How to Handle Scripture Rightly / Part Two

 

Filters and Foibles 

In our last in the series, I talked about the pitfalls that come with too much emphasis on either Scripture alone or Holy Spirit alone.  I also discussed the issue of translation errors, and what it means that Scriptures is inspired instead of. inerrant. In this part of the series, I will discuss the crucial issue of how to filter scripture.

Filters – Friend or Foe? 

Let’s talk about filters. Filters alter the way we see. We all have them. To say we don’t is dishonest. 

However, I believe God wired us to have filters for a good reason – so we could have HIS filters that help us understand the world and circumstances rightly. Our in Christ default program is in line with His true nature and speaks to what He has done on our behalf. There are righteous, godly, life-giving filters. You want these! 

What are some solid God filters?

God Filters: Unconditional Love 

1. Is it unconditional Love? This filter tells us that nothing can separate us from the love and acceptance of God. 1 John 4:8 (NKJV) says:

8 He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.

(1 John 4:6-19, Romans 8:35-39, Romans 15:12, 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a, 1 John 3:23, John 13:34, Galatians 6:2, 2 John 5-6, 1 Corinthians 9:19 – 21, Galatians 5:6…)

God Filters: Unlimited Grace

2. Is it unlimited grace? This filter tells us that there is no circumstance where God’s grace runs out. Romans 5;20 (TPT) says:

So then, the law was introduced into God’s plan to bring the reality of human sinfulness out of hiding. And yet, wherever sin increased, there was more than enough of God’s grace to triumph all the more! 

(Romans 3:24; Romans 5:2, 4 20-21; Romans 6:1, 14-15, Romans 11:6, Romans 15:5, Ephesians 1:3-14, Ephesians 2:8-9, Galatians 5:1-4…)

God Filters: Finished Work and Rest

3. Is it a truly finished work or does it take you out of rest? This filter focuses on His performance, not yours! Hebrews 4:3 (TPT) says:

3 For those of us who believe, faith activates the promise and we experience the realm of confident rest! … God’s works have all been completed from the foundation of the world 

(Exodus 33:14, Isaiah 53:4-5, Matthew 11:28-29, John 19:28-30, Romans 11:6, Hebrews 4:1-8, Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:4,14; Colossians 2:10, Colossians 1:12-14, 2 Peter 1:2-4, Philippians 2:8-13, John 15:5-8)

God Filters: Centering around Christ

4. Does your life center around or point to the Person of Christ, even in a hidden way? Colossians 1:16-17 (NKJV) says:

 16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or [a]principalities or [b]powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. 17 And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist

(John 1:1-3, Ephesians 1:3-14; Colossians 1:15-21, Colossians 2:6-15, Colossians 3:1-4, 2 Corinthians 4:6; 1 John 4:2-3, 14-15; Hebrews 12:1-3)

God Filters: The Fruit of the Spirit

5. Does your life bear the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, gentleness, self-control, freedom, casting out fear, power, soundness of mind?  (Psalm 16:11, Isaiah 61:1, Galatians 5:1,19-23; 2 Corinthians 3:17, Ephesians 5:9, 2 Corinthians 5:23, 1 John 4:17-21)

 Galatians 5:22-23 (TPT)

 But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit within you is divine love in all its varied expressions: 

joy that overflows, 

peace that subdues,

patience that endures,

kindness in action,

a life full of virtue, 

faith that prevails,

gentleness of heart, and

strength of spirit. 

Never set the law above these qualities, for they are meant to be limitless. 

God Filters: The Goodness of God

6. Does your life point to an endlessly good God Who is for us at His expense? This filter sees provision and goodness everywhere. Romans 8:31-32 (NKJV) says:

31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?

(Exodus 33:18-19, Psalm 23:6, Psalm 33:5; Psalm 65:4,11; Psalm 107:8-9, Isaiah 53:4-5, Jeremiah 31:14, Romans 2:4; Romans 8:1, 28-39; Galatians 5:22, Ephesians 5:9, James 1:17)

 If your filters  don’t jive with unconditional love, unlimited grace, the complete finished work of the cross, the goodness of God – all centering around the Person of Christ, we are simply missing something and will get off. These are foundations that will not fail (Matthew 16:8, Matthew 7:24-27, John 14:6…). They all point to an inexpressibly good God who is for us!

I trust that this has been a blessing to you! Join me for the final blog in this series!

 

Much love, 

Catherine