In The Wisdom of God
by Steve Hulshizer
“In the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom knew not God...” 1 Cor. 1:21
If we were to attempt to discuss all of this world’s philosophies it would obviously be an extremely large task. Not only is there a great number of ideas and opinions, but man’s thinking also runs to different extremes. For example, on one hand there is the atheist who declares “there is no God” (Psa. 14:1). At the other extreme is pantheism with its belief that God is in everything and everyone. The universe is God. (Deut. 6:4).
"They shall not know, neither see, till we come among them, and slay them..." Nehemiah 4:11
Quite frankly my primary concern is not with the philosophies of the world. It is rather with the wisdom of man that I see slipping into the assemblies today. Just as Nehemiah’s enemies planned to slip in unawares, so too worldly philosophies are coming into Christianity and into the assemblies undetected by many of the saints until it is too late. As in Nehemiah’s day we not only need builders (workers), but we need those who are standing guard as well (watchers). This is a normal function of the shepherds in an assembly (Acts 20:31). In the excitement of rebuilding the walls we must not let our guard down.
Let’s look briefly at a few of these philosophies gaining entrance into the assemblies and related ministries today. No doubt many, if not most of these are brought in with good intentions related to the revitalization of the assemblies, but remember that is often when our discernment is at its lowest.
“Doctrine divides”
This thinking stems from the reasoning that if we divide the Word it will divide us. If we avoid doctrine, and remain at a “devotional” or “practical” level we will avoid divisions. This line of reasoning has led to a movement in evangelical circles to do away with all doctrinal statements and thereby eliminate all divisions. This is the philosophy of the ecumenical movement.
This thinking is certainly contrary to Scripture. The Apostle Paul instructed Timothy, “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15). Nor is it in agreement with the practice of the early believers as they “continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine” (Acts 2:42). The Lord Himself said, “one jot or one tittle shall by no means pass away from the law till all is fulfilled” (Matt. 5:18). He also quoted Scripture when He said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matt. 4:4). It is evident that this type of thinking is a result of the reasoning of man and not from the Word of God.
“If it is not wrong, then it’s right.”
All types of activities are justified by this reasoning. Paul said, “All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient” (profitable) – (1 Cor. 6:12). He prayed that the love of the Philippian saints would grow “still more and more in knowledge and all discernment,” so that they would “approve the things that are excellent...” (Phil. 1:9-10). The question, “What’s wrong with it?” is often asked merely to justify one’s intention. The question, “Is this the best?” comes from a real desire to do the Lord’s will.
“The end justifies the means.”
We need only look at the results of Saul’s intention to sacrifice animals to the Lord, and David’s intention to bring the ark back to the temple to see that Scripture does not support this reasoning. It is helpful to see what their objectives were. In Saul’s case it was worship. With David it was the glory of God. We could not think of two more noble goals. In Saul’s case he lost his kingdom, and was informed, “To obey is better than sacrifice” (1 Sam. 5:22). (It is also true that “obedience is better than growth.”) In David’s case it resulted in the anger of the Lord and the death of Uzza (2 Sam. 6:6-7).
“If it works, it must be right.”
Looking at the account where Moses struck the rock and the water flowed out to refresh the children of Israel would quickly prove this thinking to be false (Num. 20:9-12). Moses was disobedient, and yet the water flowed. God is sovereign and more often than we might be willing to admit overcomes our disobedience and brings blessing. This is another reason why results should never be used to justify the method being used.
“The bigger the better.”
This is perhaps the most prevalent of all the philosophies under consideration. Gideon’s experience would indicate this is certainly not always the case (Judges 7:2-8). David numbered the people and it resulted in the Lord’s judgment (2 Sam. 24:1-17). David’s commander asked a very important question when he asked, “But why does my lord the king desire this thing?” Too often our confidence is in numbers and not in the Lord. However, we must also guard against the other extreme which would have us believe that if we are small we must therefore be right. The point is that numbers should never be used as a basis for determining whether we are more successful than others.
“We must make the Gospel appealing.”
In some evangelical circles some speakers are asked not to mention sin, Hell, repentance, or the blood of Christ as it might offend the listeners. I heard of one assembly where the speaker does not even use a Bible when he speaks, but rather uses three-by-five cards. I assume this is to avoid the feeling that one is being preached to from the Bible. The gospel given to Naaman, the gospel of the brazen serpent, the gospel presented by Peter on the day of Pentecost, and the gospel given to the woman at the well by Jesus were all messages which would be offensive to the natural man, but which produced results. The “Gospel of Christ is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth” and we need not be ashamed of it (Rom. 1:16). This type of reasoning is a result of not understanding that “the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God” (1 Cor. 2:14) and thus, attempts are made to entertain the flesh and win it by fleshly means. This never is encouraged or taught in Scripture.
