You Are An Overcomer: Living What We Are

And the disciples came to and said to Him,

“Why do You speak to them in parables?”

He answered and said to them,

“Because it has been given to you to know

the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven,

but to them it has not been given.

For whoever has, to him more will be given,

and he will have abundance; but whoever

does not have, even what he has will be

taken away from him. Therefore I speak to them

in parables, because seeing they do not see,

and hearing they do not hear,

nor do they understand…..But

blessed are your eyes for they see,

and your ears for they hear;”

Matthew 13:10–13,16

            How are we to interpret this Scripture?  Why was this included in the Holy writings?  Some have been given the ability to know mysterious and other have not been given this discernment. Why did Jesus speak in parables?  Could He not just speak plain and clear so anyone could understand? Then, with some amazement God’s children, and we know that this who He is speaking too, the disciples who were asking the question, they are blessed and see, and hear. Maybe you have had these questions or at least why did speak in parables.  You are not alone I am sure for even I who study regularly have these questions; it is natural, it is by the faith given to us by God that we even desire to ask a question and then to seek out the answer.  How do we interpret Scripture?  First and foremost: This is God’s word given to man that reveals Himself to man and reveals to us Jesus Christ His Only Begotten Son who is the Saviour for all of God’s children.  Therefore, we must enlist the aid of God.  How?  Prayer: speak to God; ask for help, then don’t just sit back and expect God to verbally speak to you, to give to you that which you are not actively seeking. A parked car cannot turn itself or move itself: it must be moving, and this is true of us if we want the enlistment of God we must then be studying His word, reading commentaries, and praying.  Interpretation of Scripture depends on the discovery, and enunciation of the meaning, and is to be undertaken by our dependence upon God. I covered this important aspect of the Christian life for many today have unrealizable hope that God will just impart into their brains what they need to know and do not take anytime to study His word.  It is important in interpretation of Scripture to ascertain the proper meaning and the mode by which this ascertaining is accomplished determines the results.  It is then imperative that the mode, or method used be proper and not some devised mode based upon a person’s presuppositions that are not consequential to Scripture.

            Do you want more?  Is this your desire to know the truth?  God will add to your sum of knowledge. As you see and hear you will be blessed and this blessing is promised as stated in the opening Scripture. Does God add to what is already present?  Yes?  Did not Jesus take a few loaves of bread and a few fishes and feed more than 5,000 persons. Yes!  Just as the bread and fishes were multiplied to feed all those people, this multiplication occurred when the loaves and fishes were passed to all in attendance when the work of distribution began. Begin studying; begin to learn and ponder on God’s word, and God will by you engaging in this study, pondering, and prayer, God will add to you engagement and you will rejoice in the marvelous increase of wealth, a wealth of knowledge that you did not have before.  Will this study be easy?  No!  Will you have questions?  Yes!  We must remember that what we have now is the beginning and then we begin to consider about things as they are in themselves, not what they might be and allow Scripture to interpret Scripture.  This may, and as I have found out, require word studies. This may, and as I have found out, a requirement that I understand the grammar of the language I am reading. This may, and I have found this out also, a possibility to make changes in my belief, my understanding that leads me to know the truth and by the Holy Spirit operating in me I desire to make this change, no matter what. Will it be easy?  NO!  But it must be done if we are to operate in this life as one of God’s children and be the witness for the truth. God instructs and we are to follow and do His instruction.  When we have done God’s instruction should we expect a pat on the back?  No!  We are just doing what our leader, God, has asked of us.  When we get to heaven we will then hear God say: “His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord’” (Matthew 25:23).  Is this not enough?

But in accordance with your hardness

            And your impenitent heart

you are treasuring up for yourself

            wrath in the day of wrath

and revelation of the righteous

            judgment of God, who

“will render to each one according

            to his deeds.” Eternal life

to those who by patient continuance

            in doing good seek for glory,

honor, and immortality:

                                    Romans 2:5–8; cf. Psalm 62:12

You are an over comer: by the Power Of God

Richard L. Crumb