illini1959
Member
This is another great point, not because it is true, but because it is mostly misunderstood.
The perceived reality of men, is far from the actual reality of God. In this way, what is "actual" is likely not, and what is in or out of context, likely is in error.
First, the only reality that is "actual" is God's reality. On the contrary, the world and everything in it...is "created" and even a mere manifest "image."
As for "context" regarding Christ's words...is there any word of scripture that is not His in context? None. Therefore, "context" here is not applicable. Thus, His words, every one, is spirit and life. "Context" then...pertains only to the dealings of men.
Which would make sense since I'm a (human). Scripture and the things of God are spiritually discerned, that's true. But every believer is indwelt by the Holy Spirit and it's He who teaches:
John 14:26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.
But that is just some of the actual reality regarding the scriptures. There is also the fact that "all language", including the scriptures, has been encrypted...or as it is stated in the scriptures: "confounded" and therefore "must be discerned spiritually." And this is true, because in the world there are both good and evil men who have access to the same scriptures.
So...do not be surprised if every word from God must be interpreted by the Spirit. This is the mystery of tongues.
1 Cor 2:14 The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.
Unsaved people, the natural person, doesn't understand because they are spiritually discerned and they don't have the Spirit. Believers do have the Spirit.
I disagree with your last statement. Believers are fully capable of discerning God's word, again, we have the Spirit.
Tongues isn't God talking to us, it's us talking to God. "For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God..." 1 Cor 14:2
Paul had this to say about tongues - "Nevertheless, in church I would rather speak five words with my mind in order to instruct others, than ten thousand words in a tongue." 1 Cor 14:19
Don't get me wrong...I'm not against tongues used properly according to scripture. Some say the sign gifts are dead, I don't think that - unless I learn otherwise. I'll be learning until the Perfect comes.