Do we know more Scripture than we obey? Do we push those we disciple to increase their knowledge of Scripture rather than slowing down enough to make sure they obey what little they know? I’m convinced that we wouldn’t need books on missional living or evangelism if we made disciples who obey what they know rather than know more than they obey.
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7 Responses to Can a Follower of Christ Know Too Much Scripture?
cory isaac
Replied on: July 26, 2010, 1:58 pm
Part of this problem revolves around a lack of attention to the disciples’ needs. Leaders of Bible studies, sunday school classes, and preachers are often so far removed (socially/emotionally) from the individuals they are ministering to that they are unable to speak from the Scripture to particular problems of life. These leaders will therefore default to some passage of Scripture with a good and deep meaning for discussion, but have forsaken the real needs and struggles of the group they are supposedly ministering to. This leads to what I have deemed “neo-gnostic” Christians, which is exactly what you are describing: a Christian who knows a lot and does very little…
Paul
Replied on: July 27, 2010, 8:43 am
I agree, Cory. We often forget the just-in-time nature of discipleship. That is, we forget that intersections of life and Scripture are the greatest moments of spiritual growth. Instead, we fill people with knowledge of what to do if ‘something’ happens way before it ever does. Consequently, few remember how to live like Christ in those situations. If we walk with people through those moments, supporting them physically, emotionally, and through the Word, we would make stronger disciples. These disciples would obey what they know rather than know more than they obey.
David Kueker
Replied on: July 27, 2010, 6:59 am
Matthew 28:20 – the part of the Great Commission we neglect – says that someone is to help us learn both the scripture (command) and teach us how to observe it and obey it.
I would say this problem is the result of the lack of that kind of personal teaching on how to obey. Most of us are abandoned … or dumped off on the church steps … by the person who is commanded in the Great Commission to provide this teaching to the disciples they make.
If you make ‘em, just like babies, it’s your job to raise them. Anything less is disobedient.
Paul
Replied on: July 27, 2010, 8:44 am
You’re right, David. ‘Teach to obey’ is one of the most overlooked portions of the Great Commission. And, it is one of the most vital in terms of making disciples who transform the world around them through their love and obedience.
Macario Cadatal
Replied on: August 19, 2011, 2:32 pm
It’s not a matter of knowing more scriptures and obedience. It’s more of have you “seen” Him (2 Kings 6:17). Do we need to know more scriptures if we saw Him? …”how to live like Christ”… and “how to obey” should be qualified. I (flesh) will never know how to live like Christ and i (flesh, self) will never obey Him! It’s impossible because the self/flesh is enmity against Christ. Unfortunately, both the kingdom of self and the Kingdom of God, temporarily, exist in one person even though he’s/she’s a disciple. Temporarily because “He (Jesus) must increase, but I must decrease (John 3:30)).” And He is increasing and i am decreasing until He alone, no more i(self) and no power can stop that-He is irresistible. But what is impossible to man, is possible with God (Matt. 19:26, Mark 10:27 and Luke 1:37). Paul said, ..”i no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” The key is, “Christ who lives in me”. He does the living and the obeying through me. Just abide/remain in Him (John 15).
Paul
Replied on: August 19, 2011, 2:47 pm
Macario…I get what you are saying, but it really seems to be a passive approach to living as a follower of Christ, being a disciple. The Apostle Paul uses some very active language to describe his walk: “Do you knot know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly’ I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” 1 Cor 9:24-27 (NIV) As I have said before, I agree that we cannot do these things but “Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” Philippians 2:12-13 (NIV) Yet even in that verse Paul talks about action that is required of us.
We are so dependent upon God’s working in us to do the things He commands. You are right in that. But I don’t think we can ignore that action is required of those that follow Christ. Passivity is not an option in a disciple.
Helene
Replied on: December 5, 2011, 1:26 pm
Is that really all there is to it because that’d be flabrbegatsing.