YOU NEED MORE THAN ONE
2 CORINTHIANS 13:1
2 CORINTHIANS 13:1 NKJ
1 This will be the third time I am coming to you. "By the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be established."
OBSERVATION:
Here is a biblical principle that has its roots in the Old Testament but has application in our modern times.
Going back to the book of Numbers, in Jewish law, one person could not condemn another to death. It took two or three witnesses to pronounce one guilty. (Numbers 35:30)
In the book of Timothy, Paul instructed Timothy to not receive an accusation against a leader unless it came from 2-3 witnesses.
This same principle can be applied when it comes to biblical teachings. You can not make a hard fast doctrine based on one scripture. There needs to be a pattern of agreement with other scriptures to support your stance.
This is a great safety net for helping us stay on track with what the Holy Spirit is teaching us. Do not stop at one scripture to build your foundation on; there should be multiples.
APPLICATION:
For example, sowing and reaping. We just read in 2 Corinthians 9:6, if you sow bountifully, you reap bountifully. And in Galatians 6:7, whatever a man sows that he will also reap. And in Luke 6:38, we see that same principle with, give and it will be given to you. And the same measure you use it will be measured back to you. All of these verses witness to the principle of sowing and reaping that we see in Genesis 8:22.
When people have come to me with a complaint about a leader, I listen. If it is only one person, I typically do not act. I may investigate, but I don't act. However, if I hear the same thing from 2-3 reputable witnesses, then I have the basis for taking action.
One verse alone will not do for solid biblical teaching. What God wants emphasized, He will repeat. Just another worthwhile reason for knowing our Bibles.
PRAYER:
Thank you, Father, for Your Holy written word. It reveals You and Your thoughts to me.