Methods Of Study

Coming now to matters a little less technical, where the meanings of words are not quite so important, let us consider two scriptures such as 1 Corinthians 6.19 and 1 Corinthians 3.16.

These refer to two uses of the word "temple," and in our zeal for collecting all instances of the use of the word "temple " we might encounter these. Now we see from 1 Corinthians 6.19, that the temple of the Holy Spirit there refers to the bodies of the saints in whom is the indwelling Spirit. If we then read 1 Corinthians 3.16 we might wonder how such a temple could be destroyed. Here is where we have to be careful of our terms. Our first scripture refers to a temple of the Holy Spirit, and the second is a temple of God. The terms are different even though there is a reference to the Spirit of God dwelling there. We should be careful to see differences where there are different terms. To discern the differences we must look to the context, and we see that our first reference is to individuals who may misuse their own bodies, whereas the second one refers to a collective company, a church. This can be destroyed for lack of holiness. If we examine the actual meaning of the word "temple" we also find that it speaks of character. We manifest the character of a temple.

Let us look at the kingdoms of God and of heaven. Some of the parables of Matthew and Luke appear to be identical. Thus the parable of the Sower is related both of the kingdom of God and the kingdom of heaven, but the parable of the tares is only related of the kingdom of heaven. We have a fundamental principle of study, that similarities do not make for identity, and that differences may be even more important than similarities. All men are alike, but they are not identical; it is the small differences of features which distinguish them, so we should be careful to give heed to differences. It is by considering the differences between things that helps us to understand that a church of God is not the same as the Church, the Body.

The subject of the types is very instructive, but it is a subject which needs very great care. Take, for example, the Tabernacle. We must first ask ourselves, Does it refer to God's people, or to all men? You may say that you can discern principles of salvation in connexion with it, so that it has a general application, but when we discern that it was erected for a people already redeemed, we must abandon the idea of a general application. The fact of our salvation is fundamental, it colours all our ideas of service, and if we are reminded frequently of it we must not assume that the associated lessons are for all who are as yet unsaved, or even for all those who remain spiritually in Egypt or in Babylon. So also in the interpretation of the materials, we need very great care. We must not say that the acacia wood used in the ark speaks of the incorruptible nature of Christ, but when we come to the acacia wood of the boards say it speaks of men cut down, as it were, in the forest and made fit for the house of God. Men have nothing of Christ's incorruptible nature! To be consistent we must have the same interpretation for all the cases where that wood is used. The Scriptures are one in thought and essence, and we must not play fast and loose with them.

What has been said is by way of illustrating the fact that true study of the Scriptures is based upon an assurance of their inspiration, and consequently that every word is exactly used, so that with proper diligence and care we may arrive at the true teaching.

unknown | Aug 1952
For Young Believers