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Good Sabbath Brethren:
People occasionally inform us that they do not believe a scriptural position or doctrine that we publish. Occasionally we receive a submission that explains the position the person holds and while some are quite well done, others exhibit confusion. The principle outcome of the confusion is usually that we are told to 'prove to them' that the doctrinal position we hold is correct.
We are responsible for what we say and do and for what we teach, (Mat 12:37, 28:19; Acts 5:38-42; Heb 5:11-14; 1Thess 2:1-13; 1Tim 4:10-16).
We are not responsible for what anyone else may believe (Num 14:11; Deut 1:29-40; Rom 12:1-2; 2Cor 1:24, 13:5; 1Thess 5:21).
We, personally, are responsible for what we believe (SGD 4102) and what we believe is our faith. This is not simply that we trust God (Rom 1:17, ch3, ch 4, 16:25-27).
4102 pi,stij pistis {pis'-tis} Meaning: 1) conviction of the truth of anything.
It is our responsibility to prove to ourselves what we believe. KJV Romans 12:1-2:
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove (SGD 1381) what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
We individually and personally are required to prove the will of God. We must know who God is and what His plan is for creation. When we read or listen to the Gospel, it is our responsibility to evaluate and prove the proponent through scripture (Mat 12:37; John 5:46-47; 1John 4:1) being thorough in our review (Rom 16:17) as the principles presented are often spiritually applied (2Cor 3:12-16).
In the New Testament, the word translated "prove, proved, proving" etc. is:
SGD 1381 dokima,zw dokimazo {dok-im-ad'-zo}
Meaning: 1) to test, examine, prove, scrutinise (to see whether a thing is genuine
or not), as metals 2) to recognise as genuine after examination, to approve,
deem worthy.
Following the meaning of dokimazo, we all study so that we may accurately handle the Gospel and thereby show ourselves approved by God.
KJV 2 Timothy 2:14-15:
Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. 15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
NAS 2 Timothy 2:14-15:
Remind them of these things, and solemnly charge them in the presence of God not to wrangle about words, which is useless, and leads to the ruin of the hearers. 15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth.
We occasionally get caught up in a word wrangle, especially regarding Sacred Names Theology, and we ought not to, as this can damage faith. Our faith is expressed by what we believe. Often people do not understand enough to debate a doctrine, or perhaps are simply trying to provoke. Most people with questions can be referenced to relevant study material, but there are occasional challenges from genuine believers. This is to be expected (1Cor 11:19).
When the challenge eventually becomes 'prove it to me', we often cannot do so. We are to be diligent and should accurately handle the word of truth and let the seeds fall. All of us must study if we don't understand a doctrinal point. Generally, there is idolatry in some form behind a lack of understanding or the lack of a correct application of a spiritual principle (Jer 2:4-13; Eze 14:1-8, 44:10-13; Hos 14:3-9; Eph 5:5-10; 1Cor 6:9; 2Cor 6:16; 1Thess 1:9; Rev 21:8). Proverbs 16:3 shows us that we must obey first and then understanding will be granted. It is not that if we pray and fast, that God is somehow obligated to answer (Pro 28:9).
We believe there is One True God alone (James 2:19; Deut 5:7, 6:4; Isa 44:6-8, 45:5-7, 11-22, 54:5; Mal 2:10; 1Cor 8:1-6; Eph 4:6; 1Tim 2:5; Gal 3:20), who alone is Creator (Isaiah 43:1-11; 45:12), who alone may be worshipped (Deut 10:17-20; John 4:21; Mat 4:10; and who alone will save all of His human and spiritual creation (Isa 43:11; Rom 11:26; 1Tim 4:10), as He saved Jesus Christ (Rom 10:9; 1Pet 1:21; Heb 13:20). This very simple belief is resisted. This belief sets us apart and sanctifies us.
All of us must prove our own selves (2Cor 13:5) and prove our own work (Gal 6:4) and prove what is acceptable in our worship (Eph 5:10). These are all tied to our understanding of truth as it relates to the plan of God who will have all saved (Rom 11:26; 1Cor 13:2; 1Tim 2:4) by the medium of accepting Christ's sacrifice in our stead (Isaiah 53:6; Rom 4:25; 1 John 2:2), each in a specific order (1Tim 2:3-6, 1Cor 15:20-26). This also requires our self-proving (2Cor 13:5) and constant self-examination (1Cor 11: 28).
Brethren let us all prove all things to our selves and then act on our improving
understanding in a way that is pleasing to our Father.
James Dailley
Deputy Coordinator General
Christian Churches of God
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