Personal Bias In Bible Study

     Preachers of the gospel often tell people that they should allow the scriptures to
speak on their own merit, without shaping their theology by tradition, former teaching,
family influences, etc. It is important for us to interpret the sacred writings in a fair
and credible manner. But, it is also necessary for us to know how to safeguard our
hearts in a way that allows us to study the Bible without personal bias. How can
we do this?

     First, it is imperative to remember that when we study the word of God,
we are seeking God's will, and  that  doing  so  necessitates  that we allow the
Bible to speak for itself regardless of what others think or say. It is never right to
force the scriptures to teach something that they do not teach, in order to please
a friend, parent, spouse, or even an enemy. It is not right to corrupt or make
merchandise of the word of God! (2 Corinthians 2:17) We do not want to be like
the preacher who was looking for a place to preach, and one of the elders of a
congregation asked him, "Where do you stand on the 'brotherhood' issues?" The
preacher replied, "Where do you want me to stand?" In order to protect oneself
against personal bias in Bible study, a person must be brutally honest with the
word of the living God.

     Second, a person must be willing to change when God's word contradicts
some  personal  or  doctrinal  belief   that  he  holds. This  is  one  thing  that
many people will not do because it may mean that they will appear to be weak
or wishy-washy to other people. Most people would rather remain wrong and
save face than to change and save their souls! Honest people will approach God's
word asking, "What would you have me to do Lord?" Satisfying the Lord's will is
their supreme goal in life. When arrogance and pride get in the way, personal bias
becomes a stumbling block and such a person chooses to fight rather than switch.
(Proverbs 16:18; 1 Peter 5:6)

     Third, be prepared to "let the facts be the facts."  "Stick to your guns"  when
you have thoroughly studied a subject, a word, or a biblical concept, and have
reached the proper conclusion that aligns with Bible teaching, Resist the temptation
to stand with notable men even when they are wrong. We should not be afraid or
ashamed to differ with people whom we respect when their understanding and
application of scripture are erroneous. We are servants of the most high God.
Jesus told the Jews, "You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free."
(John 8:32) God's word is truth. (John 17:17) God's word has veracity and it
must be allowed to stand. Seek truth...accept the facts on any religious subject.

     Fourth, we  can  alleviate  personal  bias  in  Bible  study  by  approaching
the scriptures with "freshness" each time we turn to them. There could be and
usually is something we missed. As an example: many people have read John 3:16
many times, and have not realized that the phrase "God so loved the world," is not 
indicating the intensity or degree of God's love for the world. The word "so" translates
the Greek word  houtos which is an adverb, indicating the manner or way God
loved the world. There is no doubt that God's love for the world is great, but that is
not the point of the word "so" in John 3:16. (cf. Eph. 2:4)

     It is incumbent on all of us to approach the scriptures as free of personal bias
as we can be, for in this way we will allow the Book to speak and we will listen.
The Book will lead and we must follow.
                                                                                                             R. Daly

Copyright 2011
 

    

Authority In Religion (No. 4)

                                        Application of Authority


     The New Testament teaches that we must have authority from God before we
act in the religious realm. Paul wrote, "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do
everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through
him." (Col. 3:17) According to the apostle, all must be done "in the name of the
Lord Jesus." The phrase "in the name of" is an idiom that means in honor of the
power  or  attributes  possessed  by  the  person  who  wears the name. In the
Colossians' text it is the name of the "Lord Jesus." The word "Lord" means master
or ruler; one who is in control. Therefore, whatever the Christian does must be done
in honor of  Jesus' authority.

     There are many things that distinguish the Lord's people from the denominational
world. One of the most prominent marks of distinction is the fact, that we who believe
and accept the teaching of the New Testament do not use mechanical music in worship.
The fact that we do not employ instrumental music in worship is not a matter of tradition,
opinion, or our likes or dislikes. It is a matter of authority. If mechanical music is authorized,
we have the right to use it; if it is not authorized we must avoid it and warn against its use
in worship.

     Mechanical music in worship is not authorized in the New Testament. There is no
direct statement that tells us to use it. There is no account of action under apostolic
direction which shows us that we may use it. Nor is there a word, phrase, or text that
implies that we must use it. To the contrary, God through the written testimony of the
Holy Spirit in the sacred scriptures, teaches us to sing without mechanical accompaniment.
The direct statements in the new covenant that speak of music in worship tell us to
"sing." (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16; Jas. 5:13) The accounts  of  action  under  apostolic 
guidance teach us to sing without mechanical accompaniment. (Acts 16:25; 1 Cor. 14:15)
Therefore, the words, phrases, and texts that relate to the kind of music that God desires in
New Testament worship imply that we are to sing without mechanical accompaniment.
(Rom. 15:9; Heb. 2:12; 13:15)  

     God has specified 'singing and making melody in the heart" as the kind of music
that pleases him in worship. (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16))  He revealed this through the Holy
Spirit to the apostles and prophets of New Testament days. (1 Cor. 2:9-13; Eph. 3:5)
We have no right to deviate from what God has authorized and add another kind of
music to the will of God.

     Those who believe the New Testament constitutes God's will and our rule of faith
and practice accept the testimony as revealed, and we dare not add to nor take from
it. We are satisfied to allow it to remain as written! 
                                                                                                           R.  Daly
Copyright 2011