Devastating Deviation
Miles J. Stanford's sermon emphasizes the critical importance of correctly interpreting Scripture to avoid devastating deviations in faith and understanding.
Miles J. Stanford emphasizes the importance of studying and rightly dividing the Word of God to show oneself approved unto God. He warns against the errors that arise from failing to properly divide the Scriptures, such as misunderstanding the covenants and promises of God. Stanford highlights the distinction between Covenant Theology and the New Covenant in Christ, emphasizing the need to be associated with Jesus, the Mediator of the new covenant. He criticizes non-dispensational teachers who bring promises meant for a future dispensation into the present, leading to disappointment and bitterness. Stanford also critiques historical attempts to enforce Christian living through Old Testament laws, rather than embracing the grace and truth found in the New Testament.
Text
"Study to show thyself approved unto God" (2 Timothy 2:15a).
There is as much error produced in failing to divide the Word at all, as there is in wrongly dividing it.
"Covenant Theology (Law), at the utmost, is forgiveness of sins and divine favor enjoyed; and all that concerns their position in the Lord Jesus is ignored, or alas! guarded against as dangerous. Men are placed under the New Covenant (millennial Israel) which does not go beyond remission of sins and the law written in the heart. But being in Christ, and knowing it by the Holy Spirit, and what it involves now has dropped out of their creed altogether."
"We are come 'to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant' (Hebrews 12:24). We (Jewish / Gentile Christians) are not come to the new covenant (of Israel), but to Jesus the Mediator of it. I am associated with Him who is the Mediator; that is a much higher position than if we merely come to the covenant. He will make this new covenant with Israel on the millennial earth." -H.S.
"Non-dispensational teachers have endeavored to bring over the many promises of the physical and material aspects of kingdom salvation into the present dispensation, giving hope of material prosperity and physical health, as well as political peace. Failure to realize these promised goals has caused many to lose faith and to become bitter toward God Himself. The failure, of course, is not of God, but of teachers who have refused to rightly divide the Word of Truth."
"Calvin attempted by discipline of Church and State to make everyone live like a Christian-as did the Puritans. As a result, this effort resulted in the need to use the Old Testament rather than the New as an ethical guide."
"A workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15b).
Sermon Outline
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I
- Importance of studying the Word
- Consequences of failing to divide the Word
- Understanding Covenant Theology
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II
- Distinction between the New Covenant and Christ
- Role of Jesus as Mediator
- Implications for Jewish and Gentile Christians
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III
- Misinterpretations by non-dispensational teachers
- Impact on faith and expectations
- Rightly dividing the Word of Truth
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IV
- Historical attempts to enforce Christian living
- Consequences of using the Old Testament as a guide
- Need for proper ethical guidance from the New Testament
Key Quotes
“Study to show thyself approved unto God.” — Miles J. Stanford
“A workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth.” — Miles J. Stanford
“Failure to realize these promised goals has caused many to lose faith and to become bitter toward God Himself.” — Miles J. Stanford
Application Points
- Commit to studying the Word diligently to understand its true meaning.
- Recognize the importance of Jesus as the Mediator of the New Covenant in your faith.
- Be aware of the dangers of misinterpretation that can lead to disillusionment and bitterness.