S.Scripture | For we can do nothing against the truth, but only for the truth. 2 Corinthians 13:8
O.Observation | For Paul, the truth of the Gospel of faith and obedience was constantly under attack within the church. He spends much of His letters defeating error in the church and calling for true repentance and true faith. The truth of God’s Word was at stake, both God’s promises and His holy will. Where are the watchmen who stand up and stand firm in the truth today? In many churches acceptance, tolerance and a rescuing of God’s Word from it’s offensiveness are what is being fought for, instead of against. Such emphasis ought to cause shame as the Word of God and the Savior are adulterated. Instead the masses are not even ashamed of their mistreatment of God, they no longer know how to blush (Jer 6:15).
“Nothing” is an all inclusive statement that encircles all that we do. Following the example of Paul, which scripture commands us to follow (1 Cor 11:1), all that we do should be for the truth of scripture and nothing we do should be against it. That is God’s truth, that is NOT OUR world or our flesh’s wicked and perverse interpretations of it. For every one will stand and give an accounting to God’s version, and His true meaning, of His Word, not their own (John 12:48; 1 Cor 3:11-15; 2 Cor 6:9; 2 Pt 2:20-21).
A.Application | How have I become my own god by only receiving, believing and obeying what I like from God’s Word? What hard texts do I need to re-examine with brutal honesty because I may have looked for the easy and worldly view? What do I need to do to live my life on the Word alone? For God’s truth alone?
P.Prayer | Father, I confess easy answers and man’s teaching have found a place in my thoughts that have allowed me to avoid the truth of Your promises, Your will and Your ways. I repent. Open my eyes as I re-examine my thinking for the worlds teaching instead of Your truth. Let me stand and let me live for Your truth alone, so that like an obedient slave when I stand before you in judgement I will hear well done good and faithful slave (Lk 19:17). Let me live for Your truth, for Your glory alone! Amen
