THROUGHLY FURNISHED
by Pastor Dennis Costella
©FOUNDATION MAGAZINE, March/April 1997
posted with permission
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God,
and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in
righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good
works."
2 Timothy 3:16-17
GOD DESIRES FOR EACH of His children to be "throughly
furnished unto all good works" (please see 2 Timothy 3:14-17). This can only become a
reality through the diligent study of God's Word coupled with consistent, practical,
personal application in every area of the believer's walk and witness.
A careful distinction must be made between what makes one "wise" according to
the world' s standard and what is required of one who speaks with the wisdom of God.
Educational attainments may indeed qualify one for the former, but only a knowledge of the
Word of God and an unswerving yieldedness to its truth will equip one for the latter. This
is an important consideration because all too often the voice of a godly Bible believer
who proclaims: "Thus saith the Lord!" on an issue is ignored whereas the learned
"scholar" (regardless of his area of expertise) is hailed as the only one
qualified to address the subject at hand. But, dear fellow- believer, the Bible, not any
man or institution, is the final word. Proclaim it with all confidence!
True wisdom entails far more than simply learning how to "make a living" or
amassing large amounts of information on a given number of subjects. These facets of life
do have their place, but the believer must be certain they are prioritized correctly. The
time and effort spent in preparation for life in the so-called "real world"
usually results in little more than being molded by educational institutions into
conformity to the world system, with a total disregard for matters of eternal, spiritual
worth. If the child of God is not careful, he will be marching to the same drummer as the
mass of humanity who are lulled into a deep sleep in the arms of the god of this world,
the Wicked One referred to in I John 5:19-21. Unless the child of God patterns his
thinking after eternal truth and regulates his values from God's perspective, the
"scholarship" before which the world bows will replace the true spirituality the
believer should esteem above everything else.
The Christian has the privilege and responsibility of being a workman for God. His
preparation for service is diametrically opposed to that of the unsaved who are being
fitted for their particular niche in society. Any education that minimizes the
understanding and the practice of the Word is actually fostering the "wisdom of the
world" which is but foolishness in God's sight. 1 Corinthians 1:20-31.
Obviously, different vocations require prescribed courses of study. There is certainly
nothing wrong with that. In fact, the child of God should be an example of diligence,
perseverance and excellence as a godly testimony to those who are merely living for this
present world. A believer who is remiss in this regard cannot be blessed by God, nor
should such a poor example be condoned by believers. But, when the philosophies of the
world and academic disciplines are equated with or reckoned superior to the true wisdom of
God, a grievous error occurs. True wisdom comes only from God and His Word and must never
be relegated to a place of lesser importance with respect to anything that stands in
opposition to it.
The church that is seeking a pastor is usually more concerned about his degrees than
his demonstration of a firsthand, practical knowledge of the Word and an absolute
dedication to Its performance. Preachers who love their Lord and proclaim the whole
counsel of God with power and conviction are needed in more pulpits today. The church does
not need polished seminary graduates who are more afraid of offending the man in the pew
with a "narrow" message than of offending a holy God with their compromise. How
similar to the days when the Lord said of His own: "The prophets prophesy falsely,
and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so...."
Jeremiah 5:31.
And consider how often "Christian psychology" is used to provide the answers
to the problems in the home, the church and the work place long before the Bible is
consulted. It seems that unless the pastor has advanced training in the field of
psychology, Christians think his feeble attempt to offer spiritual counsel from the
Scriptures will do more harm than good. The same holds true of the "Greek
scholar" to whom so many look in blind faith for the definitive statement as to what
is or is not the Word of God. How were believers ever able to live for the glory of God
before modern scholarship came to the forefront?
The humble believer who steadfastly looks to the inerrant, verbally inspired and
providentially preserved King James Version of the Bible as his only perfect and final
authority is tagged as a simplistic, ignorant fundamentalist who is out of step with the
times. Well, praise the Lord-that is exactly where spiritual power is still to be found!
The old-fashioned Bible believer never has to be intimidated by anyone who does not
unreservedly believe and obey the Word forever settled in heaven.
There is also an essential link between being truly fitted for usefulness to God and
complete faith in the Word of God. The liberal or new-evangelical may have impressive
academic credentials which command the attention and respect of many, but if he questions
the Bible's inerrancy, or is carelessness in conforming to its statutes, then such a
religious "scholar" should be avoided, not followed. Separation from those who
espouse error is essential. Romans 16:17.
We must give God' s Word top priority in our preparation for living the life our
Saviour desires. "Keep yourselves from idols" (I John 5:21) certainly applies to
the emulation of the world's humanistic value system and bowing down to its esteemed
authorities. The trumped up adoration afforded the "learned scholars" is a
specific example of this type of idolatry. If we allow God and His Word to have their
proper place in our lives, we will not only be "throughly furnished" in this
life but will also be unashamed at the glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour
Jesus Christ. Titus 2:11-13.
FOUNDATION MAGAZINE,
F.E.A. Press
March-April, 1997
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