Do you remember when Paul and Barnabas fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and they asked a very pointed question. "Sirs, why do ye these things?" It is an interesting question because it positions us to ask why we believe certain traditions of men, and to also search the scriptures for His truth.
When Jesus walked upon this earth, He told His disciples, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man cometh to the Father but by Me." (John 14:6)
Jesus also clarified what He meant when He said, "Thy Word is truth." (John 17:17)
Moreover, the psalmist wrote, "Thy Word is true from the beginning: and every one of Thy righteous judgments endures for ever." (Psalm 119:160)
And on the new testament side, the scribe said unto Jesus, "Well, Master, Thou hast said the truth: for there is One God; and there is none other but He ..." (Mark 12:32)
Just before the cross, Jesus prayed -- "I have given them Thy Word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that Thou should take them out of the world, but that Thou should keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy Word is truth. As Thou hast sent Me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes, I sanctify Myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word ..." (John 17:14-20)
There is a message here that needs to be understood. When we hide His Word in our hearts, we are strengthened knowing that the foundation of God stands sure. (II Timothy 2:19) And in so doing, we need to make full proof of our ministry. (II Timothy 4:5)
We need to ensure that our communications are effectual, and that the good news gospel message that we transmit to others is based on His Word. (Philemon 1:6) The Word and the S/spirit must agree. (John 3:1-21)
"For every one that doeth evil hates the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved, But he that doeth truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest -- that they are wrought in God." (John 3:20-21)
In this context, the Lord has given each and every one of us a purpose -- a calling, as some might say so that we can be wrought in God our Saviour. (Titus 3:4-7) That we could come before Him responding to His kindness and mercy -- when He Himself who knew no sin became the perfect sacrifice on the cross.
This is why we can be confident in our faith because we are members of His body -- the body of Christ. Jesus is the Head. The chief cornerstone. The Rock of all ages. The King of kings and Lord of lords. Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. (Revelation 1:8, 11)
Therefore, our faith in Jesus is not without a solid foundation of truth. Indeed, we are to remain faithful in the apostolic doctrine, which Jesus (after He was taken up) through the Holy Ghost gave commandments to the apostles. (Acts 2:36-47; Acts 1:2-3)
The foundation is the Word of God. "For the Word of the Lord is right; and all His works are done in truth." (Psalm 33:4) Who is the Word? The Word that was with God and was God and was made flesh so that we might experience salvation and eternal life. That's right. The Word is Jesus. And what did Jesus say to those who follow Him --believing on His Name?
"And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:32)
This is why we need, like David the psalmist a song in our heart, that sings the following: "Lead me in Thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day." (Psalm 25:5) So that "truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from heaven." (Psalm 85:11)
"For His merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the Lord endureth for ever. Praise ye the Lord." (Psalms 117:2)
And another favourite scripture of mine?
"Before the Lord (for He cometh, for He cometh to judge the earth), He shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with His truth." (Psalms 96:13)
How do we get there? By asking the Lord Jesus for His daily guidance and instruction.
"Teach me Thy way, O Lord; I will walk in Thy truth: unite my heart to fear Thy Name." (Psalm 86:11)
"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that need not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth." (II Timothy 2:15)
". . . yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written." (Romans 3:4)
He left us His witness so that we should turn from these earthly vanities unto the living God -- who willingly became our Saviour.
"We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein, who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways. Nevertheless, He left not Himself without witness, in that He did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness." (Acts 14:6-18)
"Preach the Word; be instant in season; out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine, for the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth and shall be turned unto fables." (II Timothy 4:2-4)
"Sirs, why do ye these things?"
Still, for us, there is laid up a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge shall give at that day, and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing. Stand in the offering plate.
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