Experience. . . The Best Teacher?

“I know what the Bible says about it, but . . . “

How often do we try and rationalize our situation and prove to someone – maybe even ourselves – why our circumstances are so unique that we are exempt from following clear Biblical instruction?

Several years ago I read a (purported) Christian book that had a statement something to the effect of “the Bible is where God has been, revelation is where he is now. Would you rather read the dusty pages of history or experience the fresh revelation from God for today?” I had a hard time continuing to read the book. I think I finally did give up about the third chapter. Our culture has led us to value our own interpretation of our experience over the authoritative and timeless written revelation of God that is His Word.

The apostle Peter had a most ethereal experience one day on a high mountain in Galilee. Along with James and John, he saw Jesus at a moment when his divinity was shining through his humanity. The Bible word describing this phenomenon is “transfiguration.” Also present at that moment were Moses and Elijah – certainly an experience worth remembering. Yet, later Peter referenced that experience when he wrote:

For he received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.
2 Peter 1:17-18

Yet, in spite of that experience he wrote with the very next dip of his quill:

And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. – 2 Peter 1:19-21

As meaningful and memorable as his personal experience was, Peter recognized that God’s Word was even surer than what he tangibly experienced. We can have full confidence in God’s Word to teach us, lead us, correct us, and establish us. I encourage you to read it, heed it, and trust it. The Bible is our only infallible guide through this journey we call life. It is not some dusty old stories of how God used to act; rather it is alive and relevant for your life today. Let God’s Word help you make sense of your life.

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17