Proverbs: The Fear of the Lord and Wisdom: Can We All Just Get Along?

Can We All Just Get Along? Pt. 2

Transcript: AI Transcript

Professor: John Weaver

Subject: Old Testament Studies

Genre: Sermon

Dictation Name:

Date: 2018-02-04

Synopsis: John Weaver continues his series on divisions among Christians by examining the human side of the problem. He argues that a primary cause of division is the failure to study Scripture diligently, as commanded in 2 Timothy 2:15. He emphasizes that real study is hard work, requiring discipline and sacrifice, and that most Christians never truly study but rely on secondhand knowledge. A second cause is the failure to listen and learn from God-ordained pastor-teachers, who are given for the perfecting of the saints and unity of the faith. A third cause is the failure to apply truth, which leads to losing it, based on the principle in Mark 4:24-25 that God measures truth to us according to our use of it. Weaver stresses that even when we use the means, God remains sovereign in illumination; understanding is His gift, and He may give or withhold it. The message calls believers to diligent study, attentive hearing, and active application of Scripture, while humbly depending on God for understanding.

[John Weaver] 2 Timothy 2, verse 15. This is the second message in the series, Can We All Just Get Along? If you have not heard the first message, I trust that you will do so. I pointed out in the very first message in my introduction that the title for this series actually came from a statement from Rodney King, the black motorist that was beaten by four white police officers in Los Angeles, California.

[John Weaver] And of course it set off a riot and over 50 people were killed, 2,000 injured. It cost Los Angeles over two billion dollars. And on May the 1st, 1992, in appealing for calm and peace, Rodney King asked this question, can we all just get along? Well, I was asked that same question in another light from a brother who was absolutely dismayed at all the divisions and the hard feelings that exists between Christians. And he just was astounded that many Christians just simply cannot get along. And I pointed out in the very first message how that our Lord calls divisions And he was the source of many divisions. In fact, he said in Luke chapter 12, he came not to bring peace, but a sword. And he came to cause divisions.

[John Weaver] And he talked about in one household, the father to be against the son, the son against the father, the mother against the daughter, daughter against the mother, daughter-in-law against the mother-in-law, etc. And then I shared with you a number of scriptures where there were indeed divisions concerning Jesus Christ. One of those scriptures was John 9 in verse 16, Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, for he keepeth not the Sabbath day. That is their interpretation of the Sabbath. Others said, How can a man who is a sinner do such miracles?

[John Weaver] And there was a division among them. And so Christ does indeed divide.

[John Weaver] Now when I'm speaking about getting along, I'm certainly not speaking about getting along with infidels and unbelievers and heretics. No, I'm trying to demonstrate to you why there are divisions among Christians. People of like faith, people of like practice, people who profess to believe in Jesus Christ and the Bible as the inspired word of God.

[John Weaver] Now, if you remember last week, and like I say, I really encourage you to listen to that message. Because I told you that there were actually two answers to this question. One of them is on the divine side and the others on the human side. On the divine side, I pointed out how God is not only sovereign in salvation. He's also sovereign in illumination. If God does not open our understanding, if he does not enlighten our eyes, we will not see and we cannot see. So God does not give light to all equally, nor does He give the same light to the same people at the same time.

[John Weaver] So you have to understand there is indeed the answer of God's absolute sovereignty. And when you stop and think about this, God really does not owe us anything He does not need to enlighten us or inform us, because He's God. As God, He does as He pleases, only as He pleases, and always as He pleases. And it was Elihu in Job 33, in verse 13, asked this question, Why dost thou strive against him?

[John Weaver] For he giveth not account of any of his matters. Isn't that amazing? So if I came up to Tom and I said, Roker, how much money do you have? He could rightly look me in the face and said, that's none of your business. But since I know he's married and has kids, he doesn't have much. But you see what I'm saying? I could ask God something. God could rightly say to me, that's none of your business. He does not need to inform us or give us account of any of the matters. Now, it is true that God must give and God must grant understanding in His Word. And if He does not, we do not see and we do not understand. But the Bible does teach that He does give understanding. Proverbs 2 and verse 6, the Bible tells us this, For the Lord giveth wisdom, out of His mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. So the Lord gives wisdom, and out of His mouth comes knowledge and understanding. It was Paul who instructed Timothy in 2 Timothy 2 and verse 7, and he said this, Consider what I say, and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.

[John Weaver] Now obviously, since understanding is God's gift, God is not going to give us His understanding and His enlightenment willy-nilly. He's not going to give us that understanding without our consideration, without our meditation, and without our study of His Word. We do not go to bed dumb and wake up smart. We do not go to sleep ignorant and wake up brilliant. We do not go to bed despising truth and wake up desiring truth. We do not go to bed hating the study of God's Word, and wake up with a strong habit of studying His Word.

[John Weaver] It just does not work that way. We do have responsibilities. We have been commanded to study. In 2 Timothy 2 and verse 15, if you will look there, the Scripture says this, Study to show thyself approved unto God, A workman that needed not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. So in answer then to the question, why are there divisions among Christians? Not only do you understand the divine side that God is sovereign in illumination, He does not owe us anything. And He may either give or He may withhold His illumination at His pleasure, because He's God. But then there is the human side as well, because we have responsibilities, and when we fail in those responsibilities, obviously we're not going to have enlightenment and we're not going to have understanding. So, when he says, study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth, first I would expect and I would loudly proclaim that one of the greatest causes of divisions Listen carefully.

[John Weaver] One of the greatest causes of division is a lack of and or a failure to study the Word of God. How can you know truth if you do not read? How can you know truth if you do not study? I'm going to make a statement. And I am sure that if each of you were honest, you would back up this statement. The truth is Most Christians never really study. They may read their Bibles, but they don't really study their Bibles. Most Christians know what they have been taught. They know what they have heard. They know what their parents believed. They may even know what the preacher said, but they have never, ever studied the Scriptures for themselves.

[John Weaver] When you stop and think about that. And I've heard people say. My parents taught me this or my grandparents or my friends. There's a vast difference between you hearing something about the Bible. And you studying the Bible for yourself. Now, listen to me. It is practically impossible for one to agree with another who is biblical if the former is completely ignorant of Bible doctrine and Bible truth. How can you agree with someone when you don't even know what he's talking about? How can you agree with someone when you don't understand or when you do not see? And yet we've been commanded to understand, we've been commanded to study. Let me tell you something. This may shock you, but I'm going to show you numerous commands in the Bible where Christians are commanded to have the same mind. That is, we're to think alike.

[John Weaver] Now, let me ask you, how is it Gordon has his life in his family and his work. Tom has his. Ben has his. Robert and Doc have. How is it with such different vocations and such different callings and different environments? How is it that we could come together and all have one mind? And the answer is, We all believe, read, and study the Word of God, and submit our minds to the Word of God. Let me show you.

[John Weaver] I want you to turn in your Bibles, first of all, to the book of Romans, chapter 12. The book of Romans, chapter 12. And let's look, if you would please, at verse 16. Romans, chapter 12, verse 16. Here's what the Scripture says, Romans 12, verse 16. Watch carefully. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. Notice, be of the same mind one toward another. If you would turn right over to First Corinthians, chapter one. Just a few pages. First Corinthians chapter one and look at verse 10. Here, the apostle Paul says this first Corinthians one verse 10.

[John Weaver] Now, I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing and there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. Wow. How in the world can we have the same mind and the same judgment? We have to submit to the same truth and the same authority.

[John Weaver] Turn in your Bibles, if you would, to the book of Philippians, chapter two. Notice, if you would please, Philippians, chapter two. And notice, if you would, verse two, the apostle writes, Fulfill ye my joy that you be like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind." Isn't that amazing? Fulfill ye my joy that you be like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Look in Philippians 3 and verse 16.

[John Weaver] Nevertheless, we have already attained. Let us walk by the same rule. Let us mind the same thing. Then if you'll skip down to chapter four in verse two, Paul is admonishing two women. Watch what he says. I beseech you, Odius, and I beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. Now, here were two women that were having a little problem. Sometimes I slip up and call their names odious and stinky, but you know. What did Paul tell them? You better be of the same mind. Quit your arguing. Quit your dividing. Be of the same mind. Look in your Bibles to 1 Peter 3 and verse 8. 1 Peter 3 and verse 8. Watch, if you would, carefully. 1 Peter 3, verse 8. In this passage, the Word of God very clearly speaks, and notice if you would, 1 Peter 3, verse 8, the Word of God says this, Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love his brethren, be pitiful, be courteous. Finally, be ye all of one mind, Look in 1 Peter 4 and verse 1.

[John Weaver] 1 Peter 4 and verse 1. Forasmuch as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind. For he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin. And may I remind you of Philippians 2 and verse 5 when God says, let this mind be in you, which also was in Christ Jesus. When you go back to 2 Timothy 2 and verse 15, I want you to look at that. Because if we're going to have the same mind, we have to obey this command where the Word of God tells us that we are to study to show ourselves approved unto God, workmen that need not to be ashamed. So, how in the world can we have the same mind if we do not study the same book, How can we say the same thing if we do not think alike? And how can we not think alike if we do not study the scriptures? Now, he said, study to show yourselves approved unto God. Now, let me break this verse down for you.

[John Weaver] The Greek word for study is the word Spoundazo. You know, I love some of these Greek words. I really do. I love to say them. But one of my favorite words in the Greek language is the word for wife, gouni. So sometimes I say, there's my goonie, or goonay, goonie. So obviously, you know, there are certain words that just stand out. This one is one that stands out, spoudonzo. It literally means to endeavor, to do diligence, to be diligent, to give diligence, and to labor and to study. So the implication of this word is of one hastening, endeavoring, and doing diligence in exerting himself. That's what it means when it says study. Now, the word for workman here is ergetes. It literally refers to a laborer, a workman, or a worker, Ah, listen, to someone who works in the fields like an agricultural worker. Now, since I was raised on a farm, I understand the implication of what it means to work in the fields. You work in the fields when it's hot. You work in the fields when it's cold.

[John Weaver] You work in the fields when it's dry and you work in the fields when it's raining. It doesn't matter. It has to be done and you have to do it. It doesn't matter if you're sweating. It doesn't matter if you're freezing. It has to be done. And this is what he's saying. You study to show yourself a workman, someone who's willing to sweat it out. Someone who's willing to freeze it out. You study.

[John Weaver] Now, watch if you would please. He said, study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing." Now the word dividing is a very unique word. It is the Greek word ortho tomeo and it literally means, listen carefully, to cut straight. To cut a straight course. To make straight and smooth. To handle rightly. And to teach the truth directly and correctly. Notice if you would, I told you it means to cut a straight course. It's interesting when he says study, he's talking about real hard work. And when he talks about a workman, he's talking about someone who's laboring in the field. And now he's talking about cutting a straight line. If you've never planted If you've never harrowed, if you've never turned dirt, if you've never plowed, let me tell you how to cut a straight line. It's very simple.

[John Weaver] When I start out in the field with my tractor or anyone's tractor, I don't care what I'm doing. If it's the first swath through that field, I look way at the far end of that field. And I pick out one tree. And I start driving right straight to that tree, and I do not take my eyes off from that tree. And when I get to the end, I can look back and the line will be just as straight as if you had pulled the line on it. But if you ever start looking back to see what you're doing, you're going to always wiggle. You can never plow straight. You can never plant straight looking back.

[John Weaver] You remember what our Lord said? He that putteth his hand to the plow and looketh back is not fit for the kingdom of God. You remember that? So if you're going to cut a straight line, you have to stay straight in the book.

[John Weaver] Now, watch what he said. Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly cutting straight the word of truth. If you put this verse together so far. I hope you've come up with this understanding that real study is hard work. And the truth of the matter is. Many pastors do not engage in this hard work, much less Christians. We have failed miserably in the last fifty to a hundred years in Christianity, and our sin of disobedience in this area is really and truly catching up with us because we have so many ignorant, downright ignorant, professing Christians.

[John Weaver] They could not explain justification by faith. They could not explain sanctification. They cannot explain salvation. They cannot explain any major doctrine of the Bible in a reasonable manner where people can understand it. Because they don't know. They do not know. Let me show you something. I want you to turn in your Bibles to the book of Proverbs, chapter two.

[John Weaver] Now I'm going to read the first six verses. Then I want to go back and emphasize something with my voice. I want you to watch this. Proverbs, chapter two. And let's begin reading there with verse one. Proverbs, chapter two, verse one. In fact, I'll just I'll just emphasize it as I read it. Watch it. Look at it carefully. Proverbs 2, beginning with verse 1. My son, if thou will receive my words and hide my commandments with thee, so that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom and apply thine heart unto understanding, yea, if thou cryest after knowledge and liftest up thy voice for understanding, if thou seekest her as for silver and searchest for her as for hid treasures, then Shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord giveth wisdom out of his mouth, cometh knowledge and understanding." I hope you understand, in these few verses, he talks about receiving his words, hiding his commandments, and planning your ear, applying your heart, crying after knowledge, lifting up your voice for understanding.

[John Weaver] Seeking knowledge and understanding is silver, and searching for it is hidden treasures. Then he said, thou shalt understand. Do you perceive that just reading Proverbs 2 verses 1 through 6, there is an awful lot of work involved in studying. Wow. Let me ask you a question, he said, if you really want to learn, if you would seek understanding as silver and search for hidden treasures. So let's suppose that you knew, you knew that there was a buried treasure on your property. You knew it for sure. You just didn't know where.

[John Weaver] Would you go out and dig one day and say, oh, I'm tired. I'll stop. I'll try this again next month. Would you do that? No. You know what you would do? You would keep digging until you fell out. And if you got so tired, you would just go catch you a few hours of a nap and you'd come back and dig again because you would want that treasure. And God says, when you take that kind of attitude and you really want to study, then he said, I'm going to give you some truth.

[John Weaver] Now, let me explain something to you, folks. The truth is that study is hard work, which is why most people never engage in it. And the reason why some who begin it do not ever continue with it. And I will tell you this consistency in and of itself is hard work. And study requires discipline and sacrifice. There are very few that are willing to pay the price.

