Do Not Exceed What Is Written

As believers, the Holy Scriptures are our plumb line, they are the 'frame of reference' (for a quick definition click Here) by which we filter our lives, our world. The Bible says that the Holy Spirit will guide us into all truth (John 16:13), and by the Scriptures we know who that truth is (John 14:6). I have heard it said, I have quoted, and I believe; If you search the Scriptures they will lead you to Jesus, if you follow the Spirit He will lead you to Jesus (as revealed in the Scriptures). I also believe the following: If you follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, you will be led to God's Word, and in God's Word you will discover the Holy Spirit. This then is my personal frame of reference (sometimes for me it is only aspirational, as I stumble my way through life so don't please don't think me arrogant).

As believers we need to have a clear understanding of God's Word. In this age of multi-media, multiple sources of information and opposing views, it might be easy to get lost in a sea of confusion. However, we know that our Lord is not the author of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33), therefore we need to 'tuck under his wing', Bible in hand, and stand our ground firmly rooted in Him and His Word (Ephesians 3:17 & Colossians 2:7).

The Bible is replete with warnings about false teachers, prophets and teachings (see our New Testament survey Here) and as we examine the current state of the church, we can see it has more than enough false teachers and teachings. We (and they) all need to remain within the bounds of Scripture. Who says? Well obviously God Himself and to that end, I would like to offer a few verses (just a few, as I could really 'go to town' here, but this is a blog and not our version of War And Peace). Please take the time to read them in context:

• Every word of God is tested; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. Do not add to His words Or He will reprove you, and you will be proved a liar Proverbs 30:5-6.
• Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively applied to myself and Apollos for your sakes, so that in us you may learn not to exceed what is written, so that no one of you will become arrogant in behalf of one against the other 1 Corinthians 4:6 (emphasis added).
• Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God; the one who abides in the teaching, he has both the Father and the Son 2 John 1:9.

Now some have argued against the views outlined here, and they might quote 2 Corinthians 3:6 (here). However, it can be strongly maintained that this verse is talking about the New versus the Old Covenant, and the 'letters' mentioned refer to the Old Covenant (read it in context esp. v7).

So, with all the strange and errant happenings in our churches today I think it is time for "those who have ears to hear" to take a stand before it is too late. Over the centuries, our faith has been through many perturbations, and each time after a struggle (consider the Protestant Reformation), truth and Biblical standards have been found anew. Perhaps that's what is required again. Remember, God is not mocked nor will God abandon His people, for a remnant will always be present until the King returns (Matthew 16:18, 1 John 3:2 & Romans 11 [The whole chapter is relevant but see verse 9 in particular]).

“Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? Everyone who comes to Me and hears My words and acts on them, I will show you whom he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid a foundation on the rock; and when a flood occurred, the torrent burst against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built. But the one who has heard and has not acted accordingly, is like a man who built a house on the ground without any foundation; and the torrent burst against it and immediately it collapsed, and the ruin of that house was great.”
Luke 6:46-49.

And, in a similar vein:

And His mother and brothers came to Him, and they were unable to get to Him because of the crowd. And it was reported to Him, “Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, wishing to see You.” But He answered and said to them, “My mother and My brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it.” Luke 8:19-21.

So we see we must not go beyond what is written in God's Word, The Bible. Furthermore, from these last two verses we understand that Jesus expects us to put what He says into action. It is my prayer that we all have the strength to take Jesus at His Word, if not, we are just playing church and are simply 'nominal' Christians. Consider that.


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