“Details are not important.”
How important are details to God? It was just a piece of fruit that brought the doom of mankind. It was just a different kind of sacrifice that caused Cain’s rejection. It was just a couple of strokes of a rod that kept Moses out of the promised land. It was just a few animals that cost Saul his kingdom. It was just a haircut that brought about Samson’s blindness. It was just the use of a cart to carry the ark that brought God’s anger and Uzza’s death. It was just the fact that Peter did not eat with some Gentiles that caused Paul to rebuke him openly for undermining the Gospel of Christ.
Why were these details so important to the Lord? In Genesis 3:5 we hear the Deceiver say, “For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” In what sense would they know good and evil? Intellectually they must have known the difference between good and evil. God had told them that all the trees of the garden were good to eat, and that they were forbidden to eat of the one tree. It could not be referring to experiencing good and evil since God has never committed evil and thus they would not be like God. It has been suggested, and I think with good merit, that “knowing good and evil” can be translated as, “declaring what is good and what is evil.” In other words they would be like God and set the standards of good and evil. Whenever we “declare” something is right to do despite the fact that it is contrary to the Word of God, we act as God and set the standard of good and evil. “In those days there was no king in Israel; every man did that which was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25 NKJV). Disobedient individuals changed the standard set by God and did what was right in their own eyes. To do so is to act as God. This is disobedience.
The word disobedience in the New Testament can be defined as, “to hear along side of.” Obedience can be defined as, “to hear under.” The definition of disobedience describes the attitude of one who should be listening in a subordinate (under) position, but who instead elevates himself “along side” of the one in authority, thus making himself an equal. As such he rejects any authority over him. Every time we disobey this is what takes place. This is why details in the Word of God are important. To ignore them is to play God, and to set a new standard of good and evil based on our wisdom (Prov. 3:5-7).
“Possession of the truth makes us right.”
All of the philosophies mentioned thus far are often related to revival. With the zeal and excitement that are normally associated with revival there is often the absence of discernment, and the defenses are down. There is a tendency to be pragmatic, and results often justify the actions that have apparently produced them. Often these views are subconsciously adopted without a realization that Scriptural principles have been abandoned. In other cases the reasoning is not only consciously adopted, but is also enthusiastically promoted.
The philosophy now under consideration is related more to the state of ruin in which many assemblies find themselves. Here the thinking is that we have the truth, and that in itself makes us right. However many assemblies are not practicing much of the truth which they know to be right. How many assemblies have elders who are not leading? How many assemblies have never attempted to reach the community in which they live? How many assemblies are “given to hospitality?” How many believe that the members of the Body of Christ have different gifts, and yet still utilize “every-man ministry?” How many will never change any practice, regardless of its nature? The answer I am afraid is that far too many assemblies are “hearers of the Word” only, and do not practice the truth they properly hold. However, despite this condition the adoption of the previously mentioned philosophies is not justified.
What may be needed is for men to step forward and to lead the assembly in the practice of the truths they preach. There may also be a need for repentance on the part of the assembly with regard to their complacent attitude. There may be a need for greater interest in people (James 1:27). There may be a need for a greater commitment of the saints to the local assembly as evidenced by their faithful attendance and a willingness to take on responsibilities and to work. There could be a need for a unity in prayer through corporate prayer meetings, and the development of family trust and concern among the saints. Perhaps above all there is the need for the joy of the Lord, and of His things. However, as stated previously, there is no need for the adoption of the previously mentioned philosophies.
The solution, then, to all of these philosophies and all of those in the world which are not based on the Word of God (Prov. 1:7;9:10) is absolute obedience. This was the attitude of Christ (Matt. 26:42; John 6:38; Phil. 2:8), even to the details of the Father’s will. Adherence to the Word of God is wise. Christ taught that to build on man’s wisdom is like building on sand, which is obviously foolish. This is true regardless of how educated and intelligent man may be. On the other hand He taught that those who build on His words are building on a solid foundation, which stands the tests of time and of trials (Matt. 7:24-27).
We need to preach the Word, in season and out of season. In season we receive fruit. Out of season we obtain no fruit. Regardless of man’s reaction, the Word of God is what we must preach. We need to stop trying to make the message appealing to the flesh. We need to stop rationalizing away deviations from the Word of God. We need to stop reasoning away doctrines, principles, and practices found in the Word of God.
We also need to practice the Word! We can not merely state that we have it. We need to apply it in the everyday operation of the assembly. We need to put our words into action (James 2:14-26). We need to stop sitting on our past accomplishments. Assemblies are dying because they “have the truth,” but do not practice it. However, remember the solution is not the adoption of the previously mentioned philosophies, but absolute obedience to the Word of God.
