I used to not like Paul.
I know the Lord inspires scripture and not one word is in the bible that shouldn’t be, but Paul, as the messenger, brought us many specifics.
He specified certain things that are thought of as old-fashioned to some.
All scripture is inspired by God.
So, what does that mean about Paul and some of his old-fashioned-style teaching?
We cannot take every sentence that is written in the bible
and think it is meant for us.
While scriptures are sound and helpful in most ways,
people can also misuse or misrepresent the bible.
We are to look to the Holy Spirit and His wisdom and guidance.
The idea is that we are to bow to the truth.
Placing our thoughts before the throne of God for His thoughts are higher.
Nobody can tell us what we should do.
They can encourage us, they can exhort us,
they can correct us according to the bible,
but the responsibility to follow God’s word
and to be obedient to your own calling is ultimately between you and God.
It’s complicated
As you read all of the bible, ask the Lord to open the eyes of your understanding,
to help you to love the truth, to keep your focus on Jesus.
The complications of the directives of Paul are not going to be easy sometimes.
He was well-versed in the law but we cannot negate anything he said.
Just remember, he said it to those people at that time.
The Holy Spirit may say it to us.
Whatever he said may be applicable.
And we are each responsible for what we know.
All scripture is there for a reason.
There are things that the Lord spoke that were for one person,
for a particular time, for a particular reason.
Some of the things in the Bible are for all of us to follow.
Those things such as forgiveness, loving our neighbor, loving the Lord our God
are easily understood as what God hopes for all of us.
Some are there and were spoken to one person and are given for an example
or to tell a part of history so we can understand God better.
If the word has been quickened to us, that is, anything in scripture,
that the Holy Spirit has made alive,
we are then fully responsible for what we know.
And that servant, which knew his lord’s will, and prepared not himself,
neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.
But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes,
shall be beaten with few stripes.
For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required:
and to whom men have committed much,
of him they will ask the more. Luke 12::47-48
We are responsible to the Lord for what He speaks to us, what He teaches us.
And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices,
as in obeying the voice of the Lord?
Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.
1 Samuel 15:22
Paul who was Saul had amazing revelation and wisdom.
He was well-versed in the Law which was beneficial
as Jesus came not to destroy the Law, but to fulfill it.
Jesus chose Paul’s letters, which were inspired by the Holy Spirit,
as a way to share with all of us what had happened in the formation of Christianity.
Paul said what he said.
Was each word for you or me? Yes and no. It was for us to read, to understand,
to see how God worked with those people and how He taught them
and what He found most pertinent to include in His word.
Do we have to follow every single thing that was given as a direction from Paul?
That is between you and God.
All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient:
all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.
1 Corinthians 6:12
Some people have a hard time with Paul’s directives about women.
Our culture allows women to do almost anything a man can do.
Do I understand all of this? No.
God used women to lead, such as Esther who led her people, the Jews
and Rahab who led her family, men included to follow God and His people.
We must be careful not speak against Paul, as he was anointed.
The rest, we can wrestle with God on particular things, in a respectful manner.
Some issues are so difficult.
We may not completely understand them all while we live on Earth.
Let us treat Paul’s words with respect,
carefully listening to the Lord as He teaches us what He wants us to learn.
To negate Paul’s teachings is offensive to the Lord.
Paul was a worthy soldier before the Lord.
Paul has been given much room in the New Testament to exhort, edify
and instruct us in the word of God. Listen and learn in the Lord’s presence.