BIBLE STUDY -- BEING OBJECTIVE

BIBLE STUDY – BEING OBJECTIVE

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

John 5:39-44 You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life. And they are the ones witnessing of Me, and you will not come to Me that you might have life. I do not receive honor from men. But I know you, that you do not have the love of God in you. I have come in My Father's name, and you do not receive Me. If another shall come in his own name, him you will receive. How can you believe, you who receive honor from one another and do not seek the honor that comes from God only? [Also note Mk.12:1-34; 1Cor.2:14]

Objective: 1. existing independently of perception or an individual's conceptions: are there objective moral values?  2. undistorted by emotion or personal bias  3. of or relating to actual and external phenomena as opposed to thoughts, feelings, etc 

Subjective: 1. belonging to, proceeding from, or relating to the mind of the thinking subject and not the nature of the object being considered  2. of, relating to, or emanating from a person's emotions, prejudices, etc: subjective views   3. relating to the inherent nature of a person or thing; essential  4. existing only as perceived and not as a thing in itself  (World English Dictionary)

  Whether dealt with objectively or subjectively does not change fact that life is problematic. As God’s children we certainly should look to Him for answers. Pray for resolution, yes. Study His Word for remedies, absolutely! God’s Word is objective lens we are to view life thru.

  This can only be maximized if we approach The Word objectively. To see clearly we read and study in stance exalting Sovereign God Almighty.

  Indeed we are to approach The Word subjectively, but it is serious mistake to do so only to get answers and direction; doing so making our relationship too much about ourselves, and interfering with getting to know God, The Person. This off-center attitude can easily be identified in answering the question: When, how, and for what reason do I study Scripture most diligently?

  This can be a difficult truth to wrap our mind around, let alone our heart.

  One day in trying to explain to inmate class of several dozen men I received nothing but blank stares. Then it struck me to do what Jesus commonly did; speak to people in terms they understand.

  “Have any of you ever gone to prostitutes?” (Dealing with inmates can be far different proposition than teaching Sunday School.) A number of men nodded in consent. A few raised their hand. A few grinned in remembrance.

  “Did you go so as to get to know the person?” The response was looks of comprehension, one man speaking out “No, I didn’t want to know the person. I wanted what they had to offer!”

  As new Christians we are naturally prone to come to God for what He has to offer; everlasting life presently and future; relief and freedom; peace, purpose and direction. These and more all good things He wants His children to have.

  As mature Christians we should unnaturally desire and work to know The Person, God.

EBB4  

PS. Cheryl (NE) asked me to pass her question on to you: “Doe’s God the Father feel physical pain?” When Cheryl asked in class, it resulted in quite a discussion and a few baffled looks. What do you think? And why do you think so?