Conflict is a part of human life, and it can be discouraging when people quarrel about matters of faith. But when it comes to debating scripture, the Bible has a lot to say. Though God is all-knowing, He has revealed His word to us in Scripture, and we are called to learn it and to agree on it according to what it says. So what does the Bible say about arguments over Scripture?
First, the Bible instructs us to avoid arguments and quarreling altogether. As Jesus said in Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” We are called to settle our disputes peaceably and in love, not in strife. Furthermore, James 1:19-20 tells us, “Know this my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” So, the Bible encourages us to pause before speaking and to be humble when confronted with disagreement. We must remember that our goal is holiness, not victory.
The Bible also teaches us how to handle disagreements in a godly manner. In 2 Timothy 2:14-15, Paul instructs us to “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God.” He goes on to say in verses 16-17, “But shun profane and vain babblings; for they will increase unto more ungodliness. And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus.” Paul is warning us not to partake in idle chatter and debates. Rather, we should be humble, learn from one another, and put our trust in God rather than our own ideas.
Moreover, the Bible gives us guidance in how to read and interpret scripture. In 2 Timothy 3:15-17, Paul tells us, “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” God has given us His word, and our goal should be to understand it and live according to it. So when we debate scripture, we must remember to approach it with an attitude of humble learning.
Finally, the Bible makes it clear that our highest priority should be to love God and to love one another. In 1 Corinthians 13:13, Paul encourages us, “And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.” Love must be our guide as we learn and debate scripture. No matter which perspective we take, our goal is always to edify and build up our brethren. This should be our ultimate focus, not winning an argument.
Jesus Preached Unity In Humility
At the end of the day, Jesus Himself is our best example when it comes to debating scripture. In John 17:20-23, Jesus prays, “neither for these alone do I pray, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.” Jesus prayed that we may be one in Him, and He rejected pride and division. We must be ready to admit when we are wrong and to forgive one another, and Jesus shows us how to do this.
Putting The Focus On Listening
When engaging in a discussion about Scripture, it is important to remember that God has given us His word so that it can be a guide for us. God is the ultimate authority, not us, so we should listen to one another and learn from each other. This does not mean that we should give up our convictions or ignore what Scripture actually says. Rather, we should strive to humbly listen and seek to find the truth in a spirit of love.
In order to do this, it is helpful to ask questions and to acknowledge and consider each other’s perspectives. We can also try to view Scripture in the context of the culture and circumstances in which it was written. This can help us to understand it more clearly. Above all, we should pray and seek God’s guidance, reminding ourselves that His perspective is higher and broader than ours.
Acknowledge Common Ground
When people debate over Scripture, it can be easy to get caught up in the differences and to forget about what we have in common. We can all agree that we are called to learn, understand, and obey God’s word. We can focus on our shared faith in Jesus and what the Bible says about Him. And ultimately, we can remember that the Bible is God’s word and the ultimate guide for our lives. This common ground should be our guide in any debate about Scripture.
Focusing On God’s Heart For Us
Finally, when we think about arguments over Scripture, it is important to consider God’s heart for us. He knows our weaknesses and our limits and loves us despite them. He has given us His word so that we can be saved and to provide guidance in our lives. We must remember that our goal is to glorify God and to bring Him glory, not to win an argument.
God loves us deeply and desires that we would love Him and each other in return. He offers us wisdom and grace, and He gives us the tools we need to navigate even the most difficult disagreements. As we debate scripture, we should be guided by His love and remember that whatever course of action we choose, we must do it in love.
Considering Cultural Context
In order to truly understand scripture, it’s important to consider the cultural context it was written in. Scripture is timeless, but it was also written in a certain location and time in history. We can gain deeper insight into scripture by looking at the societies and cultures that the authors lived in and how they interacted with their world. This can help us to put into context the stories, laws, and beliefs of those times.
In addition, the New Testament was written in Greek, so we can benefit from understanding the linguistic nuances of the language. By studying the grammar and syntax, we can gain deeper insight into the meaning and intent behind each passage. We must also remember that most of the New Testament was written to a specific audience, so we must consider that audience when we look at the scripture.
As we explore scripture, we must remember to seek to understand the worldviews and cultural norms of the authors. This can help us better grasp the deeper meanings behind the text, and it can give us insight into how to apply it to our lives today.
Seeking Understanding Not Victory
When it comes to debating scripture, it is important to remember that our goal is understanding, not victory. This means that when someone disagrees with us, we must be willing to be humble enough to reexamine our interpretations and consider the other perspective. This does not mean that we must give up our convictions, nor does it mean that we must change our opinions; rather, it means that we must be willing to listen and consider the other person’s point of view. Listening, not winning, should be our goal.
We must realize, too, that sometimes the Bible speaks in allegories and metaphors. This means that a given verse may not mean the same thing to all people. We can take the time to consider multiple interpretations and discuss what these might mean for our lives today. In this way, we can gain a deeper understanding of God’s word.
The Bible As Our Ultimate Guide
At the end of the day, the Bible alone is our ultimate guide. We must remember that God’s wisdom is higher than our own, and we must seek His guidance in any situation. Scripture has been given to us by God to be a guide, and we must remember to take it seriously and to believe the words it speaks. We must not allow our debates to lead us away from the truth, but to lead us closer to understanding it.
God has revealed His word to us in Scripture, and so it is important for us to accept and understand it. At the same time, the Bible does not call us to refute one another, but to come to a shared understanding. As we debate scripture, we must remember to humble ourselves, to listen to one another, to examine our own hearts, and to seek to edify one another in love.
Respecting Different Perspectives
When we are debating scripture, it is important to remember that not everyone will agree with our views. We may have different opinions, different interpretations, and different understandings. This is not something to be ashamed of, but rather something to celebrate. We can learn from one another and grow in our faith together. The Bible gives us so much to explore, and we can enjoy the process of discerning Scripture in community.
At the same time, it’s also important to remember to respect one another’s differences. We must remember that God’s word applies differently to each of us as we strive to live out our faith. Acknowledging that we each have our own unique understanding of Scripture is a great way to show respect and love for one another.
Standing On The Word Of God
Ultimately, the Bible is our ultimate guide. When we are debating scripture, we must remember to stand on the word of God over our own opinion. The Bible has been given to us as a guide, and it is not only authoritative but infallible. We must remember to test our beliefs against the truth of Scripture and to let that truth guide our conversation.
When we debate scripture, we must remember to prioritize finding agreement in the truth. We should seek the truth in love and humility, seeking to understand what God is saying and to align our lives with His will. We can listen to one another and learn from one another, and we can trust that God will guide us to the truth.
Letting The Spirit Lead
Finally, it is important to remember to let the Spirit lead. We must remember that the Spirit is a guide, a teacher, and a comforter. He has been given to us to lead us to the truth and to deeper understanding of God’s Word. We must be willing to pause, to listen, and to seek the Spirit’s guidance in any discussion about Scripture. Only then can we come to a shared understanding in love.
