In The Wisdom Of God
by Steve Hulshizer
from "Milk & Honey"
“In the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom knew not God...”
1 Cor. 1:21 KJV
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.” (Ps. 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.
-- to be continued
