Lesson 10 | Quotations & Allusions
Danger: Over-Simplifying
The evangelical church today likes things simple. And that is great when we are talking about the simple truths of the gospel.
The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. 1 Timothy 1:15
But while grace is simple, we do not serve a God of simplicity. Rather, we serve the God of glory who has written the most epic and intricate and awesome story ever told—the story of his Son, recorded in the Bible. This means two things: (1) There will always be more to understand, and (2) God’s people will never be bored with the glory of his plan.
So...
Do NOT over-simplify the connection between two passages.
Usually, this is not a danger of developing false doctrine, but a danger of confusion. For example, looking up Isaiah 7:14 after noting that it is quoted in Matthew 1:23 brings initial confusion. Isaiah is talking to King Ahaz about a sign of when the nations arrayed against him will come to an end. What does that have to do with the birth of the Messiah?
Great question. The answer is glorious, but it is not simple. It might demand much reading and thought and discussion with other Christians. The answer is a treasure to be sought and found. And that is good news, if we have the patience.
(By the way, I realize that you likely are hoping I will explain the connection here and now. Well, I’m not going to. For time would only permit me to give you a simplified answer—the very thing this step is warning against! The glory of a story—including God’s true story—is not found by reading the CliffsNotes.)
Be Encouraged
So be encouraged—you will not get bored in searching out the depths of the Lord’s wisdom in Scripture. True, you won’t understand it all today, but that is okay.
15 Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. 16 Only let us hold true to what we have attained. Philippians 3:15-16