Reasons For Writing

by D. S. Parrack (England)

PAPER 1

"These things I write unto thee — that"  Tim.3.14-15

Whilst we gratefully accept that "all Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable, 2Tim.3.16, there are different portions of Scripture which treat with particular circumstances and varying conditions in the lives and experiences of God’s people. The Proverbs writer requests of God, "Feed me with food convenient for me," Prov.30.8, and Paul told the Corinthians that, "I have fed you with milk and not with meat, for hitherto ye were not able to bear it," 1Cor.3.2. The Hebrews writer, facing a similar situation among his readers, commented "Every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe, but strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age," Heb.5.13-14. One function of the teacher, having discerned the needs of his hearers, is to address those needs with applicable teaching from the Scriptures. Paul did not treat the Corinthians as incorrigible or unteachable but, as he says, "I have fed you with milk." That is all that you are currently capable of assimilating and so that is what I will ensure is available for you. The Hebrews writer, whilst expressing regret that "When for the time ye ought to be teachers," nonetheless accepts that the actual situation with which he has to deal is "Ye have need that one teach you again what be the first principles of the oracles of God, and are such that have need of milk and not strong meat," Heb.5.12. If that is the level of teaching you need, that is the level of teaching to which I will work.

Is there though any reliable guidance for deciding which particular portions of Scripture are most suitable for differing levels of growth and understanding among believers? This question is especially relevant to teachers as they attempt to meet the needs of varying groups with whom they are working. It in turn emphasises the importance of local elders accepting the major responsibility for teaching in their own assemblies, since they are in the best position, or should be, of appreciating the state and needs of the fellowship in which they are exercising a leadership role. While the gift of teaching is not exclusive to elders, it is a necessary qualification for anyone looking to undertake such a task in any local church, (see e.g. Tim.3.2, Tit.1.9).

Fortunately a number of N.T. writers tell us quite explicity why they wrote as they did, what they were aiming to achieve in the development of their readers. Since our needs are very much the same as those of first century believers, we ought to search out for ourselves the Scriptural remedies which proved to be so valuable for them.

Bear in mind though that just as God’s chastening is effective to "them that are exercised thereby," Heb.12.11, so the same is true of the effectiveness of God’s Word. In a somewhat different context but applying the same principle, Paul asks "What if some did not believe, shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?" His emphatic response to his own question is "God forbid," Rom.3.3-4. The answers, the remedies, to our many differing needs are there, but it is our responsibility to give evidence of our confidence in what God says by the response evoked in our hearts and lives.

It is hoped that we may be able to look at some of the writings of John, Luke, Paul, Peter, Jude and the author of Hebrews, whose identity we do not really know. This is certainly not an attempt to comment in detail on any particular book or books, just to trace out what we are told that the various writers were aiming to achieve and then apply that to our own personal and corporate circumstances.

—to be continued (D.V.)