If we were to attempt to discuss all of this world’s philosophies it would obviously be an extremely large task. Not only is there a great number of ideas and opinions, but man’s thinking also runs to different extremes. For example, on one hand there is the atheist who declares “there is no God” (Psa. 14:1). At the other extreme is pantheism with its belief that God is in everything and everyone. The universe is God. (Deut. 6:4).
"They shall not know, neither see, till we come among them, and slay them..." Nehemiah 4:11
Quite frankly my primary concern is not with the philosophies of the world. It is rather with the wisdom of man that I see slipping into the assemblies today. Just as Nehemiah’s enemies planned to slip in unawares, so too worldly philosophies are coming into Christianity and into the assemblies undetected by many of the saints until it is too late. As in Nehemiah’s day we not only need builders (workers), but we need those who are standing guard as well (watchers). This is a normal function of the shepherds in an assembly (Acts 20:31). In the excitement of rebuilding the walls we must not let our guard down.
Let’s look briefly at a few of these philosophies gaining entrance into the assemblies and related ministries today. No doubt many, if not most of these are brought in with good intentions related to the revitalization of the assemblies, but remember that is often when our discernment is at its lowest.
“Doctrine divides”
This thinking stems from the reasoning that if we divide the Word it will divide us. If we avoid doctrine, and remain at a “devotional” or “practical” level we will avoid divisions. This line of reasoning has led to a movement in evangelical circles to do away with all doctrinal statements and thereby eliminate all divisions. This is the philosophy of the ecumenical movement.
This thinking is certainly contrary to Scripture. The Apostle Paul instructed Timothy, “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15). Nor is it in agreement with the practice of the early believers as they “continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine” (Acts 2:42). The Lord Himself said, “one jot or one tittle shall by no means pass away from the law till all is fulfilled” (Matt. 5:18). He also quoted Scripture when He said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matt. 4:4). It is evident that this type of thinking is a result of the reasoning of man and not from the Word of God.
“If it is not wrong, then it’s right.”
All types of activities are justified by this reasoning. Paul said, “All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient” (profitable) – (1 Cor. 6:12). He prayed that the love of the Philippian saints would grow “still more and more in knowledge and all discernment,” so that they would “approve the things that are excellent...” (Phil. 1:9-10). The question, “What’s wrong with it?” is often asked merely to justify one’s intention. The question, “Is this the best?” comes from a real desire to do the Lord’s will.
“The end justifies the means.”
We need only look at the results of Saul’s intention to sacrifice animals to the Lord, and David’s intention to bring the ark back to the temple to see that Scripture does not support this reasoning. It is helpful to see what their objectives were. In Saul’s case it was worship. With David it was the glory of God. We could not think of two more noble goals. In Saul’s case he lost his kingdom, and was informed, “To obey is better than sacrifice” (1 Sam. 5:22). (It is also true that “obedience is better than growth.”) In David’s case it resulted in the anger of the Lord and the death of Uzza (2 Sam. 6:6-7).
“If it works, it must be right.”
Looking at the account where Moses struck the rock and the water flowed out to refresh the children of Israel would quickly prove this thinking to be false (Num. 20:9-12). Moses was disobedient, and yet the water flowed. God is sovereign and more often than we might be willing to admit overcomes our disobedience and brings blessing. This is another reason why results should never be used to justify the method being used.
“The bigger the better.”
This is perhaps the most prevalent of all the philosophies under consideration. Gideon’s experience would indicate this is certainly not always the case (Judges 7:2-8). David numbered the people and it resulted in the Lord’s judgment (2 Sam. 24:1-17). David’s commander asked a very important question when he asked, “But why does my lord the king desire this thing?” Too often our confidence is in numbers and not in the Lord. However, we must also guard against the other extreme which would have us believe that if we are small we must therefore be right. The point is that numbers should never be used as a basis for determining whether we are more successful than others.
“We must make the Gospel appealing.”
In some evangelical circles some speakers are asked not to mention sin, Hell, repentance, or the blood of Christ as it might offend the listeners. I heard of one assembly where the speaker does not even use a Bible when he speaks, but rather uses three-by-five cards. I assume this is to avoid the feeling that one is being preached to from the Bible. The gospel given to Naaman, the gospel of the brazen serpent, the gospel presented by Peter on the day of Pentecost, and the gospel given to the woman at the well by Jesus were all messages which would be offensive to the natural man, but which produced results. The “Gospel of Christ is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth” and we need not be ashamed of it (Rom. 1:16). This type of reasoning is a result of not understanding that “the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God” (1 Cor. 2:14) and thus, attempts are made to entertain the flesh and win it by fleshly means. This never is encouraged or taught in Scripture.
