Seminary VS The Scriptures

Introduction: The following is my reply on a theology debate forum, in response to questions on why or why not one should go to Seminary...

"Don't misunderstand me; I am not opposed to a seminary that the focus thereof is on the Scriptures. In fact I have benefited greatly from the ministries of men who have seminary backgrounds, however their focus was never on seminary but on teaching and preaching from the Word of God.

I find it interesting though, that if someone was to question our modern methodology, which cannot be found in Scripture as the only method, he is either found to be 'full of pride', to discredit him, or as one lady said, 'angry and bitter'. These responses are just a type of ‘one-upmanship’, so to speak.

But, this is what the Scripture says:

"But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;

15. And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

16. 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, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." 2 Tim. 3:14-17

Timothy was taught the Word of God from infancy; somewhere around the age of nineteen or twenty he began his ministry, ordained of God by Paul. Paul charged him to publicly read aloud the Scriptures daily and to discharge the duties of ministry.

So, the Scriptures say that the Scripture is useful for:

1. Doctrine

2. Reproof

3. Correction

4. INSTRUCTION in righteousness that the man of God may be THOROUGHLY equipped for every good work.

One, through the work of the Holy Spirit, can be thoroughly equipped for doctrine, reproof, correction and instruction; whether in seminary, or alone in a grass hut in Swaziland, one can find the Pearl of Great Price and obtain the hidden treasures of understanding in the Scriptures. God can even bring someone to teach and preach the Gospel to you, to instruct you in the Word; all of this lead by the Spirit of Christ.

Peter, being trained by Christ, being filled with the Holy Spirit, lead 3000 people to the Lord in a single day (probably more than any other man has truly seen)  had only three years of informal training with the Lord.

If we have the Spirit of God we too can have intimate communion with our Lord, through the Scriptures, and out of obedience and submission can teach others from the Scriptures.

" But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

28. And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.

29. If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him." 1 John 2:27-29

(emphasis on verse 27, the anointing is the Holy Spirit that teaches a man.)

"But we received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is from God; that we might know the things that were freely given to us of God.

13. Which things also we speak, not in words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Spirit teacheth; combining spiritual things with spiritual words.

14. Now the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him; and he cannot know them, because they are spiritually judged.

15. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, and he himself is judged of no man.

16. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he should instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ." 1 Corinth 2:12-16

The Scripture does warn us of this:

"Be not many of you teachers, my brethren, knowing that we shall receive heavier judgment." James 3:1

Now, we all stumble. For those who would revert to personal attack rather than proper instruction from the Scriptures, it just shows, if there is any validity to their accusations, that I am not a perfect man.

One more Scripture comes to mind:

"Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand." Rom. 14:4"

- Steven Styles

We encourage you to email the author to prove or disprove, from the Scriptures, the intent, meaning, purpose or doctrine of this piece. email Steven