John Reece On Academics And The Holy Spirit

[ApologiaPhoenix]

Yes, I admit my shortened patience with being "cheap shotted," myself. They forget that "knowledge puffs them up," as well.

Ty,

Your saying that R. T. France's commentary is "not better than" yours indicates which of the two of you is puffed up.

France would never so compare himself to another author, asserting that another author's work is "not better than" his.

Does acceptable knowledge only come from academicians, or through a graduate's thesis?

Of course not; however, that question is revealingly self-defensive.

Time and again over the years I have had to challenge erroneous misconceptions about Hebrew and Greek texts which you have unknowingly asserted in arguments in this forum.

Time and again over the years R. T. France has provided me with superb information about, and exegesis of, Hebrew and Greek texts ― information and exegesis that I might not understand and appreciate as well as I do if I had not spent many years not only being trained to read and understand the biblical texts in the languages in which they were written, but also seeking God for grace to discern and to distinguish the difference between human presuppositions about biblical texts, on the one hand, and what, on the other hand, biblical texts actually say and mean as opposed to what people may presuppose that they say and mean.

It's not a matter of pride, or of making invidious personal comparisons of oneself and one's work product to that of another workman; rather, it's a matter of being as faithful and diligent a steward of the gifts and opportunities for learning and service that one can be by the grace of God.

The presence of the Spirit in one's life and work is measured by the quality of fruit produced thereby.

The acceptability of one's knowledge is measured by how well it accords with reality, which has a way of being tested over time, with time ― by the providence of God ― telling what in fact does indeed accord with reality.

It is somewhat common to hear people point to the Holy Spirit in an argument when countered with academics, but cold academics is just as much a problem. Thank you John for a good way to explain how both work together. Both are needed.