The Majors
Any ball player wants to make it to the “next level.” Making it to the “majors” is the dream of many American boys. Major League Baseball is full of talented ball players who made it a lifestyle to be focused on the basics of baseball. They honed their talent with drive, and work ethic to become the best at throwing, catching, and hitting a ball. They paid attention to the details of the most fundamental aspects of the game and they made it to the majors. They developed good balance with the bat, in their stance, and in their placement in the field.
When it comes to Bible study, we should focus on the fundamentals as well.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
Have you ever met a person that seems to have an imbalance in their life? Perhaps he is addicted to a hobby and all he talks about is his hobby. Perhaps she is constantly talking about her fingernails or shoes.
A hobby is only one part of life. Finger nails and shoes, while important, are only one part of life. There is much more to a person’s time (Work, worship, service) and appearance (clothing and disposition etc.).
Sometimes we get our priorities and preferences all “out of balance.” When it comes to Bible interpretation, some get things out of balance as well.
Clarity in doctrine is one reason we study the Bible. Paul instructs Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:16, “Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.”
We should “major on what the Bible majors on and minor on what the Bible minors on.” In scholarly terms, there are “major doctrines” and “minor doctrines.” While all doctrine is important, the Lord chose some doctrines to be more pronounced in the Scriptures. These are fundamental doctrines of Christianity.
People who know very little about the Bible, do not read it often, or only rely on what they have occasionally heard taught, can fall into the trap of making minor doctrine – major. They could make mountains out of molehills.
People who study the Bible much, read daily, and listen to a lot of teaching can also fall into the same trap. Theirs could be riding a hobby horse.
Common major doctrine themes include: The Character of God, The Persons of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Deity of Jesus, Salvation, (including the blood atonement, justification, sanctification, redemption, and imputation), Bibliology (the study of the Bible), the church, and future things. Love, mercy, grace, redemption, forgiveness, judgment, holiness, and righteousness are also major themes. And. Much. More. These are the fundamentals.
If a person takes one word, or one mention from the Bible and builds an entirely new doctrine on it, I would avoid that person and his teaching.
“Take heed” to Bible doctrine in your life. Have “Bible Balance” in your life to major on what God majors on – in His Word. Focus on the fundamentals. Don’t strike out when it comes to the fundamentals of the faith. Become a “Major League Bible” student.
EDC Christian 