Why is it...?

[Mark of Faith]

I have suffered much in the past from feeling condemned, unforgiven, worthless. I have now come to a point where I am confident of my security in Christ, how loved I am by Him, and the amazing grace of the Cross.

I was reading the thread about whether you can lose your salvation, and I hope to post my testimony in response to that at a later date.

However, it brought up some stuff for me, because although I have peace concerning my beliefs, some of the Scripture verses put forward have really troubled me in the past.

So the question is....why is it that the devil seems to know Scripture so well he can find a verse that, when he puts it across, can really be negative? Remember the devil used Scripture against Jesus...it took Jesus, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to see that the devil was twisting Scripture, and Jesus was able to keep true.

I think when reading, studying, meditating on or quoting Scripture we must ask for the Holy Spirit's help to understand that/those verse(s). I have found that now I am using the Bible with the Holy Spirit's guidance, those verses that I once found so condemning, are now actually very encouraging.

Much love in Christ,

Mark.

 

[rizen1]

think when reading, studying, meditating on or quoting Scripture we must ask for the Holy Spirit's help to understand that/those verse(s). I have found that now I am using the Bible with the Holy Spirit's guidance, those verses that I once found so condemning, are now actually very encouraging.

I always ask God to show me when I'm wrong, because its so easy for us to want to be right that we go ahead without the Holy Spirit and use scripture.

Lord search my heart right now, reveal to me what came from my own selfish pride and renew me.

Thank you Mark.

 

[aksd]

After joining this forum I too have been praying to God that no wrong teaching goes through me and none comes to me either.
It is very essential to cover ourself with prayer and study God's Word with the help of His spirit lest the devil take advantage of us and mislead us.
Can't say I am perfect and am clear about all things. Many things still remain a mystery, but I have realised that God will teach us according to the ministry he wants to use us for - Psalm 25:12 Who is the man that fears the LORD? Him shall He teach in the way He chooses.
So I am not overly concerned about that which does not come clear to me and like to share only that which is - and the more I share, the more He teaches me about it, and the deeper I get into the Word on the topic. Its like layers keep opening up one after the other as I share out what I learned in one layer.
But yes - the devil does know a lot more about the Bible than we do and he is a master at mis-quoting it.