Perplexed?
How many different pieces of ‘religious advice’ have you received over your lifetime? Have you ever thought about it? In most discussions about religious questions, there is counsel offered by those involved in the conversation. Those who present their version of ‘help’ in this area of our lives, often do so with sincerity. But much of this proposed guidance is contradictory and a great deal of what is expounded is only the “opinion” of man and is not the gospel of Christ.
Jesus, while here on earth, and while living under the Law of Moses stated; “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32). He had just completed the statement to the Jews which believed in Him in verse 32. He told them “if ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;” Hold on a second. If one continues in the Word of God, doesn’t this nullify the opinions of man? It should! Where are those of a generation or so ago who challenged: “Show it to me in the New Testament”? When the New Testament is consulted (and followed), all the confusion in religion disappears.
Confusion in any area results when not all who are involved knows what is going on. A classic example is found in Acts chapter 19. Paul remained in Ephesus, having sent Timothy and Erastus on into Asia. When Demetrius the silversmith proclaimed that their craft of making silver shrines to the god Diana was in jeopardy, he got the city together and stirred everyone up. Paul would have gone to talk to the people, but the Christians of Ephesus pleaded with Paul not to go. Acts 19:32 shows what was going on among the Ephesians that were gathered. “Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused; and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together.” It was so bad that the town clerk had to appease the people and dismiss their assembly.
It is likely that some went home still confused or perplexed. What would it take to clear up the confusion? The answer is simple. It is the same thing Christ said – the truth. The Spirit had the apostle Paul write to the church in Ephesus. In Eph 3:3-5 we see how this truth was made known to them and to all who seek truth. “How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, 4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) 5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;” God’s New Testament Word had been delivered through inspiration to men such as the apostle Paul and these Words were written so we could read and understand.
This was reiterated in Col 2:2-4 as the Spirit had Paul address Colossae & Laodicea. In these verses, these brethren were also warned about what would bring them confusion. He wrote: “That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; 3 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.” The enticing words of which the apostle wrote were the confusing “opinions of man”. God wanted all men to know of His great plan for salvation of souls.
Therefore, according to Heb 1:1-2 God has always spoken to man as He revealed His plan and brought it to fruition. He began in the Old Testament and continued until the New Testament replaced it and was put into effect. God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, 2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; What did He want all to know so that none need be perplexed or confused? 1Tim 3:16 reveals this to all who will read His Word. And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
This doesn’t mean that there won’t be confusion in the world, or that folks won’t see difficulties or even persecution. These things are simply a part of this life. But remember that God gave us His Word to dispel these things. I can’t think of any but Christ who faced a more difficult time on earth than His apostles. 2Cor 4:8-10 tells us of some of the things they had to endure as they served the Lord. Notice that they faced these things valiantly and with courage because the Word of God had been revealed to them and they trusted in it. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 10 Always
Perplexed, bewildered, and confused? Why not read, learn and follow God’s New Testament Word of God? You can understand the truth, obey it and be free. You can be saved, and as the brethren of Phil 2:12, “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
