Surrounding Ourselves with People Who Prioritize Biblical Accuracy
Surrounding Ourselves with People Who Prioritize Biblical Accuracy
The biblical concept of surrounding ourselves with people who prioritize biblical accuracy is rooted in the idea of community and mutual accountability among believers. In Hebrews 10:22, the author exhorts readers to "draw near with a true heart in fullness of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and having our body washed with pure water" [1]. This call to gather together with others who are committed to faith implies the importance of being in community with like-minded individuals.
The Psalmist expresses a similar sentiment in Psalm 101:6, where it is written, "Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land..." [2]. According to John Gill, this verse indicates that David's eyes were upon the faithful in the land, looking out for and promoting those who were trustworthy [2]. This idea is echoed in the New Testament, where the author of Hebrews encourages believers to "consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, but encouraging one another" (Hebrews 10:24-25).
The importance of being in community with others who prioritize biblical accuracy is also highlighted in the context of spiritual growth and perseverance. The author of Hebrews writes, "For if we are faithful to the end, we will be part of God's household" (Hebrews 3:14) [5]. This emphasis on perseverance and faithfulness is closely tied to the idea of being surrounded by others who share these values.
In Isaiah 51:1, the prophet calls out to those who "follow after righteousness" [6]. John Gill interprets this as a reference to those who are seeking the righteousness of Christ, rather than their own [6]. This pursuit of righteousness is not a solitary endeavor, but rather one that is facilitated by being in community with others who share this goal.
The New Testament also provides examples of the importance of being in community with others who prioritize biblical accuracy. In 2 Corinthians 6:7, Paul writes about the challenges of ministry, including being treated with "honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report" [3]. John Gill notes that this verse highlights the mixed reception that ministers of the gospel may receive, and the need for perseverance in the face of adversity [3].
The idea of surrounding ourselves with people who prioritize biblical accuracy is not limited to the individual level, but also has implications for the corporate life of the church. In Psalm 87:4, the Psalmist compares Zion favorably to other places, noting that while other nations may have their own glories, the church of Christ is more glorious and excellent [4]. Matthew Henry interprets this as a reference to the church's unique status as the people of God [4].
Sources
- Hebrews “let’s draw near with a true heart in fullness of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and having our body washed with pure water, -- Hebrews 10:22”
- Psalms (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Psalms 101:6: Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land,.... To look them out, bring them to court, and promote them to places of honour and trust; such an one was David himself, and such there were in the land of Israel, though but few, and of which he complains, Psa 12:1. Christ's eyes are upon faithful persons, on faithful ministers of the word, who preach the Gospel faithfully, administer the ordinances truly, are faithful to the souls of men in watching over them, reproving and exhorting them; his eyes are upon them to keep and preserve them, and to honour and reward t”
- 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”
- Psalms (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Psalms 87:4: Zion is here compared with other places, and preferred before them; the church of Christ is more glorious and excellent than the nations of the earth. 1. It is owned that other places have their glories (Psa 87:4): "I will make mention of Rahab" (that is, Egypt) "and Babylon, to those that know me and are about me, and with whom I discourse about public affairs; behold Philistia and Tyre, with Ethiopia" (or rather Arabia), "we will observe that this man was born there; here and there one famous man, eminent for knowledge and virtue, may be produced, that was a nat”
- Hebrews (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Hebrews 3:14: 3:14 For if we are faithful: Those who persevere in the faith have assurance that they are indeed part of God’s family (see 3:6; Rom 8:9, 17; 11:22; 2 Cor 13:5; Col 1:22-23).”
- Isaiah (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Isaiah 51:1: Hearken unto me, ye that follow after righteousness,.... After having declared the doom of the wicked, and those that trust to their own righteousness, the Lord returns to them that fear him, whom he describes as such that "follow after righteousness"; not the righteousness of the law, it is the character of carnal Israel to follow after that; nor is that attainable in the way it is pursued by such; nor is there any justification by it; nor is following that consistent with seeking the Lord, in the next clause: but the righteousness of Christ is meant; not his essenti”