THEY DID NOT LOVE THE TRUTH!
Quite frequently we discuss the importance of
Christian love in our lives.
Agape love is an important subject that we need to frequently remind
ourselves of. As we have
noted, it is an integral part of every relationship we are involved in
as Christians – God’s & Christ’s love for us?
Our love for Christ and Jesus and the Holy Spirit, our love for
our brethren, neighbors, family and even our enemies.
All are integral to proper behavior toward them.
How do we define this love?
“Caring enough to sacrifice for what is best.”
That is a worthwhile definition of “agape” love.
But I now want us to consider another passage of scripture for a
moment.
2 Thess. 2:9–10, “The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with
all power, signs, and lying wonders,
10and with
all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not
receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.”
This is a text in which Paul is clarifying some misunderstandings
about when the Lord would return.
In essence, Paul said a number of things had to happen first.
He then describes this deceiver who will be followed by “those
who perish” and the reason they will follow him is because, “they
did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.”
In essence, Paul was noting that many who follow Satan and his
ungodly minions (and whoever this lawless one might be), do so because
they do NOT love the truth.
What is interesting about that expression is that
the word “love” that is found in this text is the same word “agape” that
is associated with our many relationships.
And that has got me to thinking, HOW can we “agape” the truth of
God’s word?
Do we treat the truth that way?
We should not be flippant or careless with the word of God – Heb.
2:1 tells us to “give the more
earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away.”
Paul told Timothy in 1 Tim. 6:20, “Guard what was committed to your
trust, avoiding the profane and idle babblings and contradictions of
what is falsely called knowledge…”
In 2 Tim. 2:15 we are told to “Be
diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need
to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
The idea of rightly dividing the word of truth means that you are
careful with its use. The
NASU says, “Handling accurately the word of truth.”
How do you treat your copy of the Bible?
While in truth, physically it is just paper and ink, but we need
to view it as the word of God.
NOT as an icon, but a vessel that contains the message of God’s
word. As such, the Bible
ought to be one of our treasured possessions that we cannot live
without. We ought to care
about it and know where it is.
And learn as much as we can about it.
IN all likelihood, the way you treat your copy of the Bible, says
something about what its content means to you.
IF you neglect or forget about your copy of the Bible, you are
probably not getting much out of it.
What about those old and worn out Bibles – that is NOT a bad sign
of neglect, but of love for truth that is so great, you can’t stay away
from it.
But consider the truth! Do
you care enough about it that you will sacrifice for it?
Will you sacrifice other things to spend time with it?
2 Tim. 2:15 – tells us to “Be
diligent to present ourselves approved…”
The KJV says, “Study to shew thyself approved…”
Psalm 1:1-2 says, “Blessed is the
man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path
of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in
the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night.”
Psa. 119:97 says, “O how I love Your Law!
It is my meditation all the day.”
Paul told Timothy to “Meditate on
these things. Give yourself
entirely to them…” (1 Tim. 4:15)
Prov. 23:23 says, “Buy the truth and do not sell it, also wisdom and instruction and
understanding.”
Furthermore, how much will we sacrifice to defend
its teachings? Will we face
mockings? Will we stand up for truth when it is not popular to do so?
Concerning the word of God, how much are you willing to invest
(sacrifice) to secure the resources to ensure that you can get the most
out of it? When we consider
how much we spend on entertainment, etc., how much are we willing to
give for a good Bible and maybe some good study aids that will enhance
your understanding of the word?
HOW MUCH would give to help others obtain a copy of the Word of
God for themselves? Just
something to think about?
Romans 1:16 describes the gospel as the Power of God unto salvation
which reveals the righteousness of God.
James 1:21 says, “Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of
wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word which is able
to save your souls.”
2 Tim. 3:16-17 describes inspired writings as “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.”
Paul admonished Timothy, “Take heed to yourself and
to the doctrine. Continue in
them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear
you. (1 Tim. 4:16)
The Bible is described as “Holy scriptures” (2 Tim.
3:15); The “Law of God” (Rom. 7:22); as “Spirit” and “Life” (John 6:63);
the “oracles of God” (1 Pet. 4:11, Heb. 5:12); “Faithful” (Titus 1:19