PROOF TEXTING, AS WELL AS PROCLAIMING AND HEARING GOD'S WORD

PROOF TEXTING, AS WELL AS PROCLAIMING AND HEARING GOD'S WORD

PROOF TEXTING.
The practice of using Bible verses to substantiate a position or doctrine.

There are people who use Bible verses to prove their false doctrines, but they use the verses incorrectly or out of context. In that case, proof texting is not a valid use of Scripture.

REMEMBER, a Text out of Context is a Pretext.

However, when a verse is used in context and is used correctly, PROOF TEXTING is a valid use of Scripture. In fact, the writers of the New Testament (as directed by the Holy Spirit) often used proof texts.

PROCLAIMING AND HEARING GOD'S WORD.
We are told time and again that topical preaching and textual preaching are not nearly as effective as expository preaching. It is as if expository preaching (in depth EXPOSING of Scripture) cannot be done along with other forms of preaching. I like the way Ed Stetzer actually puts expository preaching in four categories.
1. Verse by verse expository preaching.
This is the normal view of expository preaching.
2. Thematic or Doctrinal expository preaching.
Exposing a particular theme (subject) or doctrine through a series of messages, built upon the various passages throughout the Scriptures that address that particular theme or doctrine.
3. Narrative expository preaching.
Preaching a Biblical event, and examining the background of the event.
4. Topical expository preaching.
Usually taking one passage and focusing on one point in that passage.

It is not unusual for those who see themselves as more intellectually inclined to tout the first category as if it is considerably superior to other forms of preaching. It is important that such a method should be used, in order to provide a solid foundation in Bible knowledge. However, it can and probably should be used with the other forms of preaching as well.

My observation through the years is that the people who get mostly, or only, verse by verse preaching very seldom have a grasp of the dynamics of the Bible. Their view of Scripture is more on the natural and intellectual level rather than on the spiritual and practical level. Scripture is approached from an academic and polemic point of view rather than an instructional and redemptive point of view. It is not unusual for those who boast in their expository approach to Scripture to have pride in knowledge.

There is a need for various kinds of preaching. But don't forget: no matter what kind of preaching or teaching is provided, it is essential for the recipient to HEAR with his heart and not just his head. If the word of God does not produce godliness in the hearer it becomes nothing more than a sounding gong or a clanging symbol to that person.

If we come away from preaching, teaching, counsel, fellowship and study times, being intellectually informed, but not spiritually transformed, we have been playing Christian rather than being Christian. Bible preaching should excite us about the Person and work of Christ, not simply inform us concerning the Bible document or history or culture or language.

Anointed preaching/teaching is essential, but so is anointed hearing.

James 1:21-25
(21) Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
(22) But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
(23) For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
(24) For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
(25) But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

(10/2/15 dlg on fb)