“Details are not important.”
How important are details to God? It was just a piece of fruit that brought the doom of mankind. It was just a different kind of sacrifice that caused Cain’s rejection. It was just a couple of strokes of a rod that kept Moses out of the promised land. It was just a few animals that cost Saul his kingdom. It was just a haircut that brought about Samson’s blindness. It was just the use of a cart to carry the ark that brought God’s anger and Uzza’s death. It was just the fact that Peter did not eat with some Gentiles that caused Paul to rebuke him openly for undermining the Gospel of Christ.
Why were these details so important to the Lord? In Genesis 3:5 we hear the Deceiver say, “For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” In what sense would they know good and evil? Intellectually they must have known the difference between good and evil. God had told them that all the trees of the garden were good to eat, and that they were forbidden to eat of the one tree. It could not be referring to experiencing good and evil since God has never committed evil and thus they would not be like God. It has been suggested, and I think with good merit, that “knowing good and evil” can be translated as, “declaring what is good and what is evil.” In other words they would be like God and set the standards of good and evil. Whenever we “declare” something is right to do despite the fact that it is contrary to the Word of God, we act as God and set the standard of good and evil. “In those days there was no king in Israel; every man did that which was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25 NKJV). Disobedient individuals changed the standard set by God and did what was right in their own eyes. To do so is to act as God. This is disobedience.
The word disobedience in the New Testament can be defined as, “to hear along side of.” Obedience can be defined as, “to hear under.” The definition of disobedience describes the attitude of one who should be listening in a subordinate (under) position, but who instead elevates himself “along side” of the one in authority, thus making himself an equal. As such he rejects any authority over him. Every time we disobey this is what takes place. This is why details in the Word of God are important. To ignore them is to play God, and to set a new standard of good and evil based on our wisdom (Prov. 3:5-7).
“Possession of the truth makes us right.”
All of the philosophies mentioned thus far are often related to revival. With the zeal and excitement that are normally associated with revival there is often the absence of discernment, and the defenses are down. There is a tendency to be pragmatic, and results often justify the actions that have apparently produced them. Often these views are subconsciously adopted without a realization that Scriptural principles have been abandoned. In other cases the reasoning is not only consciously adopted, but is also enthusiastically promoted.
The philosophy now under consideration is related more to the state of ruin in which many assemblies find themselves. Here the thinking is that we have the truth, and that in itself makes us right. However many assemblies are not practicing much of the truth which they know to be right. How many assemblies have elders who are not leading? How many assemblies have never attempted to reach the community in which they live? How many assemblies are “given to hospitality?” How many believe that the members of the Body of Christ have different gifts, and yet still utilize “every-man ministry?” How many will never change any practice, regardless of its nature? The answer I am afraid is that far too many assemblies are “hearers of the Word” only, and do not practice the truth they properly hold. However, despite this condition the adoption of the previously mentioned philosophies is not justified.
What may be needed is for men to step forward and to lead the assembly in the practice of the truths they preach. There may also be a need for repentance on the part of the assembly with regard to their complacent attitude. There may be a need for greater interest in people (James 1:27). There may be a need for a greater commitment of the saints to the local assembly as evidenced by their faithful attendance and a willingness to take on responsibilities and to work. There could be a need for a unity in prayer through corporate prayer meetings, and the development of family trust and concern among the saints. Perhaps above all there is the need for the joy of the Lord, and of His things. However, as stated previously, there is no need for the adoption of the previously mentioned philosophies.
The solution, then, to all of these philosophies and all of those in the world which are not based on the Word of God (Prov. 1:7;9:10) is absolute obedience. This was the attitude of Christ (Matt. 26:42; John 6:38; Phil. 2:8), even to the details of the Father’s will. Adherence to the Word of God is wise. Christ taught that to build on man’s wisdom is like building on sand, which is obviously foolish. This is true regardless of how educated and intelligent man may be. On the other hand He taught that those who build on His words are building on a solid foundation, which stands the tests of time and of trials (Matt. 7:24-27).
We need to preach the Word, in season and out of season. In season we receive fruit. Out of season we obtain no fruit. Regardless of man’s reaction, the Word of God is what we must preach. We need to stop trying to make the message appealing to the flesh. We need to stop rationalizing away deviations from the Word of God. We need to stop reasoning away doctrines, principles, and practices found in the Word of God.
We also need to practice the Word! We can not merely state that we have it. We need to apply it in the everyday operation of the assembly. We need to put our words into action (James 2:14-26). We need to stop sitting on our past accomplishments. Assemblies are dying because they “have the truth,” but do not practice it. However, remember the solution is not the adoption of the previously mentioned philosophies, but absolute obedience to the Word of God.
from an old issue of Milk & Honey magazine
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