👉 Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech:
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this beautiful and slightly poetic verse from 2 Corinthians 3:12. It’s a really interesting message about how we view the Bible itself! Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: Paul is saying that we – as believers – have a strong sense of hope, but we don’t treat the Bible like it’s some perfect, pristine book. We see it with a “plainness of speech.” Let's unpack that: “Seeing then…” - This isn’t just a passive observation. Paul is recognizing something important. “…that we have such hope” – He’s acknowledging that he believes in God and in His promises. This hope isn’t based on absolute certainty, but on a feeling of faith and trust. “We use great plainness of speech” - This is the key part! “Plainness of speech” means speaking honestly and openly about the Bible – meaning acknowledging its imperfections. What does this mean practically? Paul isn’t saying we shouldn't read the Bible. He's suggesting that: We’re aware of its flaws: The Bible, like any written text, has been interpreted and used over time. It contains mistakes, inconsistencies, and even old stories. We understand it’s a product of human minds: Paul acknowledges that the Bible was written by people – humans with their own biases and perspectives. We should be honest about our understanding: Instead of trying to make the Bible perfect or flawless, we can approach it with humility and recognize that it's a guide , not a definitive answer. Why is this important? Paul wants us to understand that God’s word isn’t perfect, but it’s still valuable because: It’s inspired: He believes God has given the Bible to guide us. It's meant to teach us: Even with its flaws, the Bible offers important truths about God and ourselves. In short, Paul is saying that we should approach the Bible with honesty and acknowledge that it needs a bit of gentle correction – because we know it’s not perfect but still holds incredible value. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you some examples of how this principle applies to our own reading of the Bible?