Understanding Truth
Understanding Truth3
The Necessity of the Spirit's Illumination
By A.W. Tozer0PSA 25:9PSA 119:105PRO 2:6JHN 14:26ROM 8:261CO 2:12EPH 1:172TI 3:16JAS 1:51JN 4:7A.W. Tozer emphasizes the necessity of the Holy Spirit's illumination in understanding truth, identifying four causes of religious confusion: misunderstanding of truth, lack of love, unbelief, and nonobedience. He asserts that wisdom and love are intertwined, and only the humble and loving heart can truly grasp the mysteries of Christian truth as revealed in Scripture. Without the Spirit's enlightenment, the complexities of faith remain elusive, leading to confusion among those who approach theology without love. Tozer illustrates that while theologians may struggle to piece together doctrine, a loving mind receives immediate understanding through the Spirit's guidance.
Our Ultimate Teacher
By A.W. Tozer0HEB 6:4A.W. Tozer emphasizes the challenge of understanding spiritual truths, noting that our perceptions are often shaped by our backgrounds and theological frameworks. He illustrates this by comparing two individuals, one a Calvinist and the other an Arminian, both interpreting the same scripture, Hebrews 6:4-6, yet arriving at vastly different conclusions based on their prior teachings. Tozer argues that this inherent bias can distort our grasp of truth, leading us to unconsciously modify our understanding to fit our existing beliefs. He calls for awareness of these influences to better align our understanding with God's perspective rather than our own. Ultimately, Tozer encourages a humble approach to learning from the ultimate Teacher, God Himself.
(Knowing God's Way) 21. Understanding the Truth Accurately
By Zac Poonen0MAT 11:25MAT 28:19JHN 8:32JHN 13:35ROM 8:3EPH 2:8PHP 2:121TI 4:162TI 2:151JN 4:2Zac Poonen emphasizes the necessity of accurately understanding and teaching God's truth, likening life and doctrine to two legs that must be equally balanced for a stable Christian walk. He warns against the common tendency to overemphasize certain doctrines at the expense of others, which can lead to heresy and an imbalanced faith. Poonen stresses the importance of diligent study of Scripture, guided by the Holy Spirit, to achieve true understanding and freedom from sin. He also highlights the significance of Jesus' dual nature as both fully God and fully man, and the essential truths of salvation and the church's role in proclaiming the gospel. Ultimately, he calls believers to pursue sanctification and unity in love, reflecting the nature of Christ.