[John Weaver] It's easier to remain ignorant. It's easier to depend upon someone else. It's easier. Just to say I'm too busy. Consequently, most professing Christians today are not only just ignorant. They're ignorant of Bible doctrine, on a large scale and ignorant of the Bible in general. It's absolutely astounding when you stop and think of how little people really study. God has not written his word for lazy people who are too dilatory or too busy with the things of this world, or like Martha, who was too busy serving and have no time and no heart to search and study the scriptures. When Martha said, Lord, make Mary help me, he said, oh, she's chosen the good part. She's going to sit here and learn. You know what the Bible says in Proverbs 25 and verse 2, it's the glory of God to conceal a thing, but the honor of kings to search out a matter. And if we've been made kings and priests unto him, it is our honor to search out his word. Those who are unwilling to work are unwilling to learn.

[John Weaver] Those who are unwilling to sweat and dig will never find the treasure. It's just that simple. Are you listening? There will never be a consensus of doctrine or belief unless Christians in general learn to read, study, and apply the Word of God. Divisions will continue to exist and they will multiply because of the ignorance of Christians in general and their disobedience to 2 Timothy 2 verse 15. Study to show yourselves approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the truth. I've got two other points, and they are fitting right with what I'm just telling you.

[John Weaver] The second one is this. Along with the responsibility to study comes the responsibility to listen and learn. We could classify this maybe as a failure to be taught. You know, the Apostle Paul told Timothy in 1 Timothy chapter 4 and verse 11, these things command and teach. Wow! Remember, Timothy was a pastor. These things command and teach.

[John Weaver] Now let me show you something. I want you to turn to the book of Ephesians chapter 4. Ephesians chapter 4. And I want you to follow me. As I read this passage, Ephesians chapter four. And we're going to begin with verse eight. Ephesians four, verse eight, and we're going to read through verse 16. Watch Ephesians four, verse eight, wherefore, he said when he, that is, Jesus Christ, ascended upon high, he led captivity captive and gave gifts unto men.

[John Weaver] Now that he ascended, what is it that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.

[John Weaver] Now remember, he gave gifts unto men in verse 8. What are some of those gifts? Verse 11. And he gave some apostles, and some prophets, and some evangelists, and some pastor-teachers. Actually, pastor-teachers is one group. Why did God initially give us apostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastor-teachers? Here's why. For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come in the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God unto a perfect or mature man unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.

[John Weaver] that we henceforth be no more children tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine by the slight of men and cunning craftiness whereby they lie and wait to deceive. But speaking the truth in love may grow up into him in all things which is the head, even Christ, from whom the whole body, fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working and the measure of every part, make an increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love."

[John Weaver] Now, why did God give pastor teachers? Now, the apostleship is over and done with. And if I were to take time, I could show you that the pastor has commanded the scripture to do the work of an evangelist. So, We now have pastor-teachers. Why did God give pastor-teachers? And the answer is very plainly given to us. He said, in verse 12, for the perfecting of the saints. for the work of the ministry, for the edifying or the building of the body of Christ, till we all come into the unity of the faith, isn't that amazing? That is, having the same mind and of the knowledge of the Son of God unto a perfect or mature man, unto the measure, the stature, the fullness of Christ, that we be no more children tossed to and fro.

[John Weaver] In other words, we have grown up. We know. We understand. Now, listen carefully. As a pastor teacher. I have the duty, the responsibility, the obligation of studying, preaching and teaching. But if that is my duty, my obligation, my responsibility, there is a corollary duty and obligation responsibility on your part. Which is? You're required to listen and to learn and apply the truth that is being taught. Why did God give pastor-teachers?

[John Weaver] For the perfecting of the saints. For the building up of the body of Christ. For the maturing. I understand that not every Christian can devote hours a day to study. I understand that. I mean, not every Christian has the same calling. Not every Christian is called to be a pastor teacher. Most have different vocations and therefore they are unable to spend hours a day studying. We have a couple of doctors here.

[John Weaver] I never will forget when I was a boy. The doctor that I went to was Dr. Sam's. I think he finally died about 100 years of age, and he looked just as young at 100 as he did in the 60s and 70s. And I often thought as a boy, how does he do this? He was there day and night. And if you were in the hospital, he was there, too. Now, I can assure you that a doctor that stays with it. And it has emergency calls, he's not going to have three or four or five hours a day to study. He's just not going to do it.

[John Weaver] All I'm trying to say is this. You may not have four or five hours a day to study, but. You can be faithful to the preaching and teaching of the word of God and each Christian no matter what your occupation, can listen, learn, take notes, and seek to apply the truth that he has heard. Each Christian can ask questions. Each Christian can search the scriptures in those areas in which he does not understand or is unclear upon.

[John Weaver] Do you remember in Acts chapter 17, it was the Apostle Paul who preach to the Bereans. And here's what the Bible says, Acts 17 verse 11, talking about the Bereans. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind and searched the scriptures daily whether these things were so. What separated the Bereans from the Thessalonicans and the Athenians in Acts 17? Well, the answer is they had a ready mind to receive the word of God and they search the scriptures daily to verify that what the Apostle Paul said was true.

[John Weaver] Let me tell you something, even hearing requires discipline, concentration and determination. If you're going to hear You have to work at being undistracted. You have to control your thoughts. You have to listen intently. You must seek to follow the line of thought and the scriptures and the points that are being made. I preach approximately an hour each time I preach. Have you ever thought about this? What I give you in an hour has cost me hours, days, months, and sometimes years. I often have people ask me, well, how long did it take you to work up that message? And I always like to smile and say, 53 years. Because that's how long I've been studying.

[John Weaver] And yes, some messages come very quickly. Others do not. I've got messages that I'm working on that I've been working on for over a year. The point I'm trying to make is this. If you can learn in an hour what it has taken me days and weeks and months on earth You're by far the better off. You're by far the better off. But let me tell you what the problem is. The problem is very simple.

[John Weaver] And I learned this the hard way many years ago. If something doesn't really cost you. You don't really appreciate it. And since. My work. or the work of any pastor doesn't really cost you. Sometimes you take the attitude, easy come, easy go. If I don't get it this week, I'll get it next week. If I don't get it next week, I'll catch it next month. If I don't get it next month, I'll catch it next year. And the truth is you never get it and you never catch it. You see, the truth of the matter is this. When you sit and it costs you to listen and to pay attention and not be distracted and you concentrate and you see, then you appreciate what you have.

[John Weaver] Now, our Lord said in Matthew 11, verse 15 and other passages to help me out. He that had ears to hear what? Let him hear. If you've got ears, if you have the ability to hear, you are obligated and responsible to hear the truth. OK. I'm just pointing out why there are so many divisions. Number one, I pointed out the divine side. I'm on the human side now.

[John Weaver] Most Christians do not study. Most Christians really do not listen. to the preaching of the Word of God. They do not learn. They do not apply. Preaching to most people has become a ritual, a ceremony. We go to church because if we don't, somebody might think we're an atheist. Or somebody might say something about us. We don't really go to worship God. We don't really go to learn.

[John Weaver] There's the failure to apply the truth and to live by biblical principle. Listen carefully. When you fail to apply the truth and when you fail to live by biblical principle, it leads to ignorance, a loss of understanding and division. Now, you're going to ask me, how can the failure to apply the truth lead to ignorance, a loss of understanding and division? Well, the answer is very simple. Because God has designed and ordained a principle, which I'm going to show you. And here's that principle very plainly stated. Listen carefully. If you don't use the truth, you lose the truth. That's very simple. If you hear, and if you acquire a mental understanding of what is said, but then you do not apply it to your life, you lose the truth. Because it is really not yours until you apply it. Let me show you.

[John Weaver] I want you to look in your Bibles through the book of Mark, chapter 4. I want to show you this principle. Look at Mark chapter four. And let's begin reading with verse twenty three. Mark four. Notice he would verse twenty three and we'll read through verse twenty five, Mark four. Our Lord said, if any man have ears to hear, let him hear Mark four, verse twenty three, and he said unto them, take heed what you hear. With what measure you meet, it shall be measured to you, and to you that hear shall more be given. For he that hath, to him shall be given, and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath." Now, I want you to notice first that our Lord gives us a specific warning After he says in verse 23, if any man have ears to hear, let him hear. He gives us a specific warning in verse 24 and he said to them, take heed what you hear.

[John Weaver] In other words, it is your responsibility to make sure that what you're hearing is the word of God. When you get to Luke 8 and verse 18 in the same context, he says it just a little differently. He says, take heed how you hear. So you're responsible for not only what you hear, but you're also responsible for how you hear. So God says you make sure that first and foremost, you are hearing the Word of God. And secondly, you better take heed how you hear it. So this second and third point happens to be intimately connected with the first point. Our Lord establishes a second principle in verse 24. Look at it. He said, Take heed what you hear.

[John Weaver] With what measure you meet, it shall be measured to you. So, let me explain it like this. He says, Take heed what you hear. With what measure you measure, it shall be measured unto you. So, here's what our Lord is saying. To the degree that you give to reading, studying, and applying the Scripture. To that same degree, truth is going to be measured to you. In other words, you're not going to read your Bible and study your Bible for 10 minutes and get two hours worth of truth. You're not going to study one chapter and get 20 chapters worth of truth. No. God is going to measure truth to you to the same degree, to the same measure that you give in understanding truth. OK? So what measure you measure, it's going to be measured right back to you. So if you don't give much time to reading and studying and applying truth, you're just not going to receive much.

[John Weaver] Now, third, look in verse 24. He says, and he said unto them, take ye what you hear with what measure you meet, it shall be measured to you and unto you that hear shall more be given.

[John Weaver] Now, let me ask you a question. And I want you to think about this. Why in the world should God give you more truth? If you won't obey the truth he's already given you. Why would God give you more truth if you will not apply and use the truth that he's already given you? He said unto you that here shall more be given. All right, listen to me. Truth unapplied is worthless. It still may be truth. But if you don't apply it, it is worthless to you.

[John Weaver] I'm not a mechanic, but if you had car problems, engine problems, and I knew enough to tell you to check on something else. And it was the truth. And you didn't do it. To you, that truth is worthless, it's useless, you did not apply it. Now watch carefully. Because if you do not use the truth, you lose the truth. Look in verse 25. For he that hath, to him shall be given. And he that hath not, from him shall be taken, even that which he hath. So God says if you use the truth, if you apply the truth, I'm going to give you more truth. However, if you fail to use it, if you fail to apply it, you're going to lose it.

[John Weaver] Now, let me explain why. Because unless you apply the truth, it's not really yours to begin with. I want you to look in your Bibles, Luke chapter 8. Look in Luke chapter 8 in verse 18. I told you this is the same context. I want you to see what he says. He says the same thing, just a little differently. And I think you can understand it here. Look in Luke chapter 8 and verse 18. Look at what our Lord says. Luke 8 verse 18.

[John Weaver] Take heed therefore how you hear for whosoever hath to him shall be given and whosoever hath not from him shall be taken even that which what's the next verse word which he seemeth to have. In other words, if you don't apply truth, you don't really have it. You just seem to have it. You might have an intellectual grasp of it, but if you don't apply it, it is not yours. How many of you have learned facts all of your life, and you cannot even give me 20 of the facts that you learned when you were 20 years of age? or 16. You know why? If you don't use the truth, you lose the truth. You could take your right arm and you could strap it to your body and leave it tied to your body for three months or four months. Guess what? When it's loosed, you're going to have to reveal that muscle and you're going to learn to use that arm all over again because It dissipates. The muscle disappears. What's the word I'm trying to think of?

[John Weaver] Atrophy. It goes away. It's the same thing with biblical truth. If you do not apply it and use it, you lose it. And so when Christians then fail to study or fail to listen, or if they hear something, they say, oh, man, that's good. That's truth. And yet they never apply it. They lose it. It's gone. That's why the author of the book of Hebrews said we ought to give them more earnest heed to these things, lest at any time we let them slip.

[John Weaver] Now, let me make just an application today. I'm not through with this. I've got two more messages to demonstrate why there are so many divisions based upon our failure in our Christian responsibilities. But here's the first application, and it's actually the only one I've got. But we must understand that even when we use the means that God has ordained, that God is still sovereign in illumination. He may give illumination, or he may withhold it. You know, what I could do is I could say, I'm going to sit here and I'm going to read the book of Luke over and over and over and over until I understand this thing. But if God doesn't open my mind and my understanding, I could sit here and read until I died, and I'd still never understand it. You see, understanding is His gift, and God may give understanding or He may withhold it at His discretion. He may deprive any of us of our wisdom and our understanding at His pleasure. I just read this week of some people who did some mighty stupid things that cost them their life or their lives, or at least the life or lives of others.

[John Weaver] And I thought, how could anyone do something like that? It's because they have been deprived of understanding. Did you know The ostrich is a good example of one that's been deprived of understanding. Let me show you. Look in your Bibles to the book of Job chapter 39. Job 39. And let's begin reading there with verse 13. Everyone knows how protective a mother is of her child. Or how protective a hen is of her eggs, if she's sitting on them to hatch them. But watch Job 39, beginning there with verse 13. God is asking Job and he says, I gave us out the goodly wings unto the peacock. Or wings and feathers unto the ostrich. Now, look what the ostrich does, which leaveth her eggs in the earth and warmeth them in the dust, she lays them.

[John Weaver] covers them, forgets them and forget it that the foot may crush them or that the wild beast may break them. Look what God says. She is hardened against her young ones as though they were not hers. Her labors in vain without fear. Why? Because God hath deprived her of wisdom, neither hath he imparted to her understanding. What time she lifted up herself on high, she scorned at the horse and his rider.

[John Weaver] She's got certain things the ostrich can really run. But God has deprived her of wisdom, neither has he imparted her understanding. So here's the ostrich, lay an egg, cover it in the dust and walk off. Anything could happen to it. Why? Because God deprived her of wisdom. God did not impart understanding to her. Let me give you an illustration. When I was studying for this, I could not help, when I got to this point, to think of Samson. Samson and Delilah.

[John Weaver] I've often said, I may be stupid, But I'm not that stupid. If Alice asked me, tell me where all your strength is. And I said, oh, it's in my wavy curly hair. Tommy, you and I don't have any. I'm sorry. And I wake up in the morning and all my wavy curly hair is gone. I'm going to think she's not looking after my best interest. Something's wrong. Or if I tell her, well, if you weave it with a spider's web and tie it to a beam, you know, everything that Samson told Delilah, she did to him.

[John Weaver] And he never put two and two together. And finally, when he told her the truth, she shaved his head. And he went out and shook himself as otherwise and wished not that the Lord was departed from him.

