Philosophy vs The Bible

Act 17:11 "The people there were more open-minded than the people in Thessalonica. They listened to the message with great eagerness, and every day they studied the Scriptures to see if what Paul said was really true."

This verse is talking about the Bereans who kept their minds open to hear the things of God. They did not just rely on Paul’s words or their own feelings; they chose to compare everything to God’s word.

There are so many philosophies out there today. Talk shows hosts, commentators and different religions will all have their own way to address issues like abortion, homosexuality, drinking, who God really is and materialism. There are false teachers/pastors that will tell people just what they want to hear which leads to not following God's plans for order and peace. That is why we live in a place of chaos. Pride and sin play roles in this and Satan loves to prey on our character flaws. He is at work today to destroy and cause division.

Some pastors teach that you don’t have enough faith if you don’t get what you want. Isn’t this leaving out things like; 2 Corinthians 12:10 “That's why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” And Matthew 8:20 But Jesus replied, "Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place even to lay His head." False teachers tell people to name it and claim it. Isn't it more important to seek the will of God then go after our own? He is there to help us pull through whatever hardships we face.

God's ways are the truth. We live for His will to be done, His Kingdom to come. God has great plans and purposes for all of us. Colossians 1:16b “Everything was created through Him and for Him.” The sooner we realize that, the easier it will be to let go of the worlds ways, counterfeit happiness, and serve our Lord Jesus.

People may try to explain their way to greed or sin and justify it according to their own thoughts. They may claim they don’t need saving because they are good people. But the Word of God would say different. Romans 3:23-24 tell us that “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard. Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when He freed us from the penalty for our sins." God also says in Romans 8:1 "So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus."

So let’s be like the Bereans, and not rely on our own understandings or a preacher. If we are Christ followers, the best way to know what God says is to read His book, the Bible. It's not just for collecting dust on a shelf. So which will it be…Philosophy or the Bible? Which source makes more sense to go to for advice?

Ephesians 6:12 “For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.”

Lord I pray that whoever reads this would understand how valuable Your Word is and how it will arm us for the battles of this world. I pray that we would all fall in love with your Word more and more each day.