2 Peter 1:16 English Standard Version

Christ’s Glory and the Prophetic Word

¹⁶ For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.

Two recent issues have prompted this post. The first is my counselors who are sound in word and helped me by reviewing yesterday’s offering. The second comes from a stranger whom I do not know and has answered questions by quoting the scriptures in context and sincere faith. Both are very important.

One of my counselors reminded me of the many misguided sources of beliefs that have no foundation in truth and are not God’s utterances. The second counselor gave me an example of common quotes that are not in the bible. This third person exampled a sound tactical approach to answer the dilemma of doubt; quote the bible accurately.

Well-read individuals will have an entire library of quotes to choose from and I have no quarrel with that as long as they do not pass it off as being the Word of God. Disciples do not deserve to be fed a litany of myths. These three people from yesterday are mature in Christ. I can rely on them to be honest, respectful and truthful. If they see error in anything I write they have the authority to correct. That is what accountability is all about. I submit myself to them willingly. They have been found to be trustworthy.

Matthew 24:24 English Standard Version (ESV) For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.

The only way to prevent ourselves from being led astray is to have this close personal relationship with Christ and to know His Word. The Holy Spirit will confirm truth and deny myths, false teachings, and warn us of enticing words that sound good to the ear but are not authored by God.

None of us are so mature as to reject correction.

Ezekiel 18:1-3 English Standard Version

¹ The word of the Lord came to me: ² “What do you mean by repeating this proverb concerning the land of Israel, ‘The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge’? ³ As I live, declares the Lord God, this proverb shall no more be used by you in Israel.

Where is this proverb written about the sour grapes? Has anyone every taught on a proverb that even remotely sounds like this issue of sour grapes?

Since no proverb has been shown concerning sour grapes or setting the teeth on edge, then what is the source of this proverb?

God knows what is on the hearts of mankind and knows full well what they tell themselves and each other. It stands to reason that this proverb was man made and God was not the author of it. God authored the words in Ezekiel 18 and the words in Jeremiah 31 also.

Jeremiah 31:28-30 English Standard Version

²⁸ And it shall come to pass that as I have watched over them to pluck up and break down, to overthrow, destroy, and bring harm, so I will watch over them to build and to plant, declares the Lord. ²⁹ In those days they shall no longer say:

“‘The fathers have eaten sour grapes,
    and the children’s teeth are set on edge.’

³⁰ But everyone shall die for his own iniquity. Each man who eats sour grapes, his teeth shall be set on edge.

God quotes this proverb of man for the purpose of offering correction. Their fathers were not responsible for their sins and they shall be held accountable for their own choices.

Since we have been speaking about growth in Christ, what does this post have to do with that subject?

A mature person stops blaming others for the choices they make.

The fact that the proverb is not found in the bible should indicate that we must look within ourselves and see what foolishness we might utter that is not the truth of God.

What proverbs have we created for ourselves?