LITERAL OR TIMELESS PRINCIPLES?

 

2 Timothy 3:16-17 

·        All Scripture

·        God-breathed—inspired

·        Profitable

 

Do you take Scripture literally or look for timeless principles?

 

Sample passage--Deuteronomy 16:21—17:7 

·        Literal or timeless principles? 

·        What are some timeless principles in this passage? 

 

 

How does one decide what to take literally and when to look for timeless principles beneath the literal?

 

I believe 2 Timothy 3:16 can help us with this--determining what is there when things seem no longer relevant literally or that they do not apply.  If indeed, "all Scripture is inspired by God and profitable--then that is true always. 

·        Doctrine--Are there things in the passage that we are to believe--doctrine, teachings about Jesus, God, the church, believers?

·        Reproof--Are there things in the passage that convict me of sin--things I should be doing or things that I should stop doing?  Does the Scripture prick my conscience as a believer?

·        Correction--What suggestions does the passage give to move me from where I am to where I should be?  How does it point me back to God's way again? 

·        Training in righteousness--What is in this passage that I should be living out, doing, performing as a believer in Jesus Christ?  What is here to help me become more righteous and like the Lord Himself?

 

So when you read God's Word, what is there of relevance for you, your life, the life of your church?  At times, we find things that are literal, but other times, we look for principles that are timeless and good for any time, any where, any person.

 

Hope this is helpful!