Ensuring Respectful Responses to Questions While Upholding Scripture's Authority

The Bible emphasizes the importance of responding to questions and doubts with respect and adherence to Scripture. In Titus 1:9, the apostle Paul instructs Titus to "keep to the true word of the teaching, so that he may be able to give comfort by right teaching and overcome the arguments of the doubters" ^[1]. This passage highlights the need to uphold Scripture's authority while addressing questions and concerns.

The concept of respecting others while maintaining biblical authority is rooted in various biblical teachings. For instance, the Bible encourages believers to be humble, as seen in Micah 6:8, which states that humility is "necessary to the service of God" ^[3]. This humility is essential in responding to questions, as it allows individuals to approach others with kindness and understanding.

Torrey's Topical Textbook highlights the significance of truth in Christian conduct, noting that "God is a God of truth" and that "the word of God is truth" ^[4]. This emphasis on truth underscores the importance of upholding Scripture's authority in responses to questions. Moreover, the textbook stresses the need for heedfulness in various aspects of Christian life, including "in what we hear" and "in how we hear" ^[2]. This heedfulness is crucial in ensuring that responses to questions are respectful and grounded in Scripture.

In 1 Peter 1:16, the apostle Peter quotes Leviticus 11:44, saying, "Be ye holy; for I am holy" ^[5]. This passage emphasizes the importance of living a holy life, which includes responding to others with respect and kindness. Matthew Henry's commentary on this verse notes that God's holiness is the foundation for human holiness, and that believers should strive to be "partakers of holiness" ^[5].

The Bible also encourages believers to be mindful of their speech, as seen in Proverbs 5:1, where Solomon exhorts his son to "attend, and bow thy ear" to his words ^[6]. This passage highlights the importance of listening carefully and responding thoughtfully. In Proverbs 8:32, Wisdom exhorts readers to "hear and obey" her voice, emphasizing the need to submit to God's instruction ^[9].

In responding to questions while upholding Scripture's authority, believers must balance respect for others with fidelity to biblical teachings. As John Gill notes in his commentary on 2 Corinthians 6:7, believers may face both "honour and dishonour" as they navigate different responses to their words ^[8]. By remaining committed to Scripture and approaching others with humility and kindness, believers can ensure that their responses are both respectful and grounded in biblical authority.

The Psalms also provide insight into the importance of prayer and seeking God's guidance in responding to questions. In Psalm 119:43, David prays, "Take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth" ^[7]. This verse highlights the need for believers to seek God's help in speaking truthfully and wisely.

Sources

Titus “Titus 1:9 (BBE) — Keeping to the true word of the teaching, so that he may be able to give comfort by right teaching and overcome the arguments of the doubters.”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Heedfulness — Commanded -- Ex 23:13; Pr 4:25-27. Necessary In the care of the soul. -- De 4:9. In the house and worship of God. -- Ec 5:1. In what we hear. -- Mr 4:24. In how we hear. -- Lu 8:18. In keeping God's commandments. -- Jos 22:5. In conduct. -- Eph 5:15. In speech. -- Pr 13:3; Jas 1:19. In worldly company. -- Ps 39:1; Col 4:5. In giving judgment. -- 1Ch 19:6,7. Against sin. -- Heb 12:15,16. Against unbelief. -- Heb 3:12. Against idolatry. -- De 4:15,16. Against false Christs, and false prophets. -- Mt 24:4,5,23,24. Against false teachers. -- Phm 3:2; Col 2:”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Humility — Necessary to the service of God -- Mic 6:8. Christ an example of -- Mt 11:29; Joh 13:14,15; Php 2:5-8. A characteristic of saints -- Ps 34:2. The who have Regarded by God. -- Ps 138:6; Isa 66:2. Heard by God. -- Ps 9:12; Isa 10:17. Enjoy the presence of God. -- Isa 57:15. Delivered by God. -- Job 22:29. Lifted up by God. -- Jas 4:10. Exalted by God. -- Lu 14:11; 18:14. Are greatest in Christ's kingdom. -- Mt 18:4; 20:26-28. Receive more grace. -- Pr 3:34; Jas 4:6. Upheld by honour. -- Pr 18:12; 29:23. Is before honour -- Pr 15:33. Leads to riches, honour, ”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Truth — God is a God of -- De 32:4; Ps 31:15. Christ is -- Joh 14:6; 7:18. Christ was full of -- Joh 1:14. Christ spoke -- Joh 8:45. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of -- Joh 14:17. The Holy Spirit guides into all -- Joh 16:13. The word of God is -- Da 10:21; Joh 17:17. God regards, with favour -- Jer 5:3. The judgments of God are according to -- Ps 96:13; Ro 2:2. Saints should Worship God in. -- Joh 4:24; Ps 145:18. Serve God in. -- Jos 24:14; 1Sa 12:24. Walk before God in. -- 1Ki 2:4; 2Ki 20:3. Keep religious feasts with. -- 1Co 5:8. Esteem, as inestimable. -- Pr 23:”
1 Peter (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Peter 1:16: Scripture is the true source of all authority in questions of doctrine and practice. Be ye . . . for I am--It is I with whom ye have to do. Ye are mine. Therefore abstain from Gentile pollutions. We are too prone to have respect unto men [CALVIN]. As I am the fountain of holiness, being holy in My essence, be ye therefore zealous to be partakers of holiness, that ye may be as I also am [DIDYMUS]. God is essentially holy: the creature is holy in so far as it is sanctified by God. God, in giving the command, is willing to give also the power to obey i”
Proverbs (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Proverbs 5:1: Here we have, I. A solemn preface, to introduce the caution which follows, Pro 5:1, Pro 5:2. Solomon here addresses himself to his son, that is, to all young men, as unto his children, whom he has an affection for and some influence upon. In God's name, he demands attention; for he writes by divine inspiration, and is a prophet, though he begins not with, Thus saith the Lord. "Attend, and bow thy ear; not only hear what is said, and read what is written, but apply thy mind to it and consider it diligently." To gain attention he urges, 1. The excellency of his dis”
Psalms (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Psalms 119:43: Here is, 1. David's humble petition for the tongue of the learned, that he might know how to speak a word in season for the glory of God: Take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth. He means, "Lord, let the word of truth be always in my mouth; let me have the wisdom and courage which are necessary to enable me both to use my knowledge for the instruction of others, and, like the good householder, to bring out of my treasury things new and old, and to make profession of my faith whenever I am called to it." We have need to pray to God that we may never be”
2 Corinthians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 2 Corinthians 6:7: By honour and dishonour,.... Some persons think and speak honourably of us, and behave in a reverent manner towards us; they wish us well, bid us God speed, receive us into their houses, and treat us with respect: others think meanly of us, speak of us with the utmost contempt, and use us as if we were the filth of the world, and the offscouring of all things; so we pass through the world; this is the treatment we meet with on the right hand and on the left; nor are we much affected with it: by evil report and good report; as it fares with our persons, so with”
Proverbs (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Proverbs 8:32: We have here the application of Wisdom's discourse; the design and tendency of it is to bring us all into an entire subjection to the laws of religion, to make us wise and good, not to fill our heads with speculations, or our tongues with disputes, but to rectify what is amiss in our hearts and lives. In order to this, here is, I. An exhortation to hear and obey the voice of Wisdom, to attend and comply with the good instructions that the word of God gives us, and in them to discern the voice of Christ, as the sheep know the shepherd's voice. 1. We must be dilig”

Ask Your Own Question