CHAPTER FOUR:
“WHAT
ABOUT THE EXTERNALS?”
Through
the years, several gospel preachers have given me their libraries, either in
part or in whole. Most of the books are “Sermon Outline Books”. The rest
consist of a variety of resource material: biographies, church history, various
dictionaries and concordances, debates on various subjects, discussions of
particular concerns and a host of commentaries by various authors. I value
these books for various reasons; not the least of which is the memory of their
previous owners. They fill my shelves and to some, might appear rather
impressive. I use them and benefit from reading them, but when asked, “Have you
read all of those books?” I can’t help but laugh!
Paul evidently had some type of “external”
material pertaining to his work of preaching. To Timothy he says, “The cloke
that I left at
The point is this: IF YOU HAVE GOD’S
WORD (THE BIBLE) YOU HAVE ALL YOU REALLY NEED IN ORDER TO LEARN WHAT YOU MUST
DO TO PLEASE GOD. Read carefully 2 Peter 1:1 – 4. Did God leave us lacking
any information regarding our spiritual needs? If so, then God lied. Since that
is impossible (Hebrews 6:17-20; Titus 1:1-4), we know we have all the
information we need to save our souls from Hell (Romans 1:16-17; et al). Read
carefully Revelation 22:18 – 19. One with whom I studied claimed these verses
pertain only to the book of Revelation. All right: even if we accept
that theory, by what authority would we say we need more than we have, or have
more than we need in that book? Read carefully, John 20:30 – 31. We admit the
scriptures are lacking in some things regarding the life of Jesus Christ. For
example, what did He do during the first twelve years of His life? For that
matter, what did He do for the next eighteen years? John says what we do have
is enough to cause our belief in Jesus as Christ, the Son of God, and that
believing, have life in His name. Do we believe? Read also John 21:24 – 25 and
note John’s own admission that if everything that could be written of Jesus
were written, the world could not contain the books that would be written! Now,
do we need (or could we really use) more than what we have of inspired
writing?
Man foolishly suggests he (man) can know
things the scriptures do not reveal by inspiration. Look
carefully at 2 Timothy 3:16 – 17. Now examine Hebrews 1:1-2 and 2:1-4. Add to
it Deuteronomy 4:2 and 12:32 to consider the law of
God permits our investigation of this
world with its content and history. God never condemns “true science”. Though
the Bible is not a “science text”, it does speak of various matters which
scientists have proven accurate. For example, the world is round (Isaiah
40:22), the rain cycle (Ecclesiastes 1:7) the “black hole” of northern space
(Job 26:7). While these and other “sciences” of the Bible come under great
scrutiny, we must remember that the Bible is not a book intent on “proving
science right or wrong.” It is a book intent on saving the soul. Psalms 19 is
one of the more prolific chapters of scripture combining the evidence of
creation with the law of God as being Jehovah’s flawless design! Nonetheless,
God permits man to “investigate” His creation, and in fact, encourages such
investigation (ex. Job 38:23). These studies we call external evidences. An abundance of man written books (i.e.
without the benefit of miraculous inspiration) exist with verified
accuracy of various matters: archaeology, history, etc. Such books
prove helpful to the student desirous of EXTERNAL EVIDENCES of
God’s majesty in this world and proof of people and places recorded in Sacred
Writ.
Solomon’s wisdom experienced life and its
“science” and recorded his findings in the book of Ecclesiastes. He concludes
his “book report” of such experiments in life by saying, “Vanity of vanities,
saith the preacher; all is vanity. And moreover, because the preacher was wise,
he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out,
and set in order many proverbs. The preacher sought to find out acceptable
words: and that which was written was upright, even words of truth. The words
of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies,
which are given from one shepherd. And further, by these, my son, be
admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness
of the flesh.” (Ecclesiastes 12:8 – 12). Paul however, warns Timothy against
“vain babblings and oppositions of science falsely so called” (1 Timothy 6:20 –
21) --- or as the NASU translates the passage “O Timothy, guard what has been
entrusted to you, avoiding worldly and empty chatter and the opposing arguments
of what is falsely called “knowledge” --
which some have professed and thus gone astray from the faith. Grace be with
you.” Remember then, “much study (“excessive devotion” -- NASU; “reading” – marginal) is a weariness
of the flesh.” Be careful and regulate your reading of these “external
evidences” of God’s works and words. More importantly, “prove all things; hold
fast that which is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21) by the authority of God’s Word.
