Why Men Obey Error #3Why Men Obey Error #3

Review: Review: Loyalty to men, partial view, ignorance Loyalty to men, partial view, ignorance

of truth, traditions of menof truth, traditions of men

Walking by Sight, 2 Cor. 5:7Walking by Sight, 2 Cor. 5:7

• “The last and, I might say, the highest function of Reason in matters pertaining to Divine Revelation, is to cordially and fully acquiesce in the fitness, the wisdom, and

the correctness of whatever God has clearly revealed…to refuse to submit to it

in any case, and under any circumstances, is most irrational and absurd” (Robert

Milligan, “Reason and Revelation,” 1868)

Faith Does Not Exclude ReasonFaith Does Not Exclude Reason

• Jesus gave reasons for faith (Jn. 5)

• Testimony of John (vs. 31-33)

• His works (v. 36; 20:30,31)

• The Father (vs.37,38; Mt. 3:17; 17:5)

• The Scriptures (v. 39: Lk. 24:27)

• “Test all things; hold fast what is good” (1 Thess. 5:21) – not “blind faith”

What About Hard Sayings?What About Hard Sayings?

• Many forsook (Jn. 6:60-68)

• Apostles followed, though may not understand everything (12:12-16)

• What was the difference?

• Evidences for faith in Him were clear – others did not really believe in Him

Reason Continues to FunctionReason Continues to Function

• Continue to search evidence & objections

• Continue to study what God has said

• When specific instructions are not given, what is the principle? (Mt. 7:12)

Sight WalkingSight Walking

• Faith – “Speak Lord, for Your servant hears” (1 Sam. 3:9)

• Sight – “I know You said it, but I don’t see why it is necessary…how it will work”

Therefore Therefore or or ButBut……

• Faith walks through – when it cannot see through (Rom. 4:16-21)

• Faith prays (Jas. 5:16) – Sight says “I cannot see why…”

• Faith draws a conclusion – Sight raises an objection (Jn. 8:24; 3:3-5)

Honest DoubtsHonest Doubts

• “Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears; Lord, I believe;

help my unbelief” (Mk. 9:24).

• Thomas an honest doubter (Jn. 20:24-29)

• Doubting is not wrong – Not resolving doubts is (1 Pet. 3:15)

ConclusionConclusion

• Many things we believe simply because the Bible says so – We should know why

we believe the Bible.

• Faith demonstrated (Heb. 11)

• They believed in God, even when they did not understand why He gave a direction.

That is walking by faith!