Discover more from Linzy’s Substack
God’s Precepts are displayed in a variety of places in His Word. This provides more than only one means of ‘speaking to our hearts’ in order that all may understand. Through the study of Scripture, we will inevitably come across a relatable amount of parallels, which then gives way to deeper meaning and understanding. When we learn to relate that which is relatable, it not only helps us to remember the Scripture, it also helps widen our scope and take in the entirety of the Bible more readily in our pursuit to rightly divide the Word of Truth.
“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2Timothy 2:15)
There are a plethora of parallels in the Bible that help us greatly to relate similar concepts and topics. This is one example of the glorious way that Scripture interprets Scripture. God wants His children to comprehend His Word. But it takes going beyond just reading the Bible, we benefit greatly from studying His Word for our own sakes, and even those in whom we associate:
“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2Timothy 2:15)
For example, on the topic of sanctification, 2Thessalonianss 2:13, 2Timothy 2:21, Acts 26:18, Colossians 2:11, Ephesians 1:13 all use the term sanctification, which depicts the process unto holiness, however, the Apostle Paul also taught his church to ‘put on the new man’ in Ephesians 4:24, which refers to furthering in spiritual maturity, that which is in essence, sanctification. Moreover, there are verses that parallel consecration, which is the setting apart of one’s self for God’s Use, which clearly aligns with sanctification. And there are other terms that reflect this same precept, like the circumcision of the heart, which are depicted in various places like Romans 12:1, 1Peter 2:9 and 1Corinthians 6:20, just to name a few.
Furthermore, Paul discusses spiritual growth in Galatians 5:22-25. And in Hebrews 6:1-3, the writer illustrates that believers need to ‘go onto perfection.’ Furthermore, Jesus taught His disciples to pick up their cross and follow Him, which we can only be made possible through the abandonment of self-will, which requires a degree of maturity….
Then there are those verses that highlight the ‘refining through the fire’ like in Zechariah 13:9, which is yet another illustration of growth or ‘crucifying the flesh’, which is the essence of sanctification, which is being set apart for God’s use which takes maturity. Seeing all these precepts as co-precepts helps us widen our scope as to all of what God is saying through His Word:
“And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:24-25)
Through all of these and more, we see a pattern in the instructions of righteousness the Bible encourages believers to abide in and demonstrate to the world at large. And when we consider the Christian example before the world, there are parallel passages for our more complete understanding:
“For if they do these things in the green wood, what will be done in the dry?” (Luke 23:31) (In other words, if believers act like the rest of the world, what will happen to the lost? For without the example of Christ before them, how will they ever learn?)
“For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? Now if the righteous one is scarcely saved, Where will the ungodly and sinner appear? Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.” (1Peter 4:17-19) (The scarcely saved meaning the immature believer cannot demonstrate the correct example before the lost, therefore Peter is exhorting his church to develop and grow in the Spirit.)
“Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.” (Colossians 4:5-6)
For examples of more direct parallels, we may consider the illustrations of love throughout Scripture, even in reference to our enemies:
“But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,” (Luke 6:27)
“Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty give him a drink; For in so doing, you will heap coals of fire on his head.” (Romans 12:20)
Christians, to be powerful we must show love to the unlovable and strength in our spiritual convictions. The world says to get even, but God says to be demonstrates of His Love, which is not about deserving, but loving for the sake of love; the very depiction of God’s Character, which He lavishes upon us, then we ought to show love to even those who despise us, so that they may experience God in us and see it firsthand as that utmost example of Christlikeness. Thereby, their hearts may be melted, like the verse says “heap coals of fire on his head,” which has such a strong inclination it may just lead to the acceptance of Him.
Also See: Luke 23:34, Job 31:29-30, Proverbs 24:17, 1Peter 3:9 and what Jesus has said in the Book of Matthew:
“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also.” (Matthew 5:38-40)
NOTE: The unsaved love to claim that revenge is acceptable to God by the twisting of this verse. But what did Paul tell us out of God Own Mouth?
“Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably wit hall men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.” (Romans 12:17-19)
Also noteworthy, there are some Scriptures that are completely unique, like a hidden gem. An example of one such verse is one that speaks of someone being ‘scarcely saved’ in 1Peter 4:18. Referring to the stagnant believer, someone who loves God but has no idea how to grow and mature in Christ Jesus is saved nonetheless due to God’s Love and Mercy. As helpful as it is to grow in our spirits, if someone is stricken with emotional turmoil that they are chronically trapped in, (and I’ve seen this first hand in my own family) God will not reject him. Because God looks at the heart (See 1Samuel 16:7 & Jeremiah 17:9-10).
“IF the righteous one is scarcely saved, Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?” (1Peter 4:18)
The following examples depicting immaturity are the closest in alignment to the 1Peter 4:18.
Moreover, Peter uses verse 18 to describe the immature believer, but the entire message is one of setting that correct and righteous example before the unsaved. And how can we expect to be that example, in which the world desperately needs if we ourselves do not reflect Christlikeness before others, as the passage conveys?
“For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? Now “If the righteous one is scarcely saved, Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear.?” (1Peter 4:17-19)
The Bible provides many examples of ways to depict one’s immaturity. Paul compares mature believers who eat meat with the ‘babes’ that are still unable to eat solid food, and still require milk in 1Corinthians 3:1-3. He also compares the ‘old man’ with the ‘new man’ in Ephesians 4:22.
And Peter uses the milk analogy as well, in 1Peter 2:2
Of course, this article only scratches the surface of all the relatable texts throughout God’s incredible Word, but brings out the basic concept of relatability and the benefits therein.
NKJV
Subscribe to Linzy’s Substack
Linzy is a children's author, Christian writer, including Bible Prophecy reporting. Her portfolio includes, poetry and short stories for all ages.