[John Weaver] Now, I have to ask myself this question. How could he be so stupid? Could it be the answer is given to us in Proverbs 6 and verse 32? But whoso committed adultery with a woman lacketh understanding. Wow. God says when you commit adultery, you're just plain stupid. You have no understanding. Do you realize there are a number of things in the Bible that God says? That when people do them, they're just plain stupid. Listen to this one. How about Proverbs 12, verse 11? He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread, but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding. Now, God says, if you work and earn your bread by the sweat of your brow, you're going to be satisfied. But somebody who follows a little gang to steal and rob, he says, you're stupid. You have no understanding. And that same thing in Proverbs 24 and verse 30. He said, I went by the field of the slothful and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding. In other words, he won't work.

[John Weaver] He lets everything go to ruin. Do you remember that passage in Matthew 13, verse 19, the parable of the sower there? Our Lord said, when anyone hears the word of the kingdom and understands it not, then come at the wicked one and catch the way that which was sown in his heart. And then God even speaks of some in First Timothy, chapter one in verse seven, when he says, desiring to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say nor what they affirm. In other words, here are some that claim to be teachers and they're totally, absolutely without understanding because they want understanding apart from God. It is true we must seek God for understanding.

[John Weaver] We're commanded to do so. However, we have to understand. Understanding is His gift. He may give it Or he may withhold it. He may give it or he may withhold it temporarily. Or he may withhold it permanently. It's totally up to him. He gives his gifts at his pleasure and not at our demands. We must understand this. God is never, ever going to give us enlightenment and illumination unless we use the means that He has ordained and ask Him for His gift of illumination and understanding.

[John Weaver] And when we do see truth, it should do two things for us. First of all, it should make us grateful and thankful because we see when others do not see. And secondly, it should make us humble. Because we understand if God had not opened our eyes, if God had not given us truth, we would not have it. Because everything is of Him. If we do not study If we do not listen and learn and apply, we will not only remain in ignorance, we will be the source of division and strife and heartache. I think our Lord said it like this, you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.

[John Weaver] Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, we bow to You this day. We thank You for Your Word. We thank You for Your truth. And we ask, Father, that You would indeed teach us. Build us up in the most holy faith. Enable us, Lord, to study. Enable us, Lord, to seek Thee for illumination, enlightenment, and understanding. Enable us, Heavenly Father, to live for Thee. To love Thee. Enable us, Father, if we do not have much time each day to at least take one chapter or one verse and look at it and meditate upon it and think upon it and turn it over and over in our minds all day and ask you to give us understanding. In the name of Jesus Christ we ask and pray. Amen.

Can We All Just Get Along? Pt. 2

John Weaver | SermonAudio

Lecture Metadata	Details
Speaker	John Weaver
Source	SermonAudio
Media ID	39182052320
Subject	Old Testament Studies
Course	Proverbs: The Fear of the Lord and Wisdom: Can We All Just Get Along?
Genre	Sermon
Date	2018-02-04
Dictation Name
Book	Book 113: Can We All Just Get Along? — Chapter 1
Source Timed Segments	68

Formatted Transcript

Introduction: The Question of Division

Weaver recaps the series origin from Rodney King's plea and notes that Christ Himself caused divisions. He clarifies he is addressing divisions among professing Christians, not with unbelievers.

2 Timothy 2, verse 15. This is the second message in the series, "Can We All Just Get Along?" If you have not heard the first message, I trust that you will do so. I pointed out in the very first message in my introduction that the title for this series actually came from a statement from Rodney King, the black motorist that was beaten by four white police officers in Los Angeles, California. And of course it set off a riot and over 50 people were killed, 2,000 injured. It cost Los Angeles over two billion dollars. And on May the 1st, 1992, in appealing for calm and peace, Rodney King asked this question, "Can we all just get along?" Well, I was asked that same question in another light from a brother who was absolutely dismayed at all the divisions and the hard feelings that exist between Christians. And he just was astounded that many Christians just simply cannot get along. And I pointed out in the very first message how that our Lord calls divisions, and He was the source of many divisions. In fact, He said in Luke chapter 12, He came not to bring peace, but a sword. And He came to cause divisions.

And He talked about in one household, the father to be against the son, the son against the father, the mother against the daughter, daughter against the mother, daughter-in-law against the mother-in-law, etc. And then I shared with you a number of scriptures where there were indeed divisions concerning Jesus Christ. One of those scriptures was John 9 in verse 16, "Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, for he keepeth not the Sabbath day." That is their interpretation of the Sabbath. Others said, "How can a man who is a sinner do such miracles?" And there was a division among them. And so Christ does indeed divide.

Now when I'm speaking about getting along, I'm certainly not speaking about getting along with infidels and unbelievers and heretics. No, I'm trying to demonstrate to you why there are divisions among Christians. People of like faith, people of like practice, people who profess to believe in Jesus Christ and the Bible as the inspired word of God.

The Divine Side: God's Sovereignty in Illumination

God is sovereign in giving understanding; He owes no one enlightenment and may give or withhold it as He pleases. Understanding is His gift, as seen in Proverbs 2:6 and 2 Timothy 2:7.

Now, if you remember last week, and like I say, I really encourage you to listen to that message. Because I told you that there were actually two answers to this question. One of them is on the divine side and the other is on the human side. On the divine side, I pointed out how God is not only sovereign in salvation, He's also sovereign in illumination. If God does not open our understanding, if He does not enlighten our eyes, we will not see and we cannot see. So God does not give light to all equally, nor does He give the same light to the same people at the same time.

So you have to understand there is indeed the answer of God's absolute sovereignty. And when you stop and think about this, God really does not owe us anything. He does not need to enlighten us or inform us, because He's God. As God, He does as He pleases, only as He pleases, and always as He pleases. And it was Elihu in Job 33, in verse 13, asked this question,

Scripture Reading — Job 33:13

"Why dost thou strive against him?" "For he giveth not account of any of his matters."

Isn't that amazing? So if I came up to Tom and I said, "Roker, how much money do you have?" He could rightly look me in the face and say, "That's none of your business." But since I know he's married and has kids, he doesn't have much. But you see what I'm saying? I could ask God something. God could rightly say to me, "That's none of your business." He does not need to inform us or give us account of any of the matters. Now, it is true that God must give and God must grant understanding in His Word. And if He does not, we do not see and we do not understand. But the Bible does teach that He does give understanding. Proverbs 2 and verse 6, the Bible tells us this, "For the Lord giveth wisdom, out of His mouth cometh knowledge and understanding." So the Lord gives wisdom, and out of His mouth comes knowledge and understanding. It was Paul who instructed Timothy in 2 Timothy 2 and verse 7, and he said this, "Consider what I say, and the Lord give thee understanding in all things."

Now obviously, since understanding is God's gift, God is not going to give us His understanding and His enlightenment willy-nilly. He's not going to give us that understanding without our consideration, without our meditation, and without our study of His Word. We do not go to bed dumb and wake up smart. We do not go to sleep ignorant and wake up brilliant. We do not go to bed despising truth and wake up desiring truth. We do not go to bed hating the study of God's Word, and wake up with a strong habit of studying His Word.

The Human Side: The Command to Study

Christians are commanded to study in 2 Timothy 2:15. The Greek word spoudazo implies diligent labor, and the imagery of a workman cutting straight emphasizes hard work in rightly dividing the Word.

It just does not work that way. We do have responsibilities. We have been commanded to study. In 2 Timothy 2 and verse 15, if you will look there, the Scripture says this,

Scripture Reading — 2 Timothy 2:15

"Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

So in answer then to the question, why are there divisions among Christians? Not only do you understand the divine side that God is sovereign in illumination, He does not owe us anything. And He may either give or He may withhold His illumination at His pleasure, because He's God. But then there is the human side as well, because we have responsibilities, and when we fail in those responsibilities, obviously we're not going to have enlightenment and we're not going to have understanding. So, when he says,

Scripture Reading — 2 Timothy 2:15

"Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth,"

first I would expect and I would loudly proclaim that one of the greatest causes of divisions—listen carefully.

One of the greatest causes of division is a lack of and or a failure to study the Word of God. How can you know truth if you do not read? How can you know truth if you do not study? I'm going to make a statement. And I am sure that if each of you were honest, you would back up this statement. The truth is, most Christians never really study. They may read their Bibles, but they don't really study their Bibles. Most Christians know what they have been taught. They know what they have heard. They know what their parents believed. They may even know what the preacher said, but they have never, ever studied the Scriptures for themselves.

When you stop and think about that. And I've heard people say, "My parents taught me this" or "my grandparents" or "my friends." There's a vast difference between you hearing something about the Bible and you studying the Bible for yourself. Now, listen to me. It is practically impossible for one to agree with another who is biblical if the former is completely ignorant of Bible doctrine and Bible truth. How can you agree with someone when you don't even know what he's talking about? How can you agree with someone when you don't understand or when you do not see? And yet we've been commanded to understand, we've been commanded to study. Let me tell you something. This may shock you, but I'm going to show you numerous commands in the Bible where Christians are commanded to have the same mind. That is, we're to think alike.

Now, let me ask you, how is it Gordon has his life in his family and his work. Tom has his. Ben has his. Robert and Doc have. How is it with such different vocations and such different callings and different environments? How is it that we could come together and all have one mind? And the answer is, we all believe, read, and study the Word of God, and submit our minds to the Word of God. Let me show you.

I want you to turn in your Bibles, first of all, to the book of Romans, chapter 12. The book of Romans, chapter 12. And let's look, if you would please, at verse 16. Romans, chapter 12, verse 16. Here's what the Scripture says, Romans 12, verse 16. Watch carefully. "Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits." Notice, "be of the same mind one toward another." If you would turn right over to First Corinthians, chapter one. Just a few pages. First Corinthians chapter one and look at verse 10. Here, the apostle Paul says this, First Corinthians 1, verse 10.

"Now, I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing and there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment." Wow. How in the world can we have the same mind and the same judgment? We have to submit to the same truth and the same authority. Turn in your Bibles, if you would, to the book of Philippians, chapter two. Notice, if you would please, Philippians, chapter two. And notice, if you would, verse two, the apostle writes, "Fulfill ye my joy that you be like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind." Isn't that amazing? "Fulfill ye my joy that you be like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind." Look in Philippians 3 and verse 16.

"Nevertheless, we have already attained. Let us walk by the same rule. Let us mind the same thing." Then if you'll skip down to chapter four in verse two, Paul is admonishing two women. Watch what he says. "I beseech Euodia, and I beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord." Now, here were two women that were having a little problem. Sometimes I slip up and call their names "Odious" and "Stinky," but you know. What did Paul tell them? "You better be of the same mind. Quit your arguing. Quit your dividing. Be of the same mind." Look in your Bibles to 1 Peter 3 and verse 8. 1 Peter 3 and verse 8. Watch, if you would, carefully. 1 Peter 3, verse 8. In this passage, the Word of God very clearly speaks, and notice if you would, 1 Peter 3, verse 8, the Word of God says this, "Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous." "Finally, be ye all of one mind." Look in 1 Peter 4 and verse 1.

Scripture Reading — 2 Timothy 2:15

1 Peter 4 and verse 1. "Forasmuch as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind. For he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin." And may I remind you of Philippians 2 and verse 5 when God says, "Let this mind be in you, which also was in Christ Jesus." When you go back to 2 Timothy 2 and verse 15, I want you to look at that. Because if we're going to have the same mind, we have to obey this command where the Word of God tells us that we are to study to show ourselves approved unto God, workmen that need not to be ashamed. So, how in the world can we have the same mind if we do not study the same book? How can we say the same thing if we do not think alike? And how can we not think alike if we do not study the scriptures? Now, he said, "Study to show yourselves approved unto God." Now, let me break this verse down for you.

The Greek word for "study" is the word spoudazo. You know, I love some of these Greek words. I really do. I love to say them. But one of my favorite words in the Greek language is the word for wife, gune. So sometimes I say, "There's my gune," or "gunay," "gune." So obviously, you know, there are certain words that just stand out. This one is one that stands out, spoudazo. It literally means to endeavor, to do diligence, to be diligent, to give diligence, and to labor and to study. So the implication of this word is of one hastening, endeavoring, and doing diligence in exerting himself. That's what it means when it says "study." Now, the word for "workman" here is ergates. It literally refers to a laborer, a workman, or a worker. Ah, listen, to someone who works in the fields like an agricultural worker. Now, since I was raised on a farm, I understand the implication of what it means to work in the fields. You work in the fields when it's hot. You work in the fields when it's cold.

You work in the fields when it's dry and you work in the fields when it's raining. It doesn't matter. It has to be done and you have to do it. It doesn't matter if you're sweating. It doesn't matter if you're freezing. It has to be done. And this is what he's saying. You study to show yourself a workman, someone who's willing to sweat it out. Someone who's willing to freeze it out. You study.

Now, watch if you would please. He said, "Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing." Now the word "dividing" is a very unique word. It is the Greek word orthotomeo and it literally means, listen carefully, to cut straight. To cut a straight course. To make straight and smooth. To handle rightly. And to teach the truth directly and correctly. Notice if you would, I told you it means to cut a straight course. It's interesting when he says "study," he's talking about real hard work. And when he talks about a workman, he's talking about someone who's laboring in the field. And now he's talking about cutting a straight line. If you've never planted, if you've never harrowed, if you've never turned dirt, if you've never plowed, let me tell you how to cut a straight line. It's very simple.

When I start out in the field with my tractor or anyone's tractor, I don't care what I'm doing. If it's the first swath through that field, I look way at the far end of that field. And I pick out one tree. And I start driving right straight to that tree, and I do not take my eyes off from that tree. And when I get to the end, I can look back and the line will be just as straight as if you had pulled the line on it. But if you ever start looking back to see what you're doing, you're going to always wiggle. You can never plow straight. You can never plant straight looking back.

You remember what our Lord said? "He that putteth his hand to the plow and looketh back is not fit for the kingdom of God." You remember that? So if you're going to cut a straight line, you have to stay straight in the book. Now, watch what he said. "Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly cutting straight the word of truth." If you put this verse together so far, I hope you've come up with this understanding that real study is hard work. And the truth of the matter is, many pastors do not engage in this hard work, much less Christians. We have failed miserably in the last fifty to a hundred years in Christianity, and our sin of disobedience in this area is really and truly catching up with us because we have so many ignorant, downright ignorant, professing Christians.

The Failure to Study as a Cause of Division

Most Christians never truly study but rely on tradition or hearsay. Ignorance of doctrine leads to division, and without study, there can be no unity of mind as commanded in Romans 12:16, 1 Corinthians 1:10, and Philippians 2:2.

