October 1, 2010

How to Use the Bible
Acts 1:16-26 (NLT)

Peter stood up and addressed them. 16 “Brothers,” he said, “the Scriptures had to be fulfilled concerning Judas,. . . . . So now we must choose a replacement for Judas from among the men who were with us the entire time we were traveling with the Lord Jesus . . . . ." 26 Then they cast lots, and Matthias was selected to become an apostle with the other eleven. Acts 1:16-26 (NLT)


Pastor’s Blog

Does using the Bible as my guide mean making decisions by casting lots?
I don’t think so. Instead we need to get to know the Bible. We need to read it a lot, go to classes, read the notes in our study Bibles, listen to sermons, study it with others, and get the wisdom of scholars who understand the culture, idioms, customs, thought patterns of those who lived when the various parts of the bible were written. In short it takes time and trouble to keep spiritually fit.
(1 Timothy 4:7)

No, this passage does not teach that we should cast lots for whatever. What it does teach us is that these men and women knew their Bible and looked to it for guidance and having read the Psalms over and over they discovered hints and clues for how to move ahead in their current dilemma. The Psalms made it quite clear that it was not only right but also the proper thing to do when one is gone to replace him. (Psalm 109 for example).

Often scriptural guidance is not like an instruction book, rather it requires getting a “feel” for it by “Knowing it” buy becoming so familiar with it that you can learn to think along the lines of its authors.

Lots may have been the right way to proceed or the wrong way. The point is that a desire to know scripture, to get it into you, to consult it and be led by it will give you guidance, will be honored by God and you will be blessed too.