The Bible Is All We Need

Anyone who teaches something different is arrogant and lacks understanding. Such a person has an unhealthy desire to quibble over the meaning of words. This stirs up arguments ending in jealousy, division, slander, and evil suspicions. [1 Timothy 6.4]

I guess I have never had any real concentration on this verse until now. 

Paul speaks of the wholesome teachings of Jesus Christ in the previous verse (verse 3). These teachings of Christ are what Paul is referring to when he calls out "different" teaching.

Interestingly enough, those who are highly educated by the various religious systems often point out the "true meaning" of various words in the Bible claiming clearer (or higher) knowledge of the meaning of the word in the original language. While that seems the prudent thing to do, it also can lead to the "quibbling over the meaning of words" that Paul says (ironically) is the work of one who lacks understanding! Paul says this argumentative quibbling ends in jealousy, division, slander, and evil suspicions. Wow, can you say "denominational tension?"

The problem with outside 'clarification' of the meaning of words (in the original language) is that, unless the Bible itself gives clarification of that word or idea, who's opinion of the definition of that word do we trust?

I believe God's Story is sufficient to support itself without outside definitions or opinions. While the true meaning of confusing words is something that should not be neglected, it is a problem that should be solved conclusively with the Word of God (and thus, the revelation of the Holy Spirit), not outside opinion or commentary. In other words, if the use of a word in one context is confusing, that same word should be sought out elsewhere in the Word to compare its usage for clarity. Because opinions abound following denominational/theological predispositions, the only safe understanding of the meaning of words should be found in the Bible itself.

As one who has objectively considered the Bible through the years, it has become increasingly more clear to me that the Bible contains all the information one needs to be saved and have a relationship with God that pleases Him. It is my understanding that the selection of writings that became the Holy Bible was made, not from the decision of men, but from the story and context of the writings themselves as they were found consistent with each other for "story."

That "story" is precisely what Paul refers to in 1 Timothy 6.3:

Some people may contradict our teaching, but these are the wholesome teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. These teachings promote a godly life. [1 Timothy 6.3]

Jesus Himself indicated this in the following:

“You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me! [John 5.39]

Jesus revealed living proof of the Scriptures written hundreds of years before His Advent. He fulfilled the prophecies about Messiah. But Jesus did not stop there. He also indicated that His followers would continue "the story" He fleshed out. That "story" is the continued promotion of God's love by His followers for all mankind and desire that they repent so they might be forgiven.

When people stray from the message of Christ as presented by Christ Himself and recorded in quadruplet perspective (the four Gospels), there is risk of error - there is risk of division - there is risk of all the nasty stuff Paul defined in 1 Timothy 6.4.

Let it be said here that there is no premium on ignorance. However, that said, there is risk of great error by division when that "knowledge" is based on anything other that God's Word. It is my opinion that the jealousy, division, slander, and evil suspicions found across denominational/theological sects today is the direct result of seeking clarification outside God's Word in the plethora of encyclopedias, commentaries, and biased writings of individuals and groups. Hence my statement: The Bible is all we need.

Father, I am no one to make definitive statements about anything really except that I am a man in need of Your grace daily. May my 'pipeline' for that grace be Your Word and the revelation of Your Holy Spirit confirming it.