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NASB | Matthew 5:44 "But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Matthew 5:44 "But I say to you, love [that is, unselfishly seek the best or higher good for] your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, [Prov 25:21, 22] |
Subject: Praying for the 'World'. |
Bible Note: Hi Sonlit, Maccarthur and Piper demonstrate that (1) their interpretation of scripture is open to error, and (2) what they teach in general is not necessarily Biblical truth. May I offer a few suggestions? Whenever you read a book, don't take the writer's word for it. Just read and glean what you believe is consistent with the Bible and the rest discard. Just because one is a theologian or a scholar does not mean he is either a good scholar or is correct in his theology. To briefly answer your two last questions: You can know, as far as possible, the correctness of one's interpretation by the plain speaking of Biblical revelation; Father does not hide truths necessary for his children to know. And truth is known by faith in the Spirit's guidance if we are intending to seek his glory and obey (John 7:17; 15:13). The Bible is read to seek God and deepening relationship with him, not doctrines. Of course, doctrines will necessarily be found but they are subservient to knowing God through faith. Which leads to the second suggestion, read the Bible through faith in God’s promises (cf. Hebrews 11:6; Jeremiah 29:13; John 7:17. Be as comfortable with not understanding as you are with understanding. What you know take firm hold of it and let it increase your faith. What you don’t understand just set it aside. You need not know without a doubt on a certain subject. Embrace as much as you can understand about what you don’t fully understand and the rest, allow God to bring wisdom in time. Direct your "faith without a doubt" on God's character and word, not on doctrines. Doctrine is important but doctrine tells us about God; doctrine is not God, at least, doctrine as we finite creatures are able to comprehend. Remember, we all know “in part” (1 Corinthians 13:12). Better than just knowing is the one who loves through what he knows (1 Corinthians 13:13; 3 John 4-5). Anyone who claims that their doctrinal teachings are either something like an “accurate reflection of Bible truths,” “the gospel,” or phrases like these, be very wary. More than likely they hold erroneous if not heretical notions of God. And remember, it is through faith in Christ that the full knowledge of God is received. Any form of knowledge that either ignores or sets him to the side is false. A good Bible to use for intimate studying with the Lord is the “Thompson Chain Reference” Bible and I believe it comes in the New American Standard, which is a translation I personally recommend (although, again, I am not a scholar). I suggest this study Bible because it has no explanatory notes but many cross references and topical studies; therefore, it helps to keep one as objective as possible in studying. I’m sure others can add, give better, and more helpful suggestions but these are some that have helped me |