“Let Us Reason Together”
Introduction. It is not unusual, when Christians
engage in discussions with those in the religious world, as we try to tie
Scriptures together in order to determine the truth on some matter, to
he the charge - “O you are just using human reasoning.” The Bible does
speak against:
- Leaning on our own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5, cf. Jeremiah
10:23; Proverbs 2:1-11).
- Trusting in manŐs wisdom. (1 Corinthians 2:12-16, cf. Romans 8:5).
Yet far from condemning the use of reason in understanding the word
of God, we shall see tonight that God appeals to us through his servants,
and through His Son to engage our sense of reason in order to understand
His instruction.
I. God’s Servants Appealed to Reason.
- The Prophet Samuel. (I Samuel 12:6-15).
- The Apostle Paul. (Acts 17:1-3; 16,17; 18:1-4; 18,19; 19:8-10; 24:25;
26:25).
II. Jesus Appealed to Reason.
- “One of the scribes came... having heard them reasoning together.” (Mark 12:28).
- “So it was, while they conversed and reasoned, that Jesus Himself
drew near and went with them.” (Luke 24:13-27).
III. God the Father appeals to Reason.
- “Come let us reason together, says the Lord.” (Isaiah 1:16-20).
Conclusion.
- Reason is engaged in the recognition of God. (Daniel 4:34-47).
- Reason that is impaired is considered a malady. (Ecclesiastes 7:7).