Scripture Reading — 2 Timothy 2:15

1 Peter 4 and verse 1. "Forasmuch as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind. For he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin." And may I remind you of Philippians 2 and verse 5 when God says, "Let this mind be in you, which also was in Christ Jesus." When you go back to 2 Timothy 2 and verse 15, I want you to look at that. Because if we're going to have the same mind, we have to obey this command where the Word of God tells us that we are to study to show ourselves approved unto God, workmen that need not to be ashamed. So, how in the world can we have the same mind if we do not study the same book? How can we say the same thing if we do not think alike? And how can we not think alike if we do not study the scriptures? Now, he said, "Study to show yourselves approved unto God." Now, let me break this verse down for you.

The Call to Diligent Seeking in Proverbs 2

Proverbs 2:1-6 describes the intense effort required to gain understanding—receiving, hiding, inclining, crying out, seeking as silver—and promises that then the Lord gives wisdom.

Now I'm going to read the first six verses. Then I want to go back and emphasize something with my voice. I want you to watch this. Proverbs, chapter two. And let's begin reading there with verse one. Proverbs, chapter two, verse one. In fact, I'll just—I'll just emphasize it as I read it. Watch it. Look at it carefully. Proverbs 2, beginning with verse 1.

Scripture Reading — Proverbs 2:1-6

"My son, if thou wilt receive my words and hide my commandments with thee, so that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom and apply thine heart unto understanding, yea, if thou cryest after knowledge and liftest up thy voice for understanding, if thou seekest her as for silver and searchest for her as for hid treasures, then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding."

I hope you understand, in these few verses, he talks about receiving his words, hiding his commandments, and inclining your ear, applying your heart, crying after knowledge, lifting up your voice for understanding.

Seeking knowledge and understanding as silver, and searching for it as hidden treasures. Then he said, "Thou shalt understand." Do you perceive that just reading Proverbs 2 verses 1 through 6, there is an awful lot of work involved in studying. Wow. Let me ask you a question, he said, if you really want to learn, if you would seek understanding as silver and search for hidden treasures. So let's suppose that you knew, you knew that there was a buried treasure on your property. You knew it for sure. You just didn't know where.

Would you go out and dig one day and say, "Oh, I'm tired. I'll stop. I'll try this again next month." Would you do that? No. You know what you would do? You would keep digging until you fell out. And if you got so tired, you would just go catch you a few hours of a nap and you'd come back and dig again because you would want that treasure. And God says, when you take that kind of attitude and you really want to study, then He said, "I'm going to give you some truth."

Now, let me explain something to you, folks. The truth is that study is hard work, which is why most people never engage in it. And the reason why some who begin it do not ever continue with it. And I will tell you this: consistency in and of itself is hard work. And study requires discipline and sacrifice. There are very few that are willing to pay the price.

The Responsibility to Listen and Learn

God gave pastor-teachers for the perfecting of the saints and unity of the faith (Ephesians 4:11-16). Believers have a corollary duty to listen, learn, and apply what is taught, like the Bereans who searched the Scriptures daily (Acts 17:11).

The second one is this. Along with the responsibility to study comes the responsibility to listen and learn. We could classify this maybe as a failure to be taught. You know, the Apostle Paul told Timothy in 1 Timothy chapter 4 and verse 11, "These things command and teach." Wow! Remember, Timothy was a pastor. "These things command and teach."

Now let me show you something. I want you to turn to the book of Ephesians chapter 4. Ephesians chapter 4. And I want you to follow me as I read this passage. Ephesians chapter four. And we're going to begin with verse eight. Ephesians four, verse eight, and we're going to read through verse 16. Watch Ephesians four, verse eight, "Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men."

"Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things." Now remember, he gave gifts unto men in verse 8. What are some of those gifts? Verse 11. "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastor-teachers." Actually, pastor-teachers is one group. Why did God initially give us apostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastor-teachers? Here's why. "For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ."

"That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: from whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love." Now, why did God give pastor-teachers? Now, the apostleship is over and done with. And if I were to take time, I could show you that the pastor has commanded the scripture to do the work of an evangelist. So, we now have pastor-teachers. Why did God give pastor-teachers? And the answer is very plainly given to us. He said, in verse 12, "for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying or the building of the body of Christ, till we all come into the unity of the faith," isn't that amazing? That is, having the same mind, "and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect or mature man, unto the measure, the stature, the fulness of Christ, that we be no more children tossed to and fro."

In other words, we have grown up. We know. We understand. Now, listen carefully. As a pastor-teacher, I have the duty, the responsibility, the obligation of studying, preaching and teaching. But if that is my duty, my obligation, my responsibility, there is a corollary duty and obligation responsibility on your part. Which is? You're required to listen and to learn and apply the truth that is being taught. Why did God give pastor-teachers?

For the perfecting of the saints. For the building up of the body of Christ. For the maturing. I understand that not every Christian can devote hours a day to study. I understand that. I mean, not every Christian has the same calling. Not every Christian is called to be a pastor-teacher. Most have different vocations and therefore they are unable to spend hours a day studying. We have a couple of doctors here.

I never will forget when I was a boy. The doctor that I went to was Dr. Sam's. I think he finally died about 100 years of age, and he looked just as young at 100 as he did in the 60s and 70s. And I often thought as a boy, "How does he do this?" He was there day and night. And if you were in the hospital, he was there, too. Now, I can assure you that a doctor that stays with it and has emergency calls, he's not going to have three or four or five hours a day to study. He's just not going to do it.

All I'm trying to say is this. You may not have four or five hours a day to study, but you can be faithful to the preaching and teaching of the word of God and each Christian, no matter what your occupation, can listen, learn, take notes, and seek to apply the truth that he has heard. Each Christian can ask questions. Each Christian can search the scriptures in those areas in which he does not understand or is unclear upon. Do you remember in Acts chapter 17, it was the Apostle Paul who preached to the Bereans. And here's what the Bible says, Acts 17 verse 11, talking about the Bereans.

Scripture Reading — Acts 17:11

"These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind and searched the scriptures daily whether these things were so."

What separated the Bereans from the Thessalonicans and the Athenians in Acts 17? Well, the answer is they had a ready mind to receive the word of God and they searched the scriptures daily to verify that what the Apostle Paul said was true.

Let me tell you something, even hearing requires discipline, concentration and determination. If you're going to hear, you have to work at being undistracted. You have to control your thoughts. You have to listen intently. You must seek to follow the line of thought and the scriptures and the points that are being made. I preach approximately an hour each time I preach. Have you ever thought about this? What I give you in an hour has cost me hours, days, months, and sometimes years. I often have people ask me, "Well, how long did it take you to work up that message?" And I always like to smile and say, "53 years." Because that's how long I've been studying.

The Principle of Using or Losing Truth

Mark 4:23-25 teaches that God measures truth to us according to the measure we give. If we do not apply truth, we lose it; it only seems to be ours (Luke 8:18). Failure to apply leads to ignorance and division.

There's the failure to apply the truth and to live by biblical principle. Listen carefully. When you fail to apply the truth and when you fail to live by biblical principle, it leads to ignorance, a loss of understanding and division. Now, you're going to ask me, "How can the failure to apply the truth lead to ignorance, a loss of understanding and division?" Well, the answer is very simple. Because God has designed and ordained a principle, which I'm going to show you. And here's that principle very plainly stated. Listen carefully. If you don't use the truth, you lose the truth. That's very simple. If you hear, and if you acquire a mental understanding of what is said, but then you do not apply it to your life, you lose the truth. Because it is really not yours until you apply it. Let me show you.

I want you to look in your Bibles through the book of Mark, chapter 4. I want to show you this principle. Look at Mark chapter four. And let's begin reading with verse twenty-three. Mark four. Notice he would verse twenty-three and we'll read through verse twenty-five, Mark four. Our Lord said,

Scripture Reading — Mark 4:23-25

"If any man have ears to hear, let him hear."

Mark four, verse twenty-three, and he said unto them,

Scripture Reading — Mark 4:23-25

"Take heed what you hear. With what measure you mete, it shall be measured to you, and to you that hear shall more be given. For he that hath, to him shall be given, and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath."

Now, I want you to notice first that our Lord gives us a specific warning. After he says in verse 23,

Scripture Reading — Mark 4:23-25

"If any man have ears to hear, let him hear,"

He gives us a specific warning in verse 24 and he said to them, "Take heed what you hear."

In other words, it is your responsibility to make sure that what you're hearing is the word of God. When you get to Luke 8 and verse 18 in the same context, he says it just a little differently. He says, "Take heed how you hear." So you're responsible for not only what you hear, but you're also responsible for how you hear. So God says you make sure that first and foremost, you are hearing the Word of God. And secondly, you better take heed how you hear it. So this second and third point happens to be intimately connected with the first point. Our Lord establishes a second principle in verse 24. Look at it. He said, "Take heed what you hear."

"With what measure you mete, it shall be measured to you." So, let me explain it like this. He says, "Take heed what you hear. With what measure you measure, it shall be measured unto you." So, here's what our Lord is saying. To the degree that you give to reading, studying, and applying the Scripture, to that same degree, truth is going to be measured to you. In other words, you're not going to read your Bible and study your Bible for 10 minutes and get two hours worth of truth. You're not going to study one chapter and get 20 chapters worth of truth. No. God is going to measure truth to you to the same degree, to the same measure that you give in understanding truth. OK? So what measure you measure, it's going to be measured right back to you. So if you don't give much time to reading and studying and applying truth, you're just not going to receive much.

Now, third, look in verse 24. He says, "And he said unto them, Take heed what you hear: with what measure you mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given." Now, let me ask you a question. And I want you to think about this. Why in the world should God give you more truth if you won't obey the truth He's already given you? Why would God give you more truth if you will not apply and use the truth that He's already given you? He said, "Unto you that hear shall more be given." All right, listen to me. Truth unapplied is worthless. It still may be truth. But if you don't apply it, it is worthless to you.

I'm not a mechanic, but if you had car problems, engine problems, and I knew enough to tell you to check on something else, and it was the truth, and you didn't do it, to you, that truth is worthless, it's useless, you did not apply it. Now watch carefully. Because if you do not use the truth, you lose the truth. Look in verse 25. "For he that hath, to him shall be given. And he that hath not, from him shall be taken, even that which he hath." So God says if you use the truth, if you apply the truth, I'm going to give you more truth. However, if you fail to use it, if you fail to apply it, you're going to lose it.

Now, let me explain why. Because unless you apply the truth, it's not really yours to begin with. I want you to look in your Bibles, Luke chapter 8. Look in Luke chapter 8 in verse 18. I told you this is the same context. I want you to see what he says. He says the same thing, just a little differently. And I think you can understand it here. Look in Luke chapter 8 and verse 18. Look at what our Lord says. Luke 8 verse 18.

"Take heed therefore how you hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have." In other words, if you don't apply truth, you don't really have it. You just seem to have it. You might have an intellectual grasp of it, but if you don't apply it, it is not yours. How many of you have learned facts all of your life, and you cannot even give me 20 of the facts that you learned when you were 20 years of age? Or 16. You know why? If you don't use the truth, you lose the truth. You could take your right arm and you could strap it to your body and leave it tied to your body for three months or four months. Guess what? When it's loosed, you're going to have to rebuild that muscle and you're going to learn to use that arm all over again because it dissipates. The muscle disappears. What's the word I'm trying to think of?

Atrophy. It goes away. It's the same thing with biblical truth. If you do not apply it and use it, you lose it. And so when Christians then fail to study or fail to listen, or if they hear something, they say, "Oh, man, that's good. That's truth." And yet they never apply it. They lose it. It's gone. That's why the author of the book of Hebrews said we ought to give the more earnest heed to these things, lest at any time we let them slip.

God's Sovereignty Even When We Use the Means

Even diligent study does not guarantee understanding; God may deprive wisdom as He did with the ostrich (Job 39:13-18) or Samson. Understanding remains His gift, and we must humbly seek it.

Now, let me make just an application today. I'm not through with this. I've got two more messages to demonstrate why there are so many divisions based upon our failure in our Christian responsibilities. But here's the first application, and it's actually the only one I've got. But we must understand that even when we use the means that God has ordained, that God is still sovereign in illumination. He may give illumination, or He may withhold it. You know, what I could do is I could say, "I'm going to sit here and I'm going to read the book of Luke over and over and over and over until I understand this thing." But if God doesn't open my mind and my understanding, I could sit here and read until I died, and I'd still never understand it. You see, understanding is His gift, and God may give understanding or He may withhold it at His discretion. He may deprive any of us of our wisdom and our understanding at His pleasure. I just read this week of some people who did some mighty stupid things that cost them their life or their lives, or at least the life or lives of others.

And I thought, "How could anyone do something like that?" It's because they have been deprived of understanding. Did you know the ostrich is a good example of one that's been deprived of understanding. Let me show you. Look in your Bibles to the book of Job chapter 39. Job 39. And let's begin reading there with verse 13. Everyone knows how protective a mother is of her child. Or how protective a hen is of her eggs, if she's sitting on them to hatch them. But watch Job 39, beginning there with verse 13. God is asking Job and He says, "Gavest thou the goodly wings unto the peacocks? or wings and feathers unto the ostrich?" Now, look what the ostrich does, "which leaveth her eggs in the earth, and warmeth them in the dust," she lays them.

covers them, forgets them and forgetteth that the foot may crush them, or that the wild beast may break them. Look what God says. "She is hardened against her young ones, as though they were not hers: her labour is in vain without fear; because God hath deprived her of wisdom, neither hath he imparted to her understanding. What time she lifteth up herself on high, she scorneth the horse and his rider." She's got certain things the ostrich can really run. But God has deprived her of wisdom, neither has He imparted her understanding. So here's the ostrich, lay an egg, cover it in the dust and walk off. Anything could happen to it. Why? Because God deprived her of wisdom. God did not impart understanding to her. Let me give you an illustration. When I was studying for this, I could not help, when I got to this point, to think of Samson. Samson and Delilah.

I've often said, "I may be stupid, but I'm not that stupid." If Alice asked me, "Tell me where all your strength is." And I said, "Oh, it's in my wavy curly hair." Tommy, you and I don't have any. I'm sorry. And I wake up in the morning and all my wavy curly hair is gone. I'm going to think she's not looking after my best interest. Something's wrong. Or if I tell her, "Well, if you weave it with a spider's web and tie it to a beam," you know, everything that Samson told Delilah, she did to him. And he never put two and two together. And finally, when he told her the truth, she shaved his head. And he went out and shook himself as at other times, and wist not that the Lord was departed from him.

