In religious discussions, people tend to quote various sources. Some people lean on what theologians say. Theologians may give what Christians said centuries ago. While consulting Christian writers and scholars throughout the centuries is not fruitless, too often these become the center focus rather than the word of God. To Timothy, the inspired apostle Paul noted: “that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:15-17). Scriptures are writings that were breathed from the mouth of God. We are to live by every word that proceeds from His divine mouth (Matthew 4:4). These writings are not cunningly devised fables, the product of the imagination of man; no, the Holy Spirit moved and bore along holy men of God to produce Scripture (2 Peter 1:20-21). Paul recognized the words he wrote were the commandments of God (1 Corinthians 14:37). Peter recognized Paul’s writings as Scripture among other Scriptures of God (2 Peter 3:15-16). Paul recognized Luke’s writing as Scripture alongside the book of Deuteronomy that came through Moses (1 Timothy 5:18; cf. Luke 10:7; Deuteronomy 25:4). David recognized that he was speaking by the Holy Spirit—God’s word was on his tongue (2 Samuel 23:2).
Romans 10:6-8 addresses the accessibility of the word of God. Perhaps only the most educated can understand certain writings of philosophy or can grasp the array of writings of scholars throughout the centuries in regard to Christian thought. By quoting Deuteronomy 30:11-14, Paul’s point in Romans 10 is that God has not made His commandments too esoteric to ascertain nor too difficult to obey. God made His commands accessible because He wanted Israel to live by them (cf. Leviticus 18:5). He wants the same for us today. Romans 10:17 goes on to say, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” If all you study is the scholars and their debates, you may very well be left in doubt and dismay. No human can speak with such clarity and authority as God; for example, consider His words “Thou shalt not…”. Who else besides God can say that with any authority? Human opinions may not establish much certainty. However, if you focus on the words given by God, it will produce faith. A strong faith in God’s word gives so much wisdom and peace that even the best of worldly scholarship from human minds cannot give.
Jesus did not teach as a scribe, nor quote previous rabbis and their tedious debates; rather, He spoke with authority and the people were astonished (Matthew 7:28-29). Jesus did not study at the rabbinical schools (John 7:15). However, He dwelt among us as the Word made flesh (John 1:14). Jesus has the words of eternal life (John 6:63, 68). The common people heard Him gladly (Mark 12:37). Indeed, no one has ever spoken like Jesus (John 7:46). His words will last forever (Matthew 24:35) and judge us in the last day (John 12:48). Let’s keep what God has said as our focus. His word is the authority, producing faith, correcting us when we are wrong, and outfitting us for every good work. The Bible makes us wise to salvation. It will judge us in the end.
