Matthew 16: Reasonable Debates
Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!
Romans 11:23 (NKJV)
Can you search out the deep things of God? Can you find out the limits of the Almighty? They are higher than heaven—what can you do? Deeper than Sheol—what can you know? Their measure is longer than the earth and broader than the sea.
Job 11:7-9 (NKJV)
To know God's Thoughts are higher than our thoughts… is a Truth we must strive to remember.*
Because…
Our perspectives are like tiny pinholes compared to God’s panoramic vision.
Our limited brains are like those of tots compared to the infinite Mind of Christ.
Our wisdom (if we have it) is from God. It’s a clear flash of light from His brilliance.
Our ostentatious debates are foolish, like little kids squabbling on a playground.**
Our denominational contentions are siblings yelling, “Daddy loves ME best!”
Also,
Since Jesus never retaliated, we have no right to bully with our words… no matter how sure we are that we’re right. (P.S. Only the Father is perfectly right.)
Since the Word (Jesus Christ) wins all debates, shaming “scholars” who thought they could “beat” Him, we know the Word is irrefutable (but we can’t force anyone’s agreement.)
Actors, models, and talent for Christ,
Consider godly debate guidelines:
Questioning Our Father’s sovereign Mind is a stupid and prideful delusion. It's a game Satan urges us to play. Nevertheless, a few Bible heroes DID ask questions of God respectfully, and the Lord WAS willing to answer them!**
Questioning interpretations or the meanings of various Verses is wise. Cast your net wide among Bible scholars (and don't depend on any one person). Even better: ask the Lord for wisdom! Graciously, He promises to give it.***
Debating or arguing with skeptics, or prideful, “intellectual” Christians (about anything, including scripture) is a waste of your time and energy. Satan promotes divisive encounters for the animosity they incite. Wise people avoid futile arguments.
Jesus, as a Man, won every debate His Father directed Him to enter. The Teacher out-reasoned the Pharisees, Sadducees, lawyers, scribes, and temple priests. Because God's Spirit led Him in this world. He’ll also lead you whenever asked.****
Matthew 16: Reasonable Debates (Part 7)
* Isaiah 55:8-9: Isaiah 55:8-9 NIV - “For my thoughts are not your - Bible Gateway
** For instance, Abraham “debated” with God concerning the destruction of Sodom. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+18%3A16-32&version=NKJV
** Here are a few more God-man Bible debates: 4 People Who Successfully Argued With God - RELEVANT
*** 'If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, Who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him' (James 1:5).
*** My first and second (man-written) 'Go-To' sources for Verse and Scripture interpretations. They're not always right. Only God is. However, wise scholars of yesterday and today are offering their most educated and prayerful considerations.
#2: https://www.gotquestions.org
**** 'For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say' (Luke 12:12).
NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God! We’re ALL called to be actors (action stars) for Jesus. We’re ALL called to models of Jesus, and we ALL have gifts, talents, and callings from God– to multiply them in the world for His glory.
P.S. NO DEVOTION, PREACHER, or SERMON… can begin to replace personal time in the Bible. I wholeheartedly and clear-headedly recommend READING THE BIBLE DAILY.
WARNING: Don’t focus on favorite verses, because out of context, they’re often misinterpreted. I plead with you to READ AT LEAST 1 BIBLE CHAPTER DAILY. How long does it take? An average of 5 to 10 minutes!