07/11/2020
Are we careful in our understanding of scripture? We are promised new heavens, and a righteous new world, but nothing we can concoct in our imagined interpretation of scripture, can bring it one second closer, nor delay it by the blink of an eye. No exuberant and stirring sermon, meant to convince us otherwise, or that attempts to use a single promise of God for worldly purpose or gain, is anything but false teaching, and brings with it the destruction of our spirits.
“But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.”
2 Peter 3:13 ESV
God’s Word is uplifting, and thrills our soul, but in our exuberance for it we can become so distracted by our emotion that false teachers, and prophets, can use those same emotions to lead us astray. Peter writes of how Paul’s letters are sometimes difficult to understand, then he warns us of how some will twist and use those difficult passages to their own destruction... just as they do with other scriptures.
“as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures.”
2 Peter 3:16 ESV
Peter validated his teaching by assuring the faithful that he was not teaching devising myths, but had witnessed Jesus in person, and taught the gospel through his first hand experiences. He was with Jesus as He taught, performed miracles, and in the last days when He was transfigured, and ascended. These are powerful credentials, and should be just as important to us today. Scripture speaks for itself, and although God reveals secrets and mysteries to us as we grow in our faith, His Word is always true, and never changes.
“For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.”
2 Peter 1:16 ESV
Timothy also gives us warning regarding our straying from the strict reading and teaching of God’s Word, and the gospel of Jesus Christ.
“preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.”
2 Timothy 4:2 ESV
In Timothy’s day there were false teachers and prophets, just as there are today. Men, and women, claiming to teach the truth, but simply making up carefully devised stories; telling people what they longed to hear so that the hard truths in faith could be ignored. Listen to his warning regarding this...
“For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.”
2 Timothy 4:3-4 ESV
God’s Word leads us towards Jesus, and our salvation. If we twist it to accommodate our shortcomings and sins, then we are lost, just as certainly as if we had walked away from Him entirely. Our trust should be in God’s Word. So, can we be certain of our salvation when there is so much misinformation? We are meant to read God’s Word ourselves, discern the truth in what is being taught, and understand that we alone are responsible for believing, and obeying God’s Word. Listen again to Paul as he instructs the Philippians regarding working out their own salvation...
“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,
holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.”
Philippians 2:12, 16 ESV
We alone are told to seek out God’s kingdom, and become responsible for loving Him, and believing in Jesus. No other man can do this for us. God’s Word is our guide, and the truth in our faith. Are we ready to take personal responsibility for our relationship with Jesus? Are we prepared to read God’s Word, and stop letting others tell us what it says without being able to discern the truth in their words? Are we prepared to hear what God is actually telling us, and not what we would like for him to say... those things that make us feel good, or justify our sinfulness? If so, then today, right this minute, let’s make a commitment to read the Word, teach the Word, and Preach the Word of truth. Right now let’s take sole responsibility for seeking the kingdom of God, and the salvation of Christ.
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
Matthew 6:33 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for your Holy Word, and the gospel of your Son Jesus Christ. Thank you Gracious Father for the truth in the Bible, and in your every Word. Thank you for revealing yourself, and calling us to you, through it. Thank you for telling us how much you love us, and how we are able to love you. Lead us always, and forever towards you in your Word of truth and light. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God in who’s every Word is truth, and through whose Son Jesus we are redeemed. Praised be your name for giving us the ability to discern truth from lie, and salvation from damnation, as we read and take in your Word. Help us Holy Father to tell the false teachers, preachers, and prophets to get behind us, even as your Word has taught us to do with Satan. Hear our prayers Lord as we ask you to help us in our discernment, and understanding. Have mercy on us Father as we work out our own salvation in fear and trembling. Encourage us in the Spirit, and pour your grace out upon us. Do these things that we would become righteous and holy, and walk together with you and Jesus forevermore.
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”
2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV
Rich Forbes