With spiritual knowledge and spiritual insight, we are to try the things that differ. We are to try the things that differ in the Word in relation to the dispensational distinctions found in the Word, and regarding the two programs of God: prophecy and mystery.
In the Word of God, we find things that differ we find truths that are meant for another dispensation, another time, people, and program. We find promises meant for Israel, and we find promises meant for us, the Church, the Body of Christ. This is why we need to rightly divide the Word (2 Tim. 2:15).
James says, βby works a man is justified, and not by faith onlyβ (2:24). Paul says βto him that worketh not, but believeth on Him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousnessβ (Rom. 4:5).
Mark 16:16 says, βHe that believeth and is baptized shall be saved.β Paul says in Acts 16:31, βBelieve on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.β
In Matthew 28:19, Christ sends His eleven apostles out and says, βGo ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.β In 1 Corinthians 1:17, Paul says, βFor Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel.β
Matthew 6:14,15 says, βFor if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.β Paul says in Ephesians 4:32, βAnd be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christβs sake hath forgiven you.β
Revelation 5:10 says, βAnd hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.β Paul says in Colossians 1:5, βFor the hope which is laid up for you in heaven.β
Matthew 21:22 says, βAnd all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.β Paul says in 2 Corinthians 12:8,9: βFor this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee.β
Matthew 24:29,30 says, βImmediately after the tribulation of those daysβ¦and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.β Paul says in 1 Thessalonians 1:10, βAnd to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.β
These are all things that differ. So what is true? All of it is true. Itβs all Godβs Word. But as itβs been said, βEvery promise in Godβs Word is true, but not every promise is meant for you.β So with spiritual knowledge and discernment, we are to study and examine the Wordβ¦to find what is written directly to us, and to approve the principles and promises that are true for us, that we might live by the Word properly.
We discern the things that differ and rightly divide the Word, so we rightly apply it and live lives of spiritual excellence at the highest level of devotion and obedience.
By doing so, we can be strong in faith, full of fruit and good works, and abound in love more and more for Christβs glory.