Now, I have to ask myself this question. How could he be so stupid? Could it be the answer is given to us in Proverbs 6 and verse 32? "But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding." Wow. God says when you commit adultery, you're just plain stupid. You have no understanding. Do you realize there are a number of things in the Bible that God says that when people do them, they're just plain stupid. Listen to this one. How about Proverbs 12, verse 11? "He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding." Now, God says, if you work and earn your bread by the sweat of your brow, you're going to be satisfied. But somebody who follows a little gang to steal and rob, He says, "You're stupid. You have no understanding." And that same thing in Proverbs 24 and verse 30. He said, "I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding." In other words, he won't work.

He lets everything go to ruin. Do you remember that passage in Matthew 13, verse 19, the parable of the sower there? Our Lord said, "When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart." And then God even speaks of some in First Timothy, chapter one in verse seven, when he says, "Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm." In other words, here are some that claim to be teachers and they're totally, absolutely without understanding because they want understanding apart from God. It is true we must seek God for understanding. We're commanded to do so. However, we have to understand. Understanding is His gift. He may give it or He may withhold it. He may give it or He may withhold it temporarily. Or He may withhold it permanently. It's totally up to Him. He gives His gifts at His pleasure and not at our demands. We must understand this. God is never, ever going to give us enlightenment and illumination unless we use the means that He has ordained and ask Him for His gift of illumination and understanding.

Conclusion and Prayer

Weaver urges gratitude and humility for any understanding received, warns that failure to study, listen, and apply makes us sources of division, and closes in prayer for God to teach and enable study.

And when we do see truth, it should do two things for us. First of all, it should make us grateful and thankful because we see when others do not see. And secondly, it should make us humble. Because we understand if God had not opened our eyes, if God had not given us truth, we would not have it. Because everything is of Him. If we do not study, if we do not listen and learn and apply, we will not only remain in ignorance, we will be the source of division and strife and heartache. I think our Lord said it like this, "You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free."

Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, we bow to You this day. We thank You for Your Word. We thank You for Your truth. And we ask, Father, that You would indeed teach us. Build us up in the most holy faith. Enable us, Lord, to study. Enable us, Lord, to seek Thee for illumination, enlightenment, and understanding. Enable us, Heavenly Father, to live for Thee. To love Thee. Enable us, Father, if we do not have much time each day to at least take one chapter or one verse and look at it and meditate upon it and think upon it and turn it over and over in our minds all day and ask You to give us understanding. In the name of Jesus Christ we ask and pray. Amen.

Study Guide

Major Themes

Sovereignty of God in Illumination

Summary: God alone grants understanding of His Word; He may give or withhold it at His pleasure, and He owes no one enlightenment.

Evidence: Weaver states, 'God is not only sovereign in salvation, He's also sovereign in illumination... God does not give light to all equally, nor does He give the same light to the same people at the same time.' (00:03:32.4) and cites Job 39:17 on God depriving the ostrich of wisdom.

The Necessity of Diligent Study

Summary: 2 Timothy 2:15 commands believers to study as hard-working laborers who rightly divide the Word; lack of study is a primary cause of division.

Evidence: Weaver says, 'One of the greatest causes of division is a lack of and or a failure to study the Word of God.' (00:07:24.8) and expounds the Greek words spoudazo and orthotomeo.

Unity Through a Common Mind

Summary: Scripture commands believers to be of the same mind (Romans 12:16; 1 Corinthians 1:10; Philippians 2:2), which is only possible by submitting to the same truth from Scripture.

Evidence: Weaver reads multiple passages and asks, 'How in the world can we have the same mind and the same judgment? We have to submit to the same truth and the same authority.' (00:11:55.8)

The Role of Pastor-Teachers and the Duty to Hear

Summary: God gave pastor-teachers to equip the saints for unity and maturity (Ephesians 4:11-16); believers must listen, learn, and verify truth like the Bereans.

Evidence: Weaver says, 'As a pastor-teacher, I have the duty... of studying, preaching and teaching. But... there is a corollary duty... on your part. Which is? You're required to listen and to learn and apply the truth.' (00:30:30.4)

The Principle of Use It or Lose It

Summary: Mark 4:24-25 teaches that God measures truth to us according to our application; failure to apply truth results in losing even what we seem to have.

Evidence: Weaver explains, 'If you don't use the truth, you lose the truth... unless you apply the truth, it's not really yours to begin with.' (00:44:24.5) and cites Luke 8:18.

Human Responsibility and Divine Dependence

Summary: Believers must use the means of study, hearing, and application, yet remain humble, recognizing that understanding is ultimately God's gift.

Evidence: Weaver says, 'We must understand that even when we use the means that God has ordained, that God is still sovereign in illumination.' (00:47:59.9)

Key Arguments

Divisions among Christians stem primarily from failure to study Scripture.

Summary: Most Christians know only what they have been taught, not what they have studied for themselves, leading to ignorance and inability to agree on doctrine.

Evidence: Weaver states, 'Most Christians never really study... they have never, ever studied the Scriptures for themselves.' (00:08:27.3) and 'It is practically impossible for one to agree with another who is biblical if the former is completely ignorant of Bible doctrine.' (00:09:45.1)

Real study is hard work, which most avoid.

Summary: The Greek word for 'study' implies diligent labor like a field worker; consistency and discipline are required, and few are willing to pay the price.

Evidence: Weaver says, 'Study is hard work, which is why most people never engage in it... consistency in and of itself is hard work. And study requires discipline and sacrifice.' (00:23:53.9)

Unity of mind is commanded and possible only through shared submission to Scripture.

Summary: Multiple New Testament passages command believers to be of the same mind; this unity comes from studying the same book and thinking alike.

Evidence: Weaver reads Romans 12:16, 1 Corinthians 1:10, Philippians 2:2, and others, then asks, 'How in the world can we have the same mind if we do not study the same book?' (00:15:23.1)

God gave pastor-teachers to bring believers to unity, requiring hearers to listen and learn.

Summary: Ephesians 4 shows that pastor-teachers are gifts for perfecting the saints until we all attain unity of the faith; believers must therefore be teachable.

Evidence: Weaver says, 'Why did God give pastor-teachers? ...for the perfecting of the saints... till we all come into the unity of the faith.' (00:29:43.6)

Failure to apply truth leads to losing it, causing ignorance and division.

Summary: Mark 4:24-25 establishes that God measures truth to us according to our use; unapplied truth is lost, and we only seem to have it.

Evidence: Weaver explains, 'If you don't use the truth, you lose the truth... from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have.' (00:45:55.9)

Even with diligent effort, understanding remains God's sovereign gift.

Summary: God may deprive wisdom as He did with the ostrich (Job 39) or Samson; believers must seek God for illumination while using the means He ordained.

Evidence: Weaver says, 'If God doesn't open my mind and my understanding, I could sit here and read until I died, and I'd still never understand it.' (00:47:59.9)

Scripture References

2 Timothy 2:15

Context: The central command to study to show oneself approved, a workman rightly dividing the word of truth; Weaver expounds the Greek words for study, workman, and rightly dividing.

Luke 12:51-53

Context: Jesus said He came not to bring peace but a sword, causing divisions even within families; cited to show Christ is a source of division.

John 9:16

Context: The Pharisees were divided over Jesus because of His Sabbath healing; an example of division concerning Christ.

Job 33:13

Context: Elihu's question, 'Why dost thou strive against him? for he giveth not account of any of his matters,' used to illustrate God's sovereignty and that He owes no explanation.

Proverbs 2:6

Context: The Lord gives wisdom; out of His mouth comes knowledge and understanding; cited to show understanding is God's gift.

2 Timothy 2:7

Context: Paul tells Timothy to consider what he says, and the Lord will give understanding; used to show the link between human consideration and divine gift.

Romans 12:16

Context: Command to be of the same mind one toward another; part of the series of commands for unity of mind.

1 Corinthians 1:10

Context: Paul beseeches believers to speak the same thing, have no divisions, and be perfectly joined in the same mind and judgment.

Philippians 2:2

Context: Paul desires believers to be like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

Philippians 3:16

Context: Command to walk by the same rule and mind the same thing.

Philippians 4:2

Context: Paul beseeches Euodia and Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord; an example of addressing division between two women.

1 Peter 3:8

Context: Command to be all of one mind, having compassion; another call for unity.

1 Peter 4:1

Context: Arm yourselves with the same mind as Christ suffered; referenced in the context of having Christ's mind.

Philippians 2:5

Context: Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus; the ultimate example of the mind believers should share.

Proverbs 2:1-6

Context: The conditions for gaining understanding: receiving words, crying for knowledge, seeking as silver; then the Lord gives wisdom.

Proverbs 25:2

Context: It is the glory of God to conceal a thing, but the honor of kings to search out a matter; applied to believers as kings and priests.

Ephesians 4:8-16

Context: Christ gave gifts including pastor-teachers for perfecting the saints and bringing unity of the faith; the basis for the duty to hear and learn.

Acts 17:11

Context: The Bereans were more noble because they received the word with readiness and searched the Scriptures daily; the model for hearers.

Mark 4:23-25

Context: Take heed what you hear; with what measure you mete it will be measured to you; the principle of use it or lose it.

Luke 8:18

Context: Take heed how you hear; whoever has will be given, and whoever has not, even what he seems to have will be taken; reinforces the principle.

Historical References

Rodney King and the 1992 Los Angeles riots

Context: The series title comes from Rodney King's plea, 'Can we all just get along?' after his beating by police sparked riots with over 50 deaths and $2 billion in damage.

Important Quotes

One of the greatest causes of division is a lack of and or a failure to study the Word of God.

Significance: States the central thesis of the message: that failure to study Scripture is a primary reason for divisions among Christians.

Most Christians never really study. They may read their Bibles, but they don't really study their Bibles.

Significance: Highlights the widespread problem of superficial engagement with Scripture versus diligent study.

Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Significance: The key verse of the message, quoted and expounded as the command for diligent, accurate handling of Scripture.

If you don't use the truth, you lose the truth.

Significance: Succinctly captures the principle from Mark 4 that unapplied truth is lost, leading to ignorance and division.

We must understand that even when we use the means that God has ordained, that God is still sovereign in illumination.

Significance: Balances human responsibility with divine sovereignty, reminding that understanding is ultimately God's gift.

It is the glory of God to conceal a thing, but the honor of kings to search out a matter.

Significance: Quoted from Proverbs 25:2 to motivate believers to diligent searching of Scripture as their royal privilege.

Take heed what you hear: with what measure you mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.

Significance: The principle from Mark 4:24 that God's revelation corresponds to our diligence in hearing and applying.

You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.

Significance: A concluding reference to John 8:32, emphasizing the liberating power of truth when it is truly known and applied.

Discussion Questions

What does it mean to 'study' Scripture in the sense of 2 Timothy 2:15, and how does that differ from casual reading?

Context: Weaver emphasizes the Greek word spoudazo, meaning diligent labor, and the imagery of a workman cutting straight.

Why is a failure to study the Bible personally a major cause of division among Christians?

Context: Weaver argues that ignorance of doctrine makes agreement impossible and that most Christians rely on secondhand knowledge.

How can believers practically 'be of the same mind' as commanded in Romans 12:16 and Philippians 2:2?

Context: Weaver says unity comes from submitting to the same truth in Scripture, not from uniformity of vocation or background.

What is the role of pastor-teachers according to Ephesians 4:11-16, and what responsibility does that place on hearers?

Context: Weaver explains that pastors are given to equip the saints for unity and maturity, implying a duty to listen and learn.

How does the principle 'with what measure you mete, it shall be measured to you' (Mark 4:24) apply to our study and application of Scripture?

Context: Weaver teaches that God gives truth in proportion to our diligence and that unapplied truth is lost.

In what ways can we 'lose' truth we have heard, and how can we prevent that?

Context: Weaver says failure to apply truth leads to losing even what we seem to have, using the analogy of muscle atrophy.

How should the sovereignty of God in illumination affect our attitude when we do understand Scripture?

Context: Weaver says it should produce gratitude and humility, recognizing that understanding is a gift, not an achievement.

What are some practical ways to cultivate a habit of diligent Bible study despite a busy schedule?

Context: Weaver acknowledges not everyone can study for hours but encourages taking even one verse to meditate on throughout the day.

Applications

Commit to diligent, personal Bible study

Summary: Believers must move beyond secondhand knowledge and engage in hard, consistent study of Scripture as commanded in 2 Timothy 2:15.

Evidence: Weaver says, 'Most Christians never really study... they have never, ever studied the Scriptures for themselves.' (00:08:27.3) and urges obedience to the command to study.

Be a teachable hearer of God's Word

Summary: Since God gave pastor-teachers for our growth, we must listen attentively, take notes, and verify teaching against Scripture like the Bereans.

Evidence: Weaver says, 'You're required to listen and to learn and apply the truth that is being taught.' (00:30:30.4) and cites Acts 17:11.

Apply the truth you learn

Summary: Truth must be put into practice; otherwise, it is lost. God measures further understanding according to our application.

Evidence: Weaver states, 'If you don't use the truth, you lose the truth... unless you apply the truth, it's not really yours to begin with.' (00:44:24.5) and expounds Mark 4:24-25.

Seek God for understanding with humility

Summary: Recognize that illumination is God's sovereign gift; pray for it while using the means of study, and be grateful and humble when you receive it.

Evidence: Weaver says, 'We must understand this. God is never, ever going to give us enlightenment and illumination unless we use the means that He has ordained and ask Him for His gift.' (00:55:22.9)

Pursue unity through shared truth

Summary: Strive to be of the same mind with other believers by submitting to the same biblical truth, not by compromising doctrine.

Evidence: Weaver reads multiple commands to be of one mind and says, 'We have to submit to the same truth and the same authority.' (00:11:55.8)

deepseek | deepseek-v4-pro | clean_readable_transcript | 2026-06-05T14:12:17Z

deepseek | deepseek-v4-pro | weaver_study | 2026-06-06T02:20:17Z

Clean Transcript

Can We All Just Get Along? Pt. 2

Clean readable transcript. This view follows the Commentary.net cleaned segment text while preserving timestamps for audio follow-along.