Before leaving this point, may I suggest a
few “types” of history books that may help your “external study”? Histories
like FOXES BOOK OF MARTYRS and APOSTOLIC FATHERS record writings
of some notables of the first century such as Clement of Rome, Barnabas,
Polycarp, and Ignatius. These men lived during or shortly after the time of the
Apostles of Christ and several of their writings have endured the ages. Flavius
Josephus is another noted historian whose life began shortly after the death of
Jesus Christ (circa A.S. 35). His writings record matters of that era and
mention of several names and places recorded as well in Holy Writ.
Nearly any archaeology study has some
proof of its authenticity. They help the serious student gain an appreciation
for the places and peoples mentioned in the scriptures. Some television
programs have begun broadcasting “biblically oriented” archaeology shows.
Discovery Channel in cooperation with The National Geographic Society usually
verifies the accuracy of their findings and tries to correlate them with the
scriptures. As an aside, Discovery Channel recently began airing shows called
Biblical Mysteries. My personal observation of these shows fosters the
following considerations:
1.
While
challenging, such shows I would not recommend for babes in Christ. The mixing
of religions in explanation of various texts of scripture can be detrimental to
the proper learning and understanding of God’s Word.
2.
A value of these
programs is the insight given to Jewish customs (i.e. Hebrew) and their
antiquities. Sadly, these commentators seldom relate similar insights to the
customs and traditions of the Gentile nations and their subsequent influence
upon
3.
The narration of
scripture usually comes from either the King James Version or New King James
Version. I have not seen them deny the authenticity of Holy Writ … albeit they
often ask, “Is this particular account mythical, legend or reality?” Usually,
they present it as truth and explore the external evidences in
search of proof of the scriptures.
4.
At times, they
attempt an equation of “natural calamity and God’s hand”. One example is their
recent explanation of the ten plagues of
Biographical books of preachers are
interesting, and sometimes helpful if the student has an interest in who did
what, when and where. The biographies of “Restoration Leaders” help us
understand many of the perils confronting those who determined to “restore New
Testament Christianity to its righteous stature.” However, it is my experience some
of these biographies do not agree one with the other. Depending on the author
and the author’s orientation toward the truth of the scriptures, many
biographies tilt their literature to agree with their belief. As with any
non-inspired writing, consider the source and return to the Bible for ALL
doctrinal authority (2 Timothy 3:16 – 17).
COMMENTARIES often prove themselves
“the most dangerous book in the library.” While history books, books of
archaeology and such like prove very helpful in describing the times, places
and peoples of biblical content, their accuracy rests in the tangible proof of
documents and artifacts. Commentaries, however, are nothing more than “acquired
comments of commentators.” Frankly, most are just that --- just common tators!
Nonetheless, if you have been attending worship services or Bible classes for
any length of time, you have been exposed to commentaries. Every sermon you
heard and every Bible class discussion you ever heard are merely “verbal
commentaries.” You trust the preacher/teacher! Surely, they would not lead you
astray and into perdition! No, not intentionally as godly proclaimers
of the truth seriously study and rehearse their exegesis of scripture before
they step before the audience! However, these men are not inspired! The inspired
apostle John writes, “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the
spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into
the world.” (1 John 4:1) This examination of “spirits” (teachers) includes
every preacher/teacher you will ever encounter … even me! If the
preacher/teacher takes exception to this fact, remind him of 1 Corinthians 3:5,
and 1 Thessalonians 5:21 and especially Acts 17:11!
Anyone who “makes comment” of scripture
becomes a “commentator”. His/her notes become “commentary”. Therefore, every student
is a commentator to some extent. Make no mistake: there are some very good
commentaries for sale! Yet, not a single one is written by an inspired man!
Several years ago, a gospel preacher rightly observed, “The Bible is its own
best commentary and dictionary. With enough study, the student can find the
definitions of words and phrases including the understanding of apocryphal
writings. With enough study, the Bible explains itself without contradiction.
Perhaps this explains the multiplicity of letters speaking the same things!”[1]
Please note this statement is uninspired commentary --- yet, the
conclusion is sound and acceptable!
