1 HOW READETH THOU? PART IV SHARING GOD S TRUTH IN LOVE Dr. Kenneth W. Jones, Pastor, Practical Living Ministry
Foundation Scriptures 2 Proverbs 3:1-4: My son, forget not my law (doctrine); but let thine heart keep my commandments: 2 For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee. 3 Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: 4 So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man. Hosea 4:6 - My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.
Why Is This Important? 3 Knowledge of the Word of God produces more than just information it leads to life With so many doctrines, false teachings, philosophies, and corrupt teachings, it is imperative that we should seek after truth and as ministers, make full proof of our ministry in teaching the truth.
What Knowledge? 4 Knowledge of God, nor the consequence of their spiritual dilemma They also lack a knowledge of God s Word (forgotten the law) Rejected knowledge does not mean that knowledge is available but they choose not to receive it or believe it They are destroyed for lack of it, for the true knowledge of God is the life of the soul, true life, eternal life, as our Saviour saith, This is life eternal, that they should know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou has sent. (John 17:3) The source of this lack of knowledge, so fatal to the people, was the willful rejection of that knowledge by the priest; When our leaders reject knowledge and do not teach and remind God s people, God holds them in contempt
Point of Emphasis 5 When we know God for who He really is, it affects our conduct. Where there is no knowledge of God, no conviction of his omnipresence and omniscience, private offences, such as stealing, adulteries, and so forth, will prevail. (Clarke) Daniel 11:32 - And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits. When Antiochus Epiphanes turned on Jerusalem, the Jewish people were divided. Some forsook their covenant with God and embraced Greek culture. Those who knew their God made a stand for righteousness in the face of incredible persecution. We have become a nation divided today as many believers have accepted the culture of the day, while those who truly know God stand for righteousness
As You Receive God s Word 6 Hear (Acts 17:11) Having Readiness of Mind to hear and receive God s Word Receive with meekness (James 1:21) meaning having an open mind and heart to instruction Be careful of utilizing the wrong lens by which we receive (i.e. tradition, philosophy, judging the teacher) Honor (Nehemiah 8:1-4; 1 Cor 14:22) Give respect to the reading of the Word and the Speaker Help to reduce disorder while the Word is being taught If you become confused, try not to add to the confusion Avoid carnal followings (1 st Cor 3:4) Heed & Hold Fast (Joshua 1:6-8; 2 nd Tim 1:13) Apply and Practice God s Word in faithfulness Observe to do all that is written therein Obedience to the Word can led to maturity in the Word
Types of Knowledge 7 Experiential knowledge is knowledge gained through experience, as opposed to prior (before experience) knowledge: it can also be contrasted both with propositional (textbook) knowledge, and with practical knowledge. knowledge by perception; experiential- I feel therefore its true; Established knowledge- by law, history, or principle Biblical/ Doctrinal Knowledge- by faith, study and spiritual discernment Acts 17: 10,11 the Bereans received the Word with readiness of mind, yet searched the scriptures diligently, discerning the truth of the scriptures Revealed Knowledge Revealed by inspiration from God Matthew 16:17 - And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
Lack of Knowledge? 8 I believe that very few people are perishing from a lack of knowledge of the gospel or the Word of God, but rather a lack of response to the gospel of Christ. This lack of knowledge is intentional, meaning that individuals and even churches, and movements purposely omit, modify, or distort the gospel in order to suit their own ends and lifestyles. As Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, he also increased in favor, especially in relationship thus this is why we are to be ever increasing in the knowledge of God Luke 2:52 - And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man. Colossians 1:10 - That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
Why the L.A.C.K. of Knowledge Today? 9 L Loose interpretation of the Word A- Adverse (or Averse) to One s Desired Way of Life C- Compromise and Complacency K Knowing Brings Accountability
This Lack of Knowledge is Intentional 10 "This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. Ephesians 4:17-19, KJV We live in an age that is hostile to or cannot endure doctrine and teaching. It seems that throughout the church the first thing sought after is warm feelings and happy experiences. Knowledge of Christ and His sacrifice for our sins makes us accountable Hebrews 10:26 - For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
If We Sin Willfully 11 Willfully hekousiōs - to sin willfully as opposed to sins committed inconsiderately, and from ignorance or from weakness Truth - what is true in things appertaining to God and the duties of man, moral and religious truth; the work of Christ Sacrifice means victim could it be that you can no longer consider yourself a victim to sin?
Other Aspects of Willful Ignorance 12 The world today and even God s elect as stated in 1 st Timothy 4:1 is finding it difficult to endure sound doctrine and to keep the faith. We see this in the following erroneous concepts Emotions over principles means never seeking resolution or a solution to their lives, but to remain in the emotions. We see this is the current array of Television dramas and reality shows. How we live is based upon how we feel, not according to faith Narrative over Truth Truth is irrelevant if it doesn t fit the thought for the day; Encourages Group think, not doctrinal unity Sensitivity to Issues, but insensitivity to sin The world is misleading many of the faith by pulling at their emotions to support inclusiveness and immorality, even in the pulpit. (example: We may feel such sensitivity to the plight of immoral people and yet support those who fund abortions)
Example: Supporting One s Worldview 13 This song promotes self discovery: This is a common theme in our 21st century American culture: we are almost consumed at times with finding ourselves. As Christians, we likely have discussed humbling ourselves before God (James 4:10), giving Him the glory he deserves (Psalms 96:8), and recognizing that we are only made whole when we find ourselves in Him (2 Corinthians 5:17), but we seem to also often affirm the worldview Taylor Swift expresses in Out of the Woods --that our goal in this life, through the trials and the challenges, is one of self-discovery. Two competing worldviews: The gospel of knowing yourself and the Gospel of knowing Christ While this supports a good narrative, the truth is Galatians 2:20: I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. The Gospel vs. Taylor Swift's 'Out of the Woods' Article from crosswalk.com
How to Share God s Word 14 Begin with your testimony John 9:25 - He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see. Don t be afraid to attest of your love for the Lord If someone is hurting, point them to Jesus When conversing about your life and experiences, let them know that the Bible is the authority in your life (Galatians 2:20) Let your lifestyle also be your witness so that people will ask you (Matt 5:16) Be patient with people, with meekness and temperance (2 nd Tim 2:24-26) Try Not to act as a Pharisee. An unsaved or saved person will not be drawn to someone who makes them feel condemned already or they are not measuring up to God s standards.
