanings of words, or even promotes ideas that simply are not true, or are twisted in some fashion, these things are pure evil.
And, their purpose is to accomplish nothing less that derailing people who are on the brink of salvation or even on the road to spiritual growth.
Salvation to a single person has infinite value.
Spiritual maturity to a single person has infinite value, beyond the infinite.
The spiritual life is so important, that to argue over seemingly petty subjects or comments, as some folks do, can and does have major impacts on others, especially yourself.
All of religion is based on some form of lie. Some believe that Jesus was a man and nothing more. Some believe that Jesus was actually born a man but is not God. Some believe that the resurrection occurred long ago. Some believe that it will never occur. Some believe that their form of worship is beyond definition by others, that study is not for them, that they can obtain what they need from God on their own without the help of a study.
And that is how we have so many religions and cults and misguided faiths and opinions out there in the world, and that is why many millions, even billions of people have been misled.
Because people believe that their own opinions are above truth, and the study of truth is a total waste of their time. People will argue over bible study, more so that teens argue over their schoolwork.
And they are wrong. And that is why so many people are harmed in this world and throughout history.
If you are opinionated, then you probably are the cause of the dismantling of the spiritual lives of many people. Probably people that you have never known.
So, your mandate again is stated.
Do not be one of those people. Park your opinions outside and listen and learn, and grow up.
Avoid those kinds of people. Your studies will clarify what is right and what is wrong. Do not get trapped or derailed in worldly opinions.
Back to verse 15 briefly.
One day you will stand before Christ, and you will receive your evaluation, and He will look you straight in the face and tell you to your face exactly what you did right and what you did wrong.
And one of those questions put to you will be, 'Did you 'study' to prepare, to present yourself before Me, ready for examination? Or, did you blow it all off, thinking you could skate by?'
Life is a serious matter with infinite and eternal repercussions and consequences.
Your attitude, your pettiness, your arguing, your excuses, cannot and will not be overlooked, because your attitude reaches beyond you and affects others, and for that you will be held accountable, regardless of whether you believe this or not. Consider Matt. 25:40, really consider its meaning.
Do not trap yourself in useless babblings or activities.
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End Of Lesson
Study to show thyself approved (mature) unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing (studying/discerning), the Word of truth.