2 Timothy 2, verse 15. This is the second message in the series, "Can We All Just Get Along?" If you have not heard the first message, I trust that you will do so. I pointed out in the very first message in my introduction that the title for this series actually came from a statement from Rodney King, the black motorist that was beaten by four white police officers in Los Angeles, California.
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And of course it set off a riot and over 50 people were killed, 2,000 injured. It cost Los Angeles over two billion dollars. And on May the 1st, 1992, in appealing for calm and peace, Rodney King asked this question, "Can we all just get along?" Well, I was asked that same question in another light from a brother who was absolutely dismayed at all the divisions and the hard feelings that exist between Christians. And he just was astounded that many Christians just simply cannot get along. And I pointed out in the very first message how that our Lord calls divisions, and He was the source of many divisions. In fact, He said in Luke chapter 12, He came not to bring peace, but a sword. And He came to cause divisions.
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And He talked about in one household, the father to be against the son, the son against the father, the mother against the daughter, daughter against the mother, daughter-in-law against the mother-in-law, etc. And then I shared with you a number of scriptures where there were indeed divisions concerning Jesus Christ. One of those scriptures was John 9 in verse 16, "Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, for he keepeth not the Sabbath day." That is their interpretation of the Sabbath. Others said, "How can a man who is a sinner do such miracles?"
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And there was a division among them. And so Christ does indeed divide.
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Now when I'm speaking about getting along, I'm certainly not speaking about getting along with infidels and unbelievers and heretics. No, I'm trying to demonstrate to you why there are divisions among Christians. People of like faith, people of like practice, people who profess to believe in Jesus Christ and the Bible as the inspired word of God.
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Now, if you remember last week, and like I say, I really encourage you to listen to that message. Because I told you that there were actually two answers to this question. One of them is on the divine side and the other is on the human side. On the divine side, I pointed out how God is not only sovereign in salvation, He's also sovereign in illumination. If God does not open our understanding, if He does not enlighten our eyes, we will not see and we cannot see. So God does not give light to all equally, nor does He give the same light to the same people at the same time.
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So you have to understand there is indeed the answer of God's absolute sovereignty. And when you stop and think about this, God really does not owe us anything. He does not need to enlighten us or inform us, because He's God. As God, He does as He pleases, only as He pleases, and always as He pleases. And it was Elihu in Job 33, in verse 13, asked this question, "Why dost thou strive against him?"
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"For he giveth not account of any of his matters." Isn't that amazing? So if I came up to Tom and I said, "Roker, how much money do you have?" He could rightly look me in the face and say, "That's none of your business." But since I know he's married and has kids, he doesn't have much. But you see what I'm saying? I could ask God something. God could rightly say to me, "That's none of your business." He does not need to inform us or give us account of any of the matters. Now, it is true that God must give and God must grant understanding in His Word. And if He does not, we do not see and we do not understand. But the Bible does teach that He does give understanding. Proverbs 2 and verse 6, the Bible tells us this, "For the Lord giveth wisdom, out of His mouth cometh knowledge and understanding." So the Lord gives wisdom, and out of His mouth comes knowledge and understanding. It was Paul who instructed Timothy in 2 Timothy 2 and verse 7, and he said this, "Consider what I say, and the Lord give thee understanding in all things."
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Now obviously, since understanding is God's gift, God is not going to give us His understanding and His enlightenment willy-nilly. He's not going to give us that understanding without our consideration, without our meditation, and without our study of His Word. We do not go to bed dumb and wake up smart. We do not go to sleep ignorant and wake up brilliant. We do not go to bed despising truth and wake up desiring truth. We do not go to bed hating the study of God's Word, and wake up with a strong habit of studying His Word.
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It just does not work that way. We do have responsibilities. We have been commanded to study. In 2 Timothy 2 and verse 15, if you will look there, the Scripture says this, "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." So in answer then to the question, why are there divisions among Christians? Not only do you understand the divine side that God is sovereign in illumination, He does not owe us anything. And He may either give or He may withhold His illumination at His pleasure, because He's God. But then there is the human side as well, because we have responsibilities, and when we fail in those responsibilities, obviously we're not going to have enlightenment and we're not going to have understanding. So, when he says, "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth," first I would expect and I would loudly proclaim that one of the greatest causes of divisions—listen carefully.
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One of the greatest causes of division is a lack of and or a failure to study the Word of God. How can you know truth if you do not read? How can you know truth if you do not study? I'm going to make a statement. And I am sure that if each of you were honest, you would back up this statement. The truth is, most Christians never really study. They may read their Bibles, but they don't really study their Bibles. Most Christians know what they have been taught. They know what they have heard. They know what their parents believed. They may even know what the preacher said, but they have never, ever studied the Scriptures for themselves.
#11 | 7:24 to 8:23 | cleaned
When you stop and think about that. And I've heard people say, "My parents taught me this" or "my grandparents" or "my friends." There's a vast difference between you hearing something about the Bible and you studying the Bible for yourself. Now, listen to me. It is practically impossible for one to agree with another who is biblical if the former is completely ignorant of Bible doctrine and Bible truth. How can you agree with someone when you don't even know what he's talking about? How can you agree with someone when you don't understand or when you do not see? And yet we've been commanded to understand, we've been commanded to study. Let me tell you something. This may shock you, but I'm going to show you numerous commands in the Bible where Christians are commanded to have the same mind. That is, we're to think alike.
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Now, let me ask you, how is it Gordon has his life in his family and his work. Tom has his. Ben has his. Robert and Doc have. How is it with such different vocations and such different callings and different environments? How is it that we could come together and all have one mind? And the answer is, we all believe, read, and study the Word of God, and submit our minds to the Word of God. Let me show you.
#13 | 9:47 to 10:32 | cleaned
I want you to turn in your Bibles, first of all, to the book of Romans, chapter 12. The book of Romans, chapter 12. And let's look, if you would please, at verse 16. Romans, chapter 12, verse 16. Here's what the Scripture says, Romans 12, verse 16. Watch carefully. "Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits." Notice, "be of the same mind one toward another." If you would turn right over to First Corinthians, chapter one. Just a few pages. First Corinthians chapter one and look at verse 10. Here, the apostle Paul says this, First Corinthians 1, verse 10.
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"Now, I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing and there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment." Wow. How in the world can we have the same mind and the same judgment? We have to submit to the same truth and the same authority.
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Turn in your Bibles, if you would, to the book of Philippians, chapter two. Notice, if you would please, Philippians, chapter two. And notice, if you would, verse two, the apostle writes, "Fulfill ye my joy that you be like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind." Isn't that amazing? "Fulfill ye my joy that you be like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind." Look in Philippians 3 and verse 16.
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"Nevertheless, we have already attained. Let us walk by the same rule. Let us mind the same thing." Then if you'll skip down to chapter four in verse two, Paul is admonishing two women. Watch what he says. "I beseech Euodia, and I beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord." Now, here were two women that were having a little problem. Sometimes I slip up and call their names "Odious" and "Stinky," but you know. What did Paul tell them? "You better be of the same mind. Quit your arguing. Quit your dividing. Be of the same mind." Look in your Bibles to 1 Peter 3 and verse 8. 1 Peter 3 and verse 8. Watch, if you would, carefully. 1 Peter 3, verse 8. In this passage, the Word of God very clearly speaks, and notice if you would, 1 Peter 3, verse 8, the Word of God says this, "Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous." "Finally, be ye all of one mind." Look in 1 Peter 4 and verse 1.
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1 Peter 4 and verse 1. "Forasmuch as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind. For he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin." And may I remind you of Philippians 2 and verse 5 when God says, "Let this mind be in you, which also was in Christ Jesus." When you go back to 2 Timothy 2 and verse 15, I want you to look at that. Because if we're going to have the same mind, we have to obey this command where the Word of God tells us that we are to study to show ourselves approved unto God, workmen that need not to be ashamed. So, how in the world can we have the same mind if we do not study the same book? How can we say the same thing if we do not think alike? And how can we not think alike if we do not study the scriptures? Now, he said, "Study to show yourselves approved unto God." Now, let me break this verse down for you.
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The Greek word for "study" is the word spoudazo. You know, I love some of these Greek words. I really do. I love to say them. But one of my favorite words in the Greek language is the word for wife, gune. So sometimes I say, "There's my gune," or "gunay," "gune." So obviously, you know, there are certain words that just stand out. This one is one that stands out, spoudazo. It literally means to endeavor, to do diligence, to be diligent, to give diligence, and to labor and to study. So the implication of this word is of one hastening, endeavoring, and doing diligence in exerting himself. That's what it means when it says "study." Now, the word for "workman" here is ergates. It literally refers to a laborer, a workman, or a worker. Ah, listen, to someone who works in the fields like an agricultural worker. Now, since I was raised on a farm, I understand the implication of what it means to work in the fields. You work in the fields when it's hot. You work in the fields when it's cold.
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You work in the fields when it's dry and you work in the fields when it's raining. It doesn't matter. It has to be done and you have to do it. It doesn't matter if you're sweating. It doesn't matter if you're freezing. It has to be done. And this is what he's saying. You study to show yourself a workman, someone who's willing to sweat it out. Someone who's willing to freeze it out. You study.
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Now, watch if you would please. He said, "Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing." Now the word "dividing" is a very unique word. It is the Greek word orthotomeo and it literally means, listen carefully, to cut straight. To cut a straight course. To make straight and smooth. To handle rightly. And to teach the truth directly and correctly. Notice if you would, I told you it means to cut a straight course. It's interesting when he says "study," he's talking about real hard work. And when he talks about a workman, he's talking about someone who's laboring in the field. And now he's talking about cutting a straight line. If you've never planted, if you've never harrowed, if you've never turned dirt, if you've never plowed, let me tell you how to cut a straight line. It's very simple.
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When I start out in the field with my tractor or anyone's tractor, I don't care what I'm doing. If it's the first swath through that field, I look way at the far end of that field. And I pick out one tree. And I start driving right straight to that tree, and I do not take my eyes off from that tree. And when I get to the end, I can look back and the line will be just as straight as if you had pulled the line on it. But if you ever start looking back to see what you're doing, you're going to always wiggle. You can never plow straight. You can never plant straight looking back.
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You remember what our Lord said? "He that putteth his hand to the plow and looketh back is not fit for the kingdom of God." You remember that? So if you're going to cut a straight line, you have to stay straight in the book.
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Now, watch what he said. "Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly cutting straight the word of truth." If you put this verse together so far, I hope you've come up with this understanding that real study is hard work. And the truth of the matter is, many pastors do not engage in this hard work, much less Christians. We have failed miserably in the last fifty to a hundred years in Christianity, and our sin of disobedience in this area is really and truly catching up with us because we have so many ignorant, downright ignorant, professing Christians.
#24 | 19:48 to 20:48 | cleaned
They could not explain justification by faith. They could not explain sanctification. They cannot explain salvation. They cannot explain any major doctrine of the Bible in a reasonable manner where people can understand it. Because they don't know. They do not know. Let me show you something. I want you to turn in your Bibles to the book of Proverbs, chapter two.
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Now I'm going to read the first six verses. Then I want to go back and emphasize something with my voice. I want you to watch this. Proverbs, chapter two. And let's begin reading there with verse one. Proverbs, chapter two, verse one. In fact, I'll just—I'll just emphasize it as I read it. Watch it. Look at it carefully. Proverbs 2, beginning with verse 1. "My son, if thou wilt receive my words and hide my commandments with thee, so that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom and apply thine heart unto understanding, yea, if thou cryest after knowledge and liftest up thy voice for understanding, if thou seekest her as for silver and searchest for her as for hid treasures, then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding." I hope you understand, in these few verses, he talks about receiving his words, hiding his commandments, and inclining your ear, applying your heart, crying after knowledge, lifting up your voice for understanding.
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Seeking knowledge and understanding as silver, and searching for it as hidden treasures. Then he said, "Thou shalt understand." Do you perceive that just reading Proverbs 2 verses 1 through 6, there is an awful lot of work involved in studying. Wow. Let me ask you a question, he said, if you really want to learn, if you would seek understanding as silver and search for hidden treasures. So let's suppose that you knew, you knew that there was a buried treasure on your property. You knew it for sure. You just didn't know where.
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Would you go out and dig one day and say, "Oh, I'm tired. I'll stop. I'll try this again next month." Would you do that? No. You know what you would do? You would keep digging until you fell out. And if you got so tired, you would just go catch you a few hours of a nap and you'd come back and dig again because you would want that treasure. And God says, when you take that kind of attitude and you really want to study, then He said, "I'm going to give you some truth."
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Now, let me explain something to you, folks. The truth is that study is hard work, which is why most people never engage in it. And the reason why some who begin it do not ever continue with it. And I will tell you this: consistency in and of itself is hard work. And study requires discipline and sacrifice. There are very few that are willing to pay the price.
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It's easier to remain ignorant. It's easier to depend upon someone else. It's easier just to say, "I'm too busy." Consequently, most professing Christians today are not only just ignorant, they're ignorant of Bible doctrine on a large scale and ignorant of the Bible in general. It's absolutely astounding when you stop and think of how little people really study. God has not written His word for lazy people who are too dilatory or too busy with the things of this world, or like Martha, who was too busy serving and have no time and no heart to search and study the scriptures. When Martha said, "Lord, make Mary help me," He said, "Oh, she's chosen the good part. She's going to sit here and learn." You know what the Bible says in Proverbs 25 and verse 2? "It is the glory of God to conceal a thing, but the honor of kings to search out a matter." And if we've been made kings and priests unto Him, it is our honor to search out His word. Those who are unwilling to work are unwilling to learn.
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Those who are unwilling to sweat and dig will never find the treasure. It's just that simple. Are you listening? There will never be a consensus of doctrine or belief unless Christians in general learn to read, study, and apply the Word of God. Divisions will continue to exist and they will multiply because of the ignorance of Christians in general and their disobedience to 2 Timothy 2 verse 15. "Study to show yourselves approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the truth." I've got two other points, and they are fitting right with what I'm just telling you.
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The second one is this. Along with the responsibility to study comes the responsibility to listen and learn. We could classify this maybe as a failure to be taught. You know, the Apostle Paul told Timothy in 1 Timothy chapter 4 and verse 11, "These things command and teach." Wow! Remember, Timothy was a pastor. "These things command and teach."
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Now let me show you something. I want you to turn to the book of Ephesians chapter 4. Ephesians chapter 4. And I want you to follow me as I read this passage. Ephesians chapter four. And we're going to begin with verse eight. Ephesians four, verse eight, and we're going to read through verse 16. Watch Ephesians four, verse eight, "Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men."
