Are You Thinking Critically About What You Think You Know?

In the quest for knowledge, are you genuinely understanding, or merely possessing information? There's a significant difference between truly comprehending something and simply accepting the opinions of so-called "experts." Often, what we consider knowledge is just an interpretation of religious texts by self-proclaimed authorities. When we discuss the Bible, we frequently echo the sentiments of pastors or theologians rather than sharing insights gained from our own critical examination.

Why is it so crucial to understand and prove what you believe? It’s not unusual to care deeply about the foundation of your faith. Yet, many are content to inherit knowledge without personal investigation. Instead of delving into the Bible themselves, they rely on interpretations from supposed religious leaders and scholars. This approach stifles the intellect and undermines our spiritual growth.

We possess brains, hearts, and minds for a reason—to think critically and feel deeply. The Bible encourages this kind of reflective practice, stating, “Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning,” (Proverbs 9:9).

Do you realize that much of what you learn from religious leaders isn't considered Bible-based understanding? Many pastors and scholars merely propagate interpretations rooted in tradition and philosophy rather than the undefiled wisdom of the Bible. This is why it's essential to scrutinize and validate your beliefs through personal study and reflection.

The Bible often speaks of “the sons of men” and “the sons of God.” For instance, Solomon distinguishes between the labor given to the sons of men and the wisdom, knowledge, and joy granted to the good in God’s sight (Ecclesiastes 2:26). In biblical terms, a “son” isn't just a literal offspring but a messenger or minister of religious doctrine. Likewise, a “man” symbolizes a priest, prophet, or spiritual leader.

A “son of man” thus represents someone whose spiritual understanding is derived from previous religious traditions and teachings. This inherited knowledge can sometimes overshadow the original vision of the Bible. The “sons of men” are often caught up in philosophical interpretations, blinding them to the true essence of biblical wisdom. I have given a presentation on who the sons of men and the sons of God are.

To develop a profound understanding of the Bible, we must personally engage with its words. This means moving beyond the secondhand interpretations offered by others and cultivating our own insights. As we critically analyze and weigh what we've been taught against the actual text, we can attain a deeper comprehension of our belief.

We need to be able to answer the question: Who am I? By critically examining our beliefs, we become proficient in the Bible's language of wisdom. This transformation is urged in Romans 12:2: “Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

We are designed to think and to feel, to labor wisely with our hearts and minds. Embracing critical thinking and “rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15) leads to sure knowledge that we can live by. This journey involves both learning and unlearning, guided by acquired wisdom from the Bible, for our personal growth and the edification of those around us.

We have a responsibility to nurture our faith’s intellect. Remaining solely under the teachings of the “sons of men” can limit our spiritual understanding. Instead, by examining the Bible personally and critically, we can discover its profound truths and apply them to our lives. This approach not only enriches our own spiritual journey but also benefits those within our influence, fostering a community grounded in the Bible’s true wisdom.

Jesus: The Son of Joseph or The Son of David?

With my book, The Dawn of Devotion, hitting shelves this week, I am still wanting to touch on certain subjects that it brings out. The Bible is full of wisdom, where every verse holds layers of meaning waiting to be uncovered. One such puzzle lies in the relationship between Jesus and Joseph, as highlighted in the book of Luke. It is here that we will look into this intriguing narrative, shedding light on how the Bible, above mere biological ties, emphasizes deeper philosophical and spiritual bonds between individuals.

Deciphering “Son” and “Father” in Biblical Context

The Bible often employs symbolic language, inviting readers to look beyond surface meanings to find the reality. In Luke, Jesus is described as being the “supposed” son of Joseph, and yet David is later referred to as his “father.” This weird situation sparks a journey of understanding, where “son” and “father” transcend their literal definitions.

Philosophical Bonds Over Biological Ties

Within the Bible, “son” and “father” often symbolize spiritual relationships rather than biological ones. The scriptures speak of individuals as a "son in the faith" (1 Tim. 1:2), emphasizing a mentorship or stewardship dynamic rather than a blood connection. Again, the wife of Isaac, Rebekah, was also told that the two sons within her shouldn’t honestly be thought of as literal boys, but as denominations. This sheds light on the nuanced nature of familial terminology within the Bible .

Adam as a Precedent

The genealogy presented in Luke traces Jesus' lineage back to Adam, the first man. Adam, created from the dust of the earth and infused with a certain breath, serves as a precedent for biblical “sons” who represent spiritual successors rather than direct descendants. This spiritual lineage underscores the profound connection between what is human and what is devotional.

The Breath of God and Spiritual Activation

Adam, as the first son of God, received a certain breath that animated his being. However, his failure highlighted the need for a deeper spiritual connection beyond mere existence. The Bible teaches that true strength comes from being strengthened within the inner man, emphasizing the importance of spiritual enlightenment for true vitality. It is in Ephesians where the counsel to be strengthened with Spirit, with even the same Spirit that animated that Adam, within the inner man is given. If it is the inner man that is to awaken, this again allows us to know that Adam’s sonship wasn’t literal, but philosophical, making him not the first “man,” but rather the first “mind.”

Jesus, the Chief Apostle

In contrast to Adam, Jesus is heralded as the living God's chief apostle, imbued with that same transcendent and omnipotent breath. His words emphasize the transformative power of spiritual enlightenment, offering a path to wellbeing beyond natural or routine religious confines. Jesus' designation as the Holy Ghost’s “child” does not highlight his origin as being otherworldly, but highlights his mind as being aligned with what is inwardly well.

Creation of a Clean Heart

The cleansing and renewal of the devotional conversation’s heart is the Bible’s central theme. The psalm, "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10), underscores the transformative power of the Bible’s words, leading to spiritual renewal and enlightenment.

David's Lineage and Spiritual Legacy

Jesus' connection to David extends beyond biological lineage to embody a spiritual inheritance of understanding. The saying, that Jesus should be of the "house of David," symbolizes a philosophical lineage passed down through generations, ultimately culminating in continual spiritual culture.

A Wise Continuation

From Adam to the prophets, the blessing and commandment of the scriptures have been passed down through faithful individuals, culminating in Jesus as the highlighted messenger of what has been passed down. His ministry embodied the wisdom and teachings of his spiritual predecessors.

Building the Inner Temple

The wisdom that was passed down to the real Jesus focused on building the inner devotional temple, where the Bible’s wisdom should reside. Hearers are advised to honor the Creator from out of the spirit of their mind, undergoing spiritual renewal and transformation through diligently studying and applying what is retained.

Conclusion: Embracing the Divine Name

The topic of the meaning of the terms “son” and “father,” in relation to the nature of Jesus, is a complex and intricate subject that Dawn of Devotion covers. Sonship and lineage ultimately transcend biological ties to refer to a relationship similar to one mentally or spiritually being the product of another. Joseph wasn’t the literal father of Jesus, but was his religious father. David wasn’t the literal father of Jesus, but because Jesus adopted the philosophical mindset of David, David became his father in thought, in act, and in feeling. By understanding how the Bible speaks, we can easily follow the Bible’s narrative, being able to better align our learning experience with its intention.

I have a powerpoint presentation on understanding the nature of Jesus’ life and birth.