May 19, 2023
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(Ephesians 3:2 KJ) If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to youward:
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Dispensational Bible study and right division of the Scriptures is how one learns the Scriptures correctly. God requires faith in Him however He may be dealing with man in different time periods, or dispensations.
(Hebrews 11:6 KJ) But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
For example, notice the different responses from God concerning those that are sick:
(James 5:14,15 KJ) Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:
(15) And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
James was writing to a specific group of people:
(James 1:1 KJ) James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.
...."to the twelve tribes"
That would be to the children of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, not to the church of today.
Now compare God healing people in (James 5:14,15 King James) with what God said to Paul when he requested healing:
(2 Corinthians 12:7-9 KJ) And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
(8) For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
(9) And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
God gives instructions to the 12 tribes of Israel concerning the 'outward' expression of faith in Him that is required by God for the healing of their sick. But what did God say to Paul when he requested healing for himself? He said, "My grace is sufficient for thee:" That is, Paul, I'm not going to heal you. But I will work my strength through you, which is sufficient for all good works, based upon your inward expression of faith in me. And here is how I will accomplish this in your life:
(2 Timothy 3:16, 17 KJ) All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
(17) That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
God will work His perfect righteousness through the rich dwelling of His Holy Spirit's Word within Paul, regardless of Paul's infirmity in his flesh.
God's strength will be made perfect in Paul's weakness. Why? Because Paul, by his faith in God, is relying on the Holy infinite, all powerful God to do the good works, and not relying on or in his self. Paul is showing forth an 'inward' expression of faith in God.
God requires different expressions of faith from man towards Him in different time periods. Faith in God is always required from Him.
'Right division' of the Scriptures is understanding Scripturally what God is doing (or 'not' doing), or requiring of man at different times:
(2 Timothy 2:15 KJ) Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Even so, come, Lord Jesus.