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"Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things."
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Now remember, he gave gifts unto men in verse 8. What are some of those gifts? Verse 11. "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastor-teachers." Actually, pastor-teachers is one group. Why did God initially give us apostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastor-teachers? Here's why. "For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ."
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"That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: from whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love."
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Now, why did God give pastor-teachers? Now, the apostleship is over and done with. And if I were to take time, I could show you that the pastor has commanded the scripture to do the work of an evangelist. So, we now have pastor-teachers. Why did God give pastor-teachers? And the answer is very plainly given to us. He said, in verse 12, "for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying or the building of the body of Christ, till we all come into the unity of the faith," isn't that amazing? That is, having the same mind, "and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect or mature man, unto the measure, the stature, the fulness of Christ, that we be no more children tossed to and fro."
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In other words, we have grown up. We know. We understand. Now, listen carefully. As a pastor-teacher, I have the duty, the responsibility, the obligation of studying, preaching and teaching. But if that is my duty, my obligation, my responsibility, there is a corollary duty and obligation responsibility on your part. Which is? You're required to listen and to learn and apply the truth that is being taught. Why did God give pastor-teachers?
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For the perfecting of the saints. For the building up of the body of Christ. For the maturing. I understand that not every Christian can devote hours a day to study. I understand that. I mean, not every Christian has the same calling. Not every Christian is called to be a pastor-teacher. Most have different vocations and therefore they are unable to spend hours a day studying. We have a couple of doctors here.
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I never will forget when I was a boy. The doctor that I went to was Dr. Sam's. I think he finally died about 100 years of age, and he looked just as young at 100 as he did in the 60s and 70s. And I often thought as a boy, "How does he do this?" He was there day and night. And if you were in the hospital, he was there, too. Now, I can assure you that a doctor that stays with it and has emergency calls, he's not going to have three or four or five hours a day to study. He's just not going to do it.
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All I'm trying to say is this. You may not have four or five hours a day to study, but you can be faithful to the preaching and teaching of the word of God and each Christian, no matter what your occupation, can listen, learn, take notes, and seek to apply the truth that he has heard. Each Christian can ask questions. Each Christian can search the scriptures in those areas in which he does not understand or is unclear upon.
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Do you remember in Acts chapter 17, it was the Apostle Paul who preached to the Bereans. And here's what the Bible says, Acts 17 verse 11, talking about the Bereans. "These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind and searched the scriptures daily whether these things were so." What separated the Bereans from the Thessalonicans and the Athenians in Acts 17? Well, the answer is they had a ready mind to receive the word of God and they searched the scriptures daily to verify that what the Apostle Paul said was true.
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Let me tell you something, even hearing requires discipline, concentration and determination. If you're going to hear, you have to work at being undistracted. You have to control your thoughts. You have to listen intently. You must seek to follow the line of thought and the scriptures and the points that are being made. I preach approximately an hour each time I preach. Have you ever thought about this? What I give you in an hour has cost me hours, days, months, and sometimes years. I often have people ask me, "Well, how long did it take you to work up that message?" And I always like to smile and say, "53 years." Because that's how long I've been studying.
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And yes, some messages come very quickly. Others do not. I've got messages that I'm working on that I've been working on for over a year. The point I'm trying to make is this. If you can learn in an hour what it has taken me days and weeks and months on earth, you're by far the better off. You're by far the better off. But let me tell you what the problem is. The problem is very simple.
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And I learned this the hard way many years ago. If something doesn't really cost you, you don't really appreciate it. And since my work, or the work of any pastor, doesn't really cost you, sometimes you take the attitude, "Easy come, easy go. If I don't get it this week, I'll get it next week. If I don't get it next week, I'll catch it next month. If I don't get it next month, I'll catch it next year." And the truth is you never get it and you never catch it. You see, the truth of the matter is this. When you sit and it costs you to listen and to pay attention and not be distracted and you concentrate and you see, then you appreciate what you have.
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Now, our Lord said in Matthew 11, verse 15 and other passages to help me out. "He that hath ears to hear, what? Let him hear." If you've got ears, if you have the ability to hear, you are obligated and responsible to hear the truth. OK. I'm just pointing out why there are so many divisions. Number one, I pointed out the divine side. I'm on the human side now.
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Most Christians do not study. Most Christians really do not listen to the preaching of the Word of God. They do not learn. They do not apply. Preaching to most people has become a ritual, a ceremony. We go to church because if we don't, somebody might think we're an atheist. Or somebody might say something about us. We don't really go to worship God. We don't really go to learn.
#47 | 37:57 to 38:28 | cleaned
There's the failure to apply the truth and to live by biblical principle. Listen carefully. When you fail to apply the truth and when you fail to live by biblical principle, it leads to ignorance, a loss of understanding and division. Now, you're going to ask me, "How can the failure to apply the truth lead to ignorance, a loss of understanding and division?" Well, the answer is very simple. Because God has designed and ordained a principle, which I'm going to show you. And here's that principle very plainly stated. Listen carefully. If you don't use the truth, you lose the truth. That's very simple. If you hear, and if you acquire a mental understanding of what is said, but then you do not apply it to your life, you lose the truth. Because it is really not yours until you apply it. Let me show you.
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I want you to look in your Bibles through the book of Mark, chapter 4. I want to show you this principle. Look at Mark chapter four. And let's begin reading with verse twenty-three. Mark four. Notice he would verse twenty-three and we'll read through verse twenty-five, Mark four. Our Lord said, "If any man have ears to hear, let him hear." Mark four, verse twenty-three, and he said unto them, "Take heed what you hear. With what measure you mete, it shall be measured to you, and to you that hear shall more be given. For he that hath, to him shall be given, and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath." Now, I want you to notice first that our Lord gives us a specific warning. After he says in verse 23, "If any man have ears to hear, let him hear," He gives us a specific warning in verse 24 and he said to them, "Take heed what you hear."
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In other words, it is your responsibility to make sure that what you're hearing is the word of God. When you get to Luke 8 and verse 18 in the same context, he says it just a little differently. He says, "Take heed how you hear." So you're responsible for not only what you hear, but you're also responsible for how you hear. So God says you make sure that first and foremost, you are hearing the Word of God. And secondly, you better take heed how you hear it. So this second and third point happens to be intimately connected with the first point. Our Lord establishes a second principle in verse 24. Look at it. He said, "Take heed what you hear."
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"With what measure you mete, it shall be measured to you." So, let me explain it like this. He says, "Take heed what you hear. With what measure you measure, it shall be measured unto you." So, here's what our Lord is saying. To the degree that you give to reading, studying, and applying the Scripture, to that same degree, truth is going to be measured to you. In other words, you're not going to read your Bible and study your Bible for 10 minutes and get two hours worth of truth. You're not going to study one chapter and get 20 chapters worth of truth. No. God is going to measure truth to you to the same degree, to the same measure that you give in understanding truth. OK? So what measure you measure, it's going to be measured right back to you. So if you don't give much time to reading and studying and applying truth, you're just not going to receive much.
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Now, third, look in verse 24. He says, "And he said unto them, Take heed what you hear: with what measure you mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given."
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Now, let me ask you a question. And I want you to think about this. Why in the world should God give you more truth if you won't obey the truth He's already given you? Why would God give you more truth if you will not apply and use the truth that He's already given you? He said, "Unto you that hear shall more be given." All right, listen to me. Truth unapplied is worthless. It still may be truth. But if you don't apply it, it is worthless to you.
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I'm not a mechanic, but if you had car problems, engine problems, and I knew enough to tell you to check on something else, and it was the truth, and you didn't do it, to you, that truth is worthless, it's useless, you did not apply it. Now watch carefully. Because if you do not use the truth, you lose the truth. Look in verse 25. "For he that hath, to him shall be given. And he that hath not, from him shall be taken, even that which he hath." So God says if you use the truth, if you apply the truth, I'm going to give you more truth. However, if you fail to use it, if you fail to apply it, you're going to lose it.
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Now, let me explain why. Because unless you apply the truth, it's not really yours to begin with. I want you to look in your Bibles, Luke chapter 8. Look in Luke chapter 8 in verse 18. I told you this is the same context. I want you to see what he says. He says the same thing, just a little differently. And I think you can understand it here. Look in Luke chapter 8 and verse 18. Look at what our Lord says. Luke 8 verse 18.
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"Take heed therefore how you hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have." In other words, if you don't apply truth, you don't really have it. You just seem to have it. You might have an intellectual grasp of it, but if you don't apply it, it is not yours. How many of you have learned facts all of your life, and you cannot even give me 20 of the facts that you learned when you were 20 years of age? Or 16. You know why? If you don't use the truth, you lose the truth. You could take your right arm and you could strap it to your body and leave it tied to your body for three months or four months. Guess what? When it's loosed, you're going to have to rebuild that muscle and you're going to learn to use that arm all over again because it dissipates. The muscle disappears. What's the word I'm trying to think of?
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Atrophy. It goes away. It's the same thing with biblical truth. If you do not apply it and use it, you lose it. And so when Christians then fail to study or fail to listen, or if they hear something, they say, "Oh, man, that's good. That's truth." And yet they never apply it. They lose it. It's gone. That's why the author of the book of Hebrews said we ought to give the more earnest heed to these things, lest at any time we let them slip.
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Now, let me make just an application today. I'm not through with this. I've got two more messages to demonstrate why there are so many divisions based upon our failure in our Christian responsibilities. But here's the first application, and it's actually the only one I've got. But we must understand that even when we use the means that God has ordained, that God is still sovereign in illumination. He may give illumination, or He may withhold it. You know, what I could do is I could say, "I'm going to sit here and I'm going to read the book of Luke over and over and over and over until I understand this thing." But if God doesn't open my mind and my understanding, I could sit here and read until I died, and I'd still never understand it. You see, understanding is His gift, and God may give understanding or He may withhold it at His discretion. He may deprive any of us of our wisdom and our understanding at His pleasure. I just read this week of some people who did some mighty stupid things that cost them their life or their lives, or at least the life or lives of others.
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And I thought, "How could anyone do something like that?" It's because they have been deprived of understanding. Did you know the ostrich is a good example of one that's been deprived of understanding. Let me show you. Look in your Bibles to the book of Job chapter 39. Job 39. And let's begin reading there with verse 13. Everyone knows how protective a mother is of her child. Or how protective a hen is of her eggs, if she's sitting on them to hatch them. But watch Job 39, beginning there with verse 13. God is asking Job and He says, "Gavest thou the goodly wings unto the peacocks? or wings and feathers unto the ostrich?" Now, look what the ostrich does, "which leaveth her eggs in the earth, and warmeth them in the dust," she lays them.
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covers them, forgets them and forgetteth that the foot may crush them, or that the wild beast may break them. Look what God says. "She is hardened against her young ones, as though they were not hers: her labour is in vain without fear; because God hath deprived her of wisdom, neither hath he imparted to her understanding. What time she lifteth up herself on high, she scorneth the horse and his rider."
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She's got certain things the ostrich can really run. But God has deprived her of wisdom, neither has He imparted her understanding. So here's the ostrich, lay an egg, cover it in the dust and walk off. Anything could happen to it. Why? Because God deprived her of wisdom. God did not impart understanding to her. Let me give you an illustration. When I was studying for this, I could not help, when I got to this point, to think of Samson. Samson and Delilah.
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I've often said, "I may be stupid, but I'm not that stupid." If Alice asked me, "Tell me where all your strength is." And I said, "Oh, it's in my wavy curly hair." Tommy, you and I don't have any. I'm sorry. And I wake up in the morning and all my wavy curly hair is gone. I'm going to think she's not looking after my best interest. Something's wrong. Or if I tell her, "Well, if you weave it with a spider's web and tie it to a beam," you know, everything that Samson told Delilah, she did to him.
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And he never put two and two together. And finally, when he told her the truth, she shaved his head. And he went out and shook himself as at other times, and wist not that the Lord was departed from him.
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Now, I have to ask myself this question. How could he be so stupid? Could it be the answer is given to us in Proverbs 6 and verse 32? "But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding." Wow. God says when you commit adultery, you're just plain stupid. You have no understanding. Do you realize there are a number of things in the Bible that God says that when people do them, they're just plain stupid. Listen to this one. How about Proverbs 12, verse 11? "He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding." Now, God says, if you work and earn your bread by the sweat of your brow, you're going to be satisfied. But somebody who follows a little gang to steal and rob, He says, "You're stupid. You have no understanding." And that same thing in Proverbs 24 and verse 30. He said, "I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding." In other words, he won't work.
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He lets everything go to ruin. Do you remember that passage in Matthew 13, verse 19, the parable of the sower there? Our Lord said, "When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart." And then God even speaks of some in First Timothy, chapter one in verse seven, when he says, "Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm." In other words, here are some that claim to be teachers and they're totally, absolutely without understanding because they want understanding apart from God. It is true we must seek God for understanding.
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We're commanded to do so. However, we have to understand. Understanding is His gift. He may give it or He may withhold it. He may give it or He may withhold it temporarily. Or He may withhold it permanently. It's totally up to Him. He gives His gifts at His pleasure and not at our demands. We must understand this. God is never, ever going to give us enlightenment and illumination unless we use the means that He has ordained and ask Him for His gift of illumination and understanding.
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And when we do see truth, it should do two things for us. First of all, it should make us grateful and thankful because we see when others do not see. And secondly, it should make us humble. Because we understand if God had not opened our eyes, if God had not given us truth, we would not have it. Because everything is of Him. If we do not study, if we do not listen and learn and apply, we will not only remain in ignorance, we will be the source of division and strife and heartache. I think our Lord said it like this, "You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free."
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Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, we bow to You this day. We thank You for Your Word. We thank You for Your truth. And we ask, Father, that You would indeed teach us. Build us up in the most holy faith. Enable us, Lord, to study. Enable us, Lord, to seek Thee for illumination, enlightenment, and understanding. Enable us, Heavenly Father, to live for Thee. To love Thee. Enable us, Father, if we do not have much time each day to at least take one chapter or one verse and look at it and meditate upon it and think upon it and turn it over and over in our minds all day and ask You to give us understanding. In the name of Jesus Christ we ask and pray. Amen.
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deepseek | deepseek-v4-pro | clean_readable_transcript | 2026-06-05T14:12:17Z

