People think they have "chapter and verse"

This phrase, "chapter and verse" refers to the knowledge to quote an exact location of a truth or fact.

It's often mentioned about those with superior experience and recall in the fields of law, medicine, insurance, and religion.

JOINED AT THEIR HIP?

There are those who carry their holy book to and from meetings, even to their job.

You've probably seen them in person or in photos.

When we see a famous person or a celebrity holding one of these books, what do we think?

"I didn't know they believed."

"Looks like it's just for show."

"Do they ever read it?"

"Social media reveals that their lifestyles aren't pure; who are they kidding?"

You get the idea.

Hypocrites might be a small number of those who hold holy books.

Do you think that the majority of people who have holy books at home on a shelf, desk, table, or nightstand, and who bring them to meetings and other places are sincere?

Of these, some know enough of their holy book to quote "chapter and verse" about something.

Sometimes, even just a little of this can be used to HURT people.

POSITIVE TOOL

The Bible is to be a weapon used against the devil as the "sword of the Holy Spirit." Ephesians 6:17

When a temptation to sin comes, to quote the Bible makes sense.

The Lord Jesus Christ did this 3 times to the devil. Luke 4:1-12 

We can follow in the Lord's steps. 1 Peter 2:21

But to quote chapter and verse from the Bible to another human such as,

"You know, the Bible says in the gospel of John, chapter so and so, and verse 12, that you shouldn't do that!" might be harmful.

I've weaponized Scripture and you probably have, too.

We use the Bible to justify criticizing another's behavior.

"Well, I'm just trying to help. 

I don't want some bad thing to happen to you because you aren't living right." Proverbs 29:1; John 5:14

In the same letter from Paul that says,

Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth? Galatians 4:16

it also encourages restoration.

Brothers [and sisters], if someone is caught in a trespass [sin], you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness.

But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.

Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:1-2

HOW WOULD GRACE SAY IT?

Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ Himself, Who is the head. Ephesians 4:15

Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen. Ephesians 4:29

Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Colossians 4:6

SHOULD WE TELL PEOPLE THAT THEY'RE WRONG? Luke 17:3; Titus 1:9-11, 13-14

Paul withstood Peter to his face because he was to be blamed. Galatians 2:11-14

Hymeneaus and Philetus probably had chapter and verse to support their belief that the resurrection had already happened. 2 Timothy 2:16-18

Paul knew that this was NOT true and stated that in a letter that mentions them. 2 Timothy 2:17-18

Paul wrote to a church to say that they should have mourned over a sin and not be puffed up about it. 1 Corinthians 5:1-2

Did that church have "chapter and verse" to justify themselves?

Jesus said that wisdom is justified by all of her children. Matthew 11:19; Luke 7:35

Paul used "chapter and verse" to point out sinful lifestyles of those to whom he wrote. 

You, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal?

You who forbid adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?

You who boast in the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law?

As it is written: "God’s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles [non-Jews] because of you." Isaiah 52:5; Romans 2:21-24

He used "chapter and verse" to warn listeners.

Watch out, then, that what was spoken by the prophets does not happen to you:

'Look, you scoffers, wonder and perish!

For I am doing a work in your days that you would never believe, even if someone told you.' Habakkuk 1:5; Acts 13:40-41

When opponents of Paul's message spoke negatively about it, he and Barnabas said,

"It was necessary to speak the word of God to you first.

But since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. [non-Jews]

For this is what the Lord has commanded us:

'I have made you a light for the Gentiles, to bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'" Isaiah 49:6; Acts 13:46-47

LEARN "CHAPTER and VERSE"

Should we read and study the WHOLE Bible and correctly divide, dissect, and handle its truths for us in this New Testament age? Luke 24:25-27, 44-45; Acts 20:26-27; Romans 7:4; 15:4; 1 Corinthians 10:11; Galatians 3:23-25; Ephesians 2:15; Colossians 2:14; 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16-17; Hebrews 10:1-9 

Can we read and study a little each day to build ourselves up spiritually with correct doctrine? Acts 20:32; 1 Timothy 4:6

Can we use it appropriately as the Holy Spirit wants, if we're willing to let Him lead, Romans 8:14 and we become less Mark 8:34-35; John 3:30 as a pruned fruit branch? John 15:2

Do we want the Spirit of our Father in heaven to communicate through us, so that it's not we but He? Matthew 10:19-20; Mark 13:11; Luke 12:11-12; 1 Peter 4:11

Think of the kingdom of God in terms of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. Romans 14:17

The disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit. Acts 13:52

The Lord Jesus Christ's peace John 14:27 and joy John 15:11 are in believers.

Maybe they can inspire the communication of all of the good things we have in Him. Philemon v.6

Let's also go and learn what this means, I will have mercy and not sacrifice. Matthew 9:13

HOW GENTLE CAN WE BE?

Are we by nature God, the Word of God made flesh as Jesus was? John 1:1, 14; Philippians 2:5-8

Are we the fullness of the Deity in a human body as Jesus was? Colossians 2:9

Have we been given the Spirit without measure as Jesus had? John 3:34

The answers are all, "No."

Therefore, we have to be careful that our attitude is NOT one that wonders if we should call fire down from heaven to destroy as Elijah did. 2 Kings 1:12; Luke 9:54

Jesus would stop us as He did His first disciples. Luke 9:55

So, even though the Lord called some people blind leaders of the blind, Matthew 15:14 hypocrites, Matthew 23:29 and snakes Matthew 23:33 who needed spiritual light and sight, John 8:12; 9:39-41 

He also offered mercy and forgiveness.

Consider the following examples -- 

When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic,

"Son, your sins are forgiven." Mark 2:5

"Therefore I tell you, because her many sins have been forgiven, she has loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little."

Then Jesus said to her, "Your sins are forgiven." Luke 7:47-48

Then Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where are your accusers? Has no one condemned you?"

"No one, Lord," she answered.

"Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared.

"Now go and sin no more." John 8:10-11

 "Chapter and verse" can be used powerfully in the gentle and delicate hands, heart, and mouth of one controlled by the love of Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:14

And a servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and forbearing. 2 Timothy 2:24

A man takes joy in a fitting reply; and how good is a timely word! Proverbs 15:23

Your thoughts?

R. Jason