Verify Podcast

In Episode 21, I spoke about how not everything written in the bible is an example of what to do. Some are examples of what not to do. How do I know this? Because according to 2 Tim 3:16, one of the reasons God gave us the bible is for correction! 1 Cor 10:6&11, also explain that some narratives serve as warnings to us.

Just for an example, in 2 Kings 3:27, a king sacrifices his oldest son in the heat of battle, and the tides turn in his favour. Does the mention of this story indicate an endorsement of it? It was described, but is it prescribed?

2 Tim 3:16 talks about the bible being useful for doctrine, reproof, correction and teaching. It means that some parts of the bible will be useful for doctrine, some for reproof , some for correction and some for teaching. As Christians, we must be able to discern which is which, or we will end up with many strange and false doctrines from stories that were simply described to us, but never prescribed.

Concerning polygamy, there are many examples of its practice across scripture by some who were very dear to God’s heart, many great men, used mightily of God; and this was the argument of someone who engaged me on this issue a few years ago. His insistence on polygamy being ok for Christians today, drove me to search the bible and I realised that Jesus and his apostles, kept using the singular of husband and wife in their speeches. Not once was the word ‘husband’ mentioned with ‘wives’, throughout the New Testament. Jesus’s words in Mark 10:6-9, provide one such example. Now, this happened at least 40 times in the New Testament. 40 different instructions to New Testament couples, and all, strictly talking monogamy. It was no mistake or coincidence. The New Testament did not record a single word in support of polygamy, but rather consistently promoted monogamy. What does that tell us?

Remember also, that even in the Old Testament, there were warnings about polygamy for kings (Deut 17:17) and several examples of its drawbacks, even in the lives of men of great faith, courage and wisdom such as in 1 Kings 11:3-4.

It’s always important to find out the context in which narratives were made and the overall stance of both the Old and the New Testament on any matter, before building our convictions around it.

May God’s word dwell richly in you and I, that we may know it for ourselves and also understand, preach and practise it the way He intends for us to, in Jesus name I pray, Amen.