Can We All Just Get Along? Pt. 2

John Weaver | Freedom Ministries

John Weaver continues his series on divisions among Christians by examining the human side of the problem. He argues that a primary cause of division is the failure to study Scripture diligently, as commanded in 2 Timothy 2:15. He emphasizes that real study is hard work, requiring discipline and sacrifice, and that most Christians never truly study but rely on secondhand knowledge. A second cause is the failure to listen and learn from God-ordained pastor-teachers, who are given for the perfecting of the saints and unity of the faith. A third cause is the failure to apply truth, which leads to losing it, based on the principle in Mark 4:24-25 that God measures truth to us according to our use of it. Weaver stresses that even when we use the means, God remains sovereign in illumination; understanding is His gift, and He may give or withhold it. The message calls believers to diligent study, attentive hearing, and active application of Scripture, while humbly depending on God for understanding.

Introduction: The Question of Division

Weaver recaps the series origin from Rodney King's plea and notes that Christ Himself caused divisions. He clarifies he is addressing divisions among professing Christians, not with unbelievers.

The Divine Side: God's Sovereignty in Illumination

God is sovereign in giving understanding; He owes no one enlightenment and may give or withhold it as He pleases. Understanding is His gift, as seen in Proverbs 2:6 and 2 Timothy 2:7.

Scripture Reading — Job 33:13

"Why dost thou strive against him?" "For he giveth not account of any of his matters."

The Human Side: The Command to Study

Christians are commanded to study in 2 Timothy 2:15. The Greek word spoudazo implies diligent labor, and the imagery of a workman cutting straight emphasizes hard work in rightly dividing the Word.

It just does not work that way. We do have responsibilities. We have been commanded to study. In 2 Timothy 2 and verse 15, if you will look there, the Scripture says this,

Scripture Reading — 2 Timothy 2:15

"Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

Scripture Reading — 2 Timothy 2:15

"Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth,"

first I would expect and I would loudly proclaim that one of the greatest causes of divisions—listen carefully.

Scripture Reading — 2 Timothy 2:15

1 Peter 4 and verse 1. "Forasmuch as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind. For he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin." And may I remind you of Philippians 2 and verse 5 when God says, "Let this mind be in you, which also was in Christ Jesus." When you go back to 2 Timothy 2 and verse 15, I want you to look at that. Because if we're going to have the same mind, we have to obey this command where the Word of God tells us that we are to study to show ourselves approved unto God, workmen that need not to be ashamed. So, how in the world can we have the same mind if we do not study the same book? How can we say the same thing if we do not think alike? And how can we not think alike if we do not study the scriptures? Now, he said, "Study to show yourselves approved unto God." Now, let me break this verse down for you.

The Failure to Study as a Cause of Division

Scripture Reading — 2 Timothy 2:15

1 Peter 4 and verse 1. "Forasmuch as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind. For he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin." And may I remind you of Philippians 2 and verse 5 when God says, "Let this mind be in you, which also was in Christ Jesus." When you go back to 2 Timothy 2 and verse 15, I want you to look at that. Because if we're going to have the same mind, we have to obey this command where the Word of God tells us that we are to study to show ourselves approved unto God, workmen that need not to be ashamed. So, how in the world can we have the same mind if we do not study the same book? How can we say the same thing if we do not think alike? And how can we not think alike if we do not study the scriptures? Now, he said, "Study to show yourselves approved unto God." Now, let me break this verse down for you.

The Call to Diligent Seeking in Proverbs 2

Proverbs 2:1-6 describes the intense effort required to gain understanding—receiving, hiding, inclining, crying out, seeking as silver—and promises that then the Lord gives wisdom.

Scripture Reading — Proverbs 2:1-6

"My son, if thou wilt receive my words and hide my commandments with thee, so that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom and apply thine heart unto understanding, yea, if thou cryest after knowledge and liftest up thy voice for understanding, if thou seekest her as for silver and searchest for her as for hid treasures, then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding."

The Responsibility to Listen and Learn

Scripture Reading — Acts 17:11

"These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind and searched the scriptures daily whether these things were so."

The Principle of Using or Losing Truth

Scripture Reading — Mark 4:23-25

"If any man have ears to hear, let him hear."

Mark four, verse twenty-three, and he said unto them,

Scripture Reading — Mark 4:23-25

"Take heed what you hear. With what measure you mete, it shall be measured to you, and to you that hear shall more be given. For he that hath, to him shall be given, and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath."

Now, I want you to notice first that our Lord gives us a specific warning. After he says in verse 23,

Scripture Reading — Mark 4:23-25

"If any man have ears to hear, let him hear,"

He gives us a specific warning in verse 24 and he said to them, "Take heed what you hear."

God's Sovereignty Even When We Use the Means

Even diligent study does not guarantee understanding; God may deprive wisdom as He did with the ostrich (Job 39:13-18) or Samson. Understanding remains His gift, and we must humbly seek it.

Conclusion and Prayer

Can We All Just Get Along? Pt. 2

John Weaver | SermonAudio

Lecture Metadata	Details
Speaker	John Weaver
Source	SermonAudio
Media ID	39182052320
Subject	Old Testament Studies
Course	Proverbs: The Fear of the Lord and Wisdom: Can We All Just Get Along?
Genre	Sermon
Date	2018-02-04
Dictation Name
Book	Book 113: Can We All Just Get Along? — Chapter 1
Source Timed Segments	68

Lecture Guide

Outline

Introduction: The Question of Division: Weaver recaps the series origin from Rodney King's plea and notes that Christ Himself caused divisions. He clarifies he is addressing divisions among professing Christians, not with unbelievers.
The Divine Side: God's Sovereignty in Illumination: God is sovereign in giving understanding; He owes no one enlightenment and may give or withhold it as He pleases. Understanding is His gift, as seen in Proverbs 2:6 and 2 Timothy 2:7.
The Human Side: The Command to Study: Christians are commanded to study in 2 Timothy 2:15. The Greek word spoudazo implies diligent labor, and the imagery of a workman cutting straight emphasizes hard work in rightly dividing the Word.
The Failure to Study as a Cause of Division: Most Christians never truly study but rely on tradition or hearsay. Ignorance of doctrine leads to division, and without study, there can be no unity of mind as commanded in Romans 12:16, 1 Corinthians 1:10, and Philippians 2:2.
The Call to Diligent Seeking in Proverbs 2: Proverbs 2:1-6 describes the intense effort required to gain understanding—receiving, hiding, inclining, crying out, seeking as silver—and promises that then the Lord gives wisdom.
The Responsibility to Listen and Learn: God gave pastor-teachers for the perfecting of the saints and unity of the faith (Ephesians 4:11-16). Believers have a corollary duty to listen, learn, and apply what is taught, like the Bereans who searched the Scriptures daily (Acts 17:11).
The Principle of Using or Losing Truth: Mark 4:23-25 teaches that God measures truth to us according to the measure we give. If we do not apply truth, we lose it; it only seems to be ours (Luke 8:18). Failure to apply leads to ignorance and division.
God's Sovereignty Even When We Use the Means: Even diligent study does not guarantee understanding; God may deprive wisdom as He did with the ostrich (Job 39:13-18) or Samson. Understanding remains His gift, and we must humbly seek it.
Conclusion and Prayer: Weaver urges gratitude and humility for any understanding received, warns that failure to study, listen, and apply makes us sources of division, and closes in prayer for God to teach and enable study.

Major Themes

Key Arguments

Divisions among Christians stem primarily from failure to study Scripture.

Most Christians know only what they have been taught, not what they have studied for themselves, leading to ignorance and inability to agree on doctrine.

Weaver states, 'Most Christians never really study... they have never, ever studied the Scriptures for themselves.' (00:08:27.3) and 'It is practically impossible for one to agree with another who is biblical if the former is completely ignorant of Bible doctrine.' (00:09:45.1)

Real study is hard work, which most avoid.

The Greek word for 'study' implies diligent labor like a field worker; consistency and discipline are required, and few are willing to pay the price.

Weaver says, 'Study is hard work, which is why most people never engage in it... consistency in and of itself is hard work. And study requires discipline and sacrifice.' (00:23:53.9)

Unity of mind is commanded and possible only through shared submission to Scripture.

Multiple New Testament passages command believers to be of the same mind; this unity comes from studying the same book and thinking alike.

Weaver reads Romans 12:16, 1 Corinthians 1:10, Philippians 2:2, and others, then asks, 'How in the world can we have the same mind if we do not study the same book?' (00:15:23.1)

God gave pastor-teachers to bring believers to unity, requiring hearers to listen and learn.

Ephesians 4 shows that pastor-teachers are gifts for perfecting the saints until we all attain unity of the faith; believers must therefore be teachable.

Weaver says, 'Why did God give pastor-teachers? ...for the perfecting of the saints... till we all come into the unity of the faith.' (00:29:43.6)

Failure to apply truth leads to losing it, causing ignorance and division.

Mark 4:24-25 establishes that God measures truth to us according to our use; unapplied truth is lost, and we only seem to have it.

Weaver explains, 'If you don't use the truth, you lose the truth... from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have.' (00:45:55.9)

Even with diligent effort, understanding remains God's sovereign gift.

God may deprive wisdom as He did with the ostrich (Job 39) or Samson; believers must seek God for illumination while using the means He ordained.

Weaver says, 'If God doesn't open my mind and my understanding, I could sit here and read until I died, and I'd still never understand it.' (00:47:59.9)

Scripture References

2 Timothy 2:15: The central command to study to show oneself approved, a workman rightly dividing the word of truth; Weaver expounds the Greek words for study, workman, and rightly dividing.
Luke 12:51-53: Jesus said He came not to bring peace but a sword, causing divisions even within families; cited to show Christ is a source of division.
John 9:16: The Pharisees were divided over Jesus because of His Sabbath healing; an example of division concerning Christ.
Job 33:13: Elihu's question, 'Why dost thou strive against him? for he giveth not account of any of his matters,' used to illustrate God's sovereignty and that He owes no explanation.
Proverbs 2:6: The Lord gives wisdom; out of His mouth comes knowledge and understanding; cited to show understanding is God's gift.
2 Timothy 2:7: Paul tells Timothy to consider what he says, and the Lord will give understanding; used to show the link between human consideration and divine gift.
Romans 12:16: Command to be of the same mind one toward another; part of the series of commands for unity of mind.
1 Corinthians 1:10: Paul beseeches believers to speak the same thing, have no divisions, and be perfectly joined in the same mind and judgment.
Philippians 2:2: Paul desires believers to be like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
Philippians 3:16: Command to walk by the same rule and mind the same thing.
Philippians 4:2: Paul beseeches Euodia and Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord; an example of addressing division between two women.
1 Peter 3:8: Command to be all of one mind, having compassion; another call for unity.
1 Peter 4:1: Arm yourselves with the same mind as Christ suffered; referenced in the context of having Christ's mind.
Philippians 2:5: Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus; the ultimate example of the mind believers should share.
Proverbs 2:1-6: The conditions for gaining understanding: receiving words, crying for knowledge, seeking as silver; then the Lord gives wisdom.
Proverbs 25:2: It is the glory of God to conceal a thing, but the honor of kings to search out a matter; applied to believers as kings and priests.
Ephesians 4:8-16: Christ gave gifts including pastor-teachers for perfecting the saints and bringing unity of the faith; the basis for the duty to hear and learn.
Acts 17:11: The Bereans were more noble because they received the word with readiness and searched the Scriptures daily; the model for hearers.
Mark 4:23-25: Take heed what you hear; with what measure you mete it will be measured to you; the principle of use it or lose it.
Luke 8:18: Take heed how you hear; whoever has will be given, and whoever has not, even what he seems to have will be taken; reinforces the principle.

Historical References

Rodney King and the 1992 Los Angeles riots: The series title comes from Rodney King's plea, 'Can we all just get along?' after his beating by police sparked riots with over 50 deaths and $2 billion in damage.

Important Quotes

One of the greatest causes of division is a lack of and or a failure to study the Word of God.

States the central thesis of the message: that failure to study Scripture is a primary reason for divisions among Christians.

Most Christians never really study. They may read their Bibles, but they don't really study their Bibles.

Highlights the widespread problem of superficial engagement with Scripture versus diligent study.

Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

The key verse of the message, quoted and expounded as the command for diligent, accurate handling of Scripture.

If you don't use the truth, you lose the truth.

Succinctly captures the principle from Mark 4 that unapplied truth is lost, leading to ignorance and division.

We must understand that even when we use the means that God has ordained, that God is still sovereign in illumination.

Balances human responsibility with divine sovereignty, reminding that understanding is ultimately God's gift.

It is the glory of God to conceal a thing, but the honor of kings to search out a matter.

Quoted from Proverbs 25:2 to motivate believers to diligent searching of Scripture as their royal privilege.

Take heed what you hear: with what measure you mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.

The principle from Mark 4:24 that God's revelation corresponds to our diligence in hearing and applying.

You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.

A concluding reference to John 8:32, emphasizing the liberating power of truth when it is truly known and applied.

Discussion Questions

[Question]

What does it mean to 'study' Scripture in the sense of 2 Timothy 2:15, and how does that differ from casual reading?

[Context]

Weaver emphasizes the Greek word spoudazo, meaning diligent labor, and the imagery of a workman cutting straight.

[Question]

Why is a failure to study the Bible personally a major cause of division among Christians?

[Context]

Weaver argues that ignorance of doctrine makes agreement impossible and that most Christians rely on secondhand knowledge.

[Question]

How can believers practically 'be of the same mind' as commanded in Romans 12:16 and Philippians 2:2?

[Context]

Weaver says unity comes from submitting to the same truth in Scripture, not from uniformity of vocation or background.

[Question]

What is the role of pastor-teachers according to Ephesians 4:11-16, and what responsibility does that place on hearers?

[Context]

Weaver explains that pastors are given to equip the saints for unity and maturity, implying a duty to listen and learn.

[Question]

How does the principle 'with what measure you mete, it shall be measured to you' (Mark 4:24) apply to our study and application of Scripture?

[Context]

Weaver teaches that God gives truth in proportion to our diligence and that unapplied truth is lost.

[Question]

In what ways can we 'lose' truth we have heard, and how can we prevent that?

[Context]

Weaver says failure to apply truth leads to losing even what we seem to have, using the analogy of muscle atrophy.

[Question]

How should the sovereignty of God in illumination affect our attitude when we do understand Scripture?

[Context]

Weaver says it should produce gratitude and humility, recognizing that understanding is a gift, not an achievement.

[Question]

What are some practical ways to cultivate a habit of diligent Bible study despite a busy schedule?

[Context]

Weaver acknowledges not everyone can study for hours but encourages taking even one verse to meditate on throughout the day.

Applications

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deepseek | deepseek-v4-pro | weaver_study | 2026-06-06T02:20:17Z