Where in the bible is the statement "keep it simple" supported ? I get told this so many times by church brothers and sisters.
The word 'simplicity' is found in the NT, but actually means: singleness, i.e. (subjectively) sincerity (without dissimulation or self-seeking), or (objectively) generosity (copious bestowal).
I get frustrated because, as soon as complications start happening or someone attempts to explore new areas of scripture, "keep it simple" is often mentioned. I feel that this statement is used as an excuse for not studying the scriptures. Is this a man-made statement after the wisdom of men and not of God ? When you explore scripture in depth, you will run into complications, it is inevitable. For instance, consider the apostle Paul, who you could certainly not apply the above definition of "keep it simple" to, as illustrated in 2 Peter 3:16.
The term 'hard to be understood' only occurs once in the new testament and means, 'difficult of perception.' (Greek)
In Acts 2:46, Ephesians 6:5 , Colossians 3:22, the word singleness = aphelotes (Greek)= smoothness, i.e. (figuratively) simplicity. But these scriptures refer to different contexts.
In Matt 11:30, the word, easy actually means, kindly ! And the word, light means easy !
Different context.
In 1 Cor 14:9, easy = well indicated, i.e. (figuratively) significant. Only occurs once in NT and is used in a different context.
In James 3:17, easy = good for persuasion, i.e. (intransitively) complaint. Different idea to the statement above.
If I am correct concerning the above statements, then, are these and many other 'man-made' sayings gradually replacing the wisdom of God ? Statements like "keep it simple" are the fast-food takeaway alternatives to our diets. If our diets are based on these alternatives, then are we walking in ignorance and are being starved of proper nutrition which comes from God's Word (milk of the word) ?
The word 'simplicity' is found in the NT, but actually means: singleness, i.e. (subjectively) sincerity (without dissimulation or self-seeking), or (objectively) generosity (copious bestowal).
I get frustrated because, as soon as complications start happening or someone attempts to explore new areas of scripture, "keep it simple" is often mentioned. I feel that this statement is used as an excuse for not studying the scriptures. Is this a man-made statement after the wisdom of men and not of God ? When you explore scripture in depth, you will run into complications, it is inevitable. For instance, consider the apostle Paul, who you could certainly not apply the above definition of "keep it simple" to, as illustrated in 2 Peter 3:16.
The term 'hard to be understood' only occurs once in the new testament and means, 'difficult of perception.' (Greek)
In Acts 2:46, Ephesians 6:5 , Colossians 3:22, the word singleness = aphelotes (Greek)= smoothness, i.e. (figuratively) simplicity. But these scriptures refer to different contexts.
In Matt 11:30, the word, easy actually means, kindly ! And the word, light means easy !
Different context.
In 1 Cor 14:9, easy = well indicated, i.e. (figuratively) significant. Only occurs once in NT and is used in a different context.
In James 3:17, easy = good for persuasion, i.e. (intransitively) complaint. Different idea to the statement above.
If I am correct concerning the above statements, then, are these and many other 'man-made' sayings gradually replacing the wisdom of God ? Statements like "keep it simple" are the fast-food takeaway alternatives to our diets. If our diets are based on these alternatives, then are we walking in ignorance and are being starved of proper nutrition which comes from God's Word (milk of the word) ?
