Russell Haffner
The Bible teaches that we must trust in God instead of ourselves. In Proverbs 3:5 we find, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” Notice the warning about leaning on our own understanding. This admonition can be very challenging to us at times. We like to think that we always know best. However, we see similar warnings many times in the scriptures. In Jeremiah 10:23 we find, "O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps." Proverbs 16:25 adds, "There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." We like to rely on own wisdom, but that is a dangerous path to follow. Man's wisdom will never serve as the proper guide for this life. We need direction from God's word.
Part of our trusting in the Lord involves seeking to understand His word. We want to know it, not only for our own edification, but also so that we will be able to share it with others. We understand how important it is for one to have God's word as a guide in this life. 1 Peter 3:15 says, "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear." We have been commanded by Christ to GO "into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15). Jesus explains that, "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned" (Mark 16:16). We share the message of salvation with others because we want everyone to have the hope that is found in God.
In our day we see many who look for hope in the material things of this world, but true hope can only be found in God. Matthew 16:26 asks, "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" The value of the soul is priceless. God gave His own Son, and Jesus gave His life, that our souls could be in heaven for eternity. No one should live a life without hope.
We trust in God with complete confidence because He has proven Himself time and time again. 1 Thessalonians 5:21 teaches us to "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good." To "prove all things" means to put it to the test. God has passed every test so we confidently hold fast to Him and His word without doubts or reservations. 2 Timothy 3:16 states that, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." All we need for direction in this life is found in the scriptures. It is the roadmap to guide us from this world to our heavenly home.
As we trust in God and continue to study His word, we realize that salvation is not found in our own wisdom, but in the wisdom that comes from above (James 3:17). We have a responsibility to ourselves and others. In 1 Timothy 4:16, Paul told Timothy, "Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee."
We hope you are enjoying the free courses provided by the WVBS Online Bible School. The school is designed to give students an online, comprehensive, in-depth study of the Bible. The lessons are pure non-denominational teaching based on an accurate "drawing out" of what the Bible teaches, not reading into the text what someone might think it teaches. The courses cover every book in the Bible, plus four additional subjects which help you in your understanding of the scriptures. The 45 courses are currently available to the students for free online viewing. We would love to hear your opinion of the courses. Your comments, suggestions or even criticisms would be appreciated.