Another Word of Caution

[B/W Photodude]

Many topics here at Adventistan seem to get carried away with wild interpretations of Scripture and it's prophecies, some with assertions that we must follow those theories. Reading in the comments to accompany 2 Timothy chapter 2 in my Study Bible with EGW Comments, I find these comments regarding reading and understanding the Bible. I fully recognize that some will not be able recognize themselves in what this is saying.

Now, there are some that may think that they are fully capable, with their finite judgment, to take the Word of God and to state what are the words of inspiration and what are not the words of inspiration. I want to warn you off that ground, my brethren in the ministry. “Put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground.” [Exodus 3:5.] There is no finite man that lives, I care not who he is or whatever is his position, that God has authorized to pick and choose in His Word. 5LtMs, Ms 13, 1888, par. 13

It is true that the apostle has said that there are some things that are hard to be understood in the Scriptures. [2 Peter 3:16.] So there are. And if it were not that there are subjects that are difficult and hard to be understood, well might the skeptic who now pleads that God has given a revelation that cannot be understood, well might he, I say, have something else to plead. 

And although we may try to reason in regard to our Creator how long He has had existence, where evil first entered into our world, and all these things, we may begin to reason about them until we fall down faint and exhausted with the research when there is yet an infinity beyond. We cannot grasp it, so what man is there that dares to take that Bible and say this part is inspired and that part is not inspired? I would have both my arms taken off at my shoulders before I would ever make the statement or set my judgment upon the Word of God as to what is inspired and what is not inspired. 

Human minds without this special assistance of the Spirit of God will see many things in the Bible very difficult to be understood, because they lack a divine enlightenment. It is not that men should come to the Word of God by setting up their own way or their own will or their own ideas, but it is to come with a meek and humble and holy spirit. 5LtMs, Ms 13, 1888, par. 18

Never attempt to search the Scriptures unless you are ready to listen, unless you are ready to be a learner, unless you are ready to listen to the Word of God as though His voice were speaking directly to you from the living oracles. Never let mortal man sit in judgment upon the Word of God or pass sentence as to how much of this is inspired and how much is not inspired and that this is more inspired than some other portion. God warns him off that ground. God has not given him any such work to do. 

Ms 13, 1888, Sermon by Sister Ellen White

The entire message may be read here:
https://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/4628.1#1

[BlessedMan]

5 minutes ago, B/W Photodude said:

Ms 13, 1888, Sermon by Sister Ellen White

The entire message may be read here:

Text: 2 Timothy 4:1-11. Here we have presented before us the work of him who shall open the Scriptures to others. It is a most solemn work, and all who engage in it should be men of prayer. It is not enough for the minister to stand up in the desk and give an exposition of the Scriptures. His work has but just begun. There is pastoral work to do, and this means to reprove and exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine: that is, he should present the Word of God to show wherein there is a deficiency. If there is anything in the character of the professed followers of Christ, the burden should certainly be felt by the minister, and not that he should lord it over God’s heritage. To deal with human minds is the nicest job that was ever committed to mortal man.

There will be human prejudices and many other things that will bar his way. He will have to meet hearts that have never been subdued in their childhood. They have never been brought into order and into line; they have never been brought under control. Therefore, in dealing with these minds, where reproof is necessary, to rebuke with all longsuffering, to be successful in this work, the servant of God will have to arm himself with the same mind that was in Christ Jesus; and if he walks humbly with his God, he will recognize in every soul for whom he has labored that they are the purchase of the blood of Christ: that our precious Saviour considered them of such value that He did not withhold Himself, but gave up His life in order that they might have a provision, a trial, a time when they should consider the things of eternal interest, and that they should weigh them carefully, attentively, and see if they do not consider whether or not it is to their advantage and profit to build into eternal life.

Excellent article B/W!

[B/W Photodude]

The Apostle Paul said this, "Study to shed thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. And their word will eat as doth a canker: …" 2 Timothy 2:15-17

[BlessedMan]

21 minutes ago, B/W Photodude said:

But shun profane and vain babblings

very interesting that He uses the words "profane" and "babbling"  Have to come back to this topic when time permits.

[B/W Photodude]

1 hour ago, BlessedMan said:

very interesting that He uses the words "profane" and "babbling"

I like to put texts into BibleHub to see them in a variety of different translations.

https://biblehub.com/2_timothy/2-16.htm