Can we trust the commentaries? The answer
rests in how well you trust your own understanding of the
scriptures. We must never accept the teachings of any man merely because we
like him or the “oratory sounds reasonable.” Some commentators never obeyed the
gospel of Christ. We would never permit such a person to occupy our pulpits or
teach in our classes: yet many quote their words of commentary with as much
frequency and authority as the gospel itself! Other commentators have published
very fine materials after years of study and painstakingly proven research. Still,
these are merely men with no more reading and thinking ability
than you have! “Search the scriptures,” says Jesus (John 5:39). Let that be our
primary study book! (Colossians 1:18)
Sermon books fair some better in
terms of helpful materials than commentaries. Usually, these books either
contain outlines for your study or complete sermons in written form. Regardless
of in which format these appear, the student must treat them as any other
sermon: remember man wrote it (not God) and you must prove these matters as
well! The value of sermon books actually increases when you use them as “study
guides” as either topical or verse-by-verse. (See previous chapter.) Often,
sermon books carry themes. For example, I have one that outlines only the
parables as sermons; another outlines the life of Christ; still another
outlines sermons regarding prayer. Most sermon books, however, contain a
variety of topics and the careful student uses them as nothing more than study
materials. We can give the same commendations regarding audiotapes or
videotapes of various preachers.
With today’s technology, several sermon
outlines and/or topical studies exist via Internet. Since I do not have
Internet, I cannot speak directly regarding these resources. However, several of
my acquaintance have used Internet resources for their sermons, commentaries,
background studies, etc. and done so quite successfully. My only comment here
remains the same as mentioned in regard to all other man-made materials: “Prove
all things; hold fast that which is good.”
“Morally sound” books are more
popular today since talk show hosts (both radio and television) have reached
popularity by discussing such issues. As a result, some morals have become
immoral and some immoralities have become moral (Isaiah 5:20 – 23). Paul warned
of such degradation (2 Timothy 3:12 – 13; Romans 1:26 – 32). Yet, some have not
fallen astray and offer their well-considered opinions regarding “How to Fix
It”. Frankly, if the Bible itself cannot teach me morality, then I seriously
doubt any book of man will accomplish the task. Having said such, I admit
to reading a few: Let’s Roll, by the widow of the late Todd Beamer, a
victim of 9-11 when his plane crashed in Pennsylvania; THE BEST OF BARBARA
JOHNSON, a compilation of her three most popular books; Good Homes in a
Wicked World, by the late brother Irvin Lee. Yes, I’ve read many more, but
these give you an “overview” of what I mean by “morally sound books.” Each
encouraged me, and certainly, brother Lee’s book taught me a great deal with
scripture. My caution is however, that we avoid exalting and believing these
books, their reasons for existence and even their author’s who are very well
respected more than we exalt and believe God’s Book ~~~ let us never exalt man’s
works as “righteous” above God’s!
Finally, one “external” that we ought to
use frequently is EACH OTHER! Jude 20 - 21 says, “But ye, beloved,
building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, keep
yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ
unto eternal life.” What a wonderful resource of study material to know we can
discuss the scriptures with our brethren! The earliest members of the church
did so (Acts 2:46 – 47) and we have evidence of this fellowship continuing as
righteous. The common, “Well I think” is just like the commentaries, sermons
and such we examined earlier in this chapter. However, with one another, we
have the opportunity to reason. Examine Isaiah 1:18-20. Note the
speaker is God. Whenever we reason with the Bible opened, we reason
with God. Sharing this experience with our brethren is an “external”
element by which to increase our knowledge of scripture as we discuss these
matters. Reason is “accumulating the facts, thinking about these facts, and
reaching the conclusion demanded by the facts!”[2]
When you use the Bible as the only Book of inspired facts, you
have only TRUTH. When reasoning
with one another concerning the contents of this Book, we learn from one
another and consequently, build up one another in the most holy faith! We can
compare this type of study to the old one-room schools. The older taught the
younger, and the younger often challenged the older to learn more of the
subject. That’s not a bad thing for members of the church!
Before
our next discussion in class, do the following exercises:
1.
If you have
religious material in your library, examine the author. What do you know about
the author and his/her “handling aright the word of truth”? Determine if this
material would help or hinder a babe in Christ in their study.
2.
Determine how
much time you use in listening to or reading of sermons by a variety of gospel
preachers. Do you take notes and do you examine their teaching with the Bible?
3.
Study from the
Bible a particular place or person. Try to find something “external” to use
with this study and note what portions of the external(s) agrees with the
scriptures and what disagrees with the scriptures. Take notes of these
differences and share them with us.