The Word of Truth

Studying the Scriptures is an important thing. Many times throughout Paul's letters to Timothy, he exhorts him to do such things like giving heed to sound doctrine, to give himself over to reading and studying the Scriptures, and to rightly divide the word of truth - being fully equipped and prepared for the work of ministry.

What an awesome lesson for us as young men in the faith today. To give ourselves over to reading and studying God's word, to know thoroughly, as much as possible, what we believe, and why we believe it. It's important to know our faith - not just simply 'believe' it. I'm not saying that belief isn't good enough, but, I do believe it must also be accompanied by a sincere desire to learn more of Christ, to explore and discover the riches of God's Word, and to share it with those who contradict. The faith and hope in Christ we possess is a treasure trove, waiting to be dug into. The riches of God's wisdom and knowledge are unlike anything else, and to have the opportunity and privilege to dig into those riches of wisdom and knowledge are a truly amazing thing.

We're living at a time when error and vain philosophy are at the forefront of our culture. Virtually anything can be taught and accepted by our modern day society as 'truth', without any further questioning. But, our world has become one where truth is simply a matter of relativism. What's true for one guy may not be true for the other, and vice-versa. With this, there is no definitive point of reference for what we call 'truth'. The common notion is that, we must be tolerant of other people's beliefs and points of view. But as most anyone will tell you, that notion of tolerance ends the moment one brings the Cross into the picture. Now we're being offensive. We must be tolerant of all beliefs - except Christianity. This is where being a good soldier for Christ is important, because it means business and hardship.

I'm writing this post because, the gospel of God brings light and knowledge to darkened minds and alienated souls. People are in search of truth, but don't know where to find it - and so they feed into the lies and error that permeate our culture. The philosophical views of men have an outward appearance of wisdom, but it's end is destruction, and it's adherents become fools in the sight of God. God gave us His Word for a reason, that we might know the one True God, and become enlightened through the hope of His gospel.

Many skeptics and atheists challenge the Bible's authenticity, veracity, and credibility - and unfortunately, many Christians aren't well equipped in putting forth a defense because we haven't really studied our faith well enough to articulate a sound reason for believing in Jesus. If our defense to why we believe is the same as how we believe, it won't do much good for those who challenge us. We must study our Bibles, give heed to sound doctrine, be intent in reading, and dig deeper into the nuts and bolts of our Christian faith, that we may be instant in season and out of season, and to exhort with all longsuffering and teaching.

Our world is full of vain, hollow, and shallow philosophies and mindsets. False doctrines are not hard to come by, even by other professing Christians and teachers who distort the Word of God for dishonest gain and accolade. But we must be sober, diligent in the Word, and sound in the faith - having Christ as our head, and our King - being subject to Him, and in all things, showing love and compassion, teaching with all meekness and gentleness. Always remembering Jesus gave His life for us, and that the mercy with which He lavished on us, He desires the same for others also. We must be on our gaurd against the schemes of the devil, because he is crafty. But Christ is superior, and His word is infallible.

Paul say to Timothy in 2nd Timothy chapter 2 verse 15 and 16, 'Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness." We have the truth, and God has given it to us. Jesus is the truth that the world is searching for, but fails to recognize. He revealed Himself to us, gave us His word, and proved His Deity and supremacy to us through His resurrection. He is the firm foundation we can build our lives on without fear of collapse.

Remain in Jesus, study His word, and be diligent to know the faith of Christ and His gospel. It is the essence of our hope - and power of God unto salvation. It is by God that we even have the ability to reason, and to think, and to have the capacity to understand what is true and what is not. God gave us our minds so that we might use them and glorify Him. Only Jesus has the words of eternal life - and this cannot be found in any new age teaching or philosophical way of thinking. They do not bring life, and they are unable to save the soul. Weighed in the balances and found wanting are all counterfeits that claim to be 'truth', but neither know nor have Jesus Christ and Lord and Savior.

"But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them,  and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:14-17 nkjv).

"Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls." (James 1:21 nkjv).

"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed." (1 Peter 3:15,16 nkjv).