Speaking God s Truth in Love 15 Ephesians 4:15 - But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: But, speaking the truth in love - The truth recommended by the apostle is the whole system of Gospel doctrine. This truth is in opposition to all trick, and art, and cunning, and fraud, and deception. Christians to defend their faith, but to do so "with gentleness and respect." Speaking it in love reflects motive, tone, attitude, intent, and purpose. The truth should not be shared with indifference; harsh, judgmental, or in an unfeeling manner. Love should motivate you to share the gospel with others. Even when dealing with deceivers, we should deal with them in love, but never budging from the truth. May grow up into him: The Speaking and sharing of truth in love leads to spiritual growth and maturity. The reason why we teach and share God s Word is to encourage others toward salvation, but also to exhort and instruct so that we grow spiritually and increase in discipleship
Example: Is This the Love of God? 16 One prominent example would be Westboro Baptist Church and its God Hates Fags" slogan. Westboro Baptist Church is correct in declaring the Bible's teaching that homosexuality is sinful, but they are declaring this truth in such a way that it is intended to be incendiary, offensive, and hurtful. Needless to say, the Bible does not support such methods.
Growing in Christ 17 To grow in Christ is a gradual work requiring humility, submission, self-denial, patience, and the knowledge of Christ. To grow in Christ defines the direction of our maturity. The world and now even false teachings within the body of Christ seeks after self-exploration and reaching a type of fulfillment in self-consciousness. However, we are to grow into Christ and become as He is, losing our corruptible service and assuming the character of God Himself It is likely that in the near future, governments will begin declaring more speech as hate speech, thereby making it illegal. For example, in some parts of the world, it is illegal to say that homosexuality is a sin. What they fail to realize (or admit) is that to tell someone the truth is an act of love, not hate.
The Power of Speaking the Truth 18 The Greek word for truth is aletheia, which literally means to un-hide or hiding nothing. It conveys the thought that truth is always there, always open and available for all to see, with nothing being hidden or obscure God desires for us to know all that is available to us It is the revealed truth that sets or makes us free (John 8:32) Truth frees us from ignorance and error and causes us to grow and increase in knowledge and understanding Some people may never know the truth (2 nd Tim 3:7) The effect of the gospel is to break this hard bondage to sin and to set the sinner free. Most people feel condemned to serve sin, but the gospel reveals that sin has no dominion over us and that we can serve freely, the Lord with all our hearts (Romans 6:9)
The Power of Speaking the Truth 19 The Hebrew word for truth is emeth, which means firmness, constancy and duration. Such a definition implies an everlasting substance and something that can be relied upon. Knowing the truth especially about God and His promises builds a capacity for faith and trust in him Sustaining Truth Guides us -John 16:13 - "But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. Ephesians 1:13 - In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation--having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise,
What Truth is Not 20 Truth is not what makes people feel good. Unfortunately, bad news can be true. Truth is not simply what is believed. A lie believed is still a lie Truth is not someone telling it like it is from one s perspective: one s perspective can be wrong Subjective truth is not always reliable truth it s based upon one s feelings of what one is willing to consider truth Relative truth is not absolute truth It is truth relegated to a particular situation valid only for the person or group holding them values judgments over absolute truth In post modern thought, pluralism teaches that all truth claims are equally valid, encouraging the attitude of tolerance
Trouble With Some Desiring Truth 21 Indifference, Failure or No Desire to Read the Word Matthew 22:29 - Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God. It is possible for a person to have much Bible knowledge, yet not fundamentally know the Scriptures. Paul later told Timothy to hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me (2 nd Tim: 1:13). Biblical truth has a pattern to it as one studies; a pattern that can be detected by the discerning heart. Only those interested need apply.. - Only those who are truly open to God s Word will apply God s Word to their lives
Trouble With Some Desiring Truth 22 Why Do You Want to Know? Many people are not honest in seeking the truth They may be just trying to justify themselves or their behavior by comparison They may try to avoid obedience by difficult hypothetical questioning Are You Reading Correctly? Stop looking for half-truths Rightly divide (2 Tim 2:15) Don t read on the assumption of what you believe is right or desire to do
Example: Defining Sin 23 Question: How can someone receive Christ and get delivered from sin, yet still sin? Answer: The Definition of Sin We get caught up in the fruit or works of the flesh Sin= Rejection, Rebellion - Repentance
Practical Living Ministry 24 Practical Living Ministry exists to assist individuals, groups, and organizations to operate to their full God-given ability by sharing life changing principles for spiritual growth and development. If this message touched you, please let me hear from you. If you would like to encourage us financially to keep sharing these kind of messages, please go to our donation section on our website at www.practicallivingministry.org If you would like to contact Dr. Jones for a speaking engagement at your church or event concerning biblical leadership, mentoring, and Christian culture. Please contact Pastor Kenneth Jones at kenjones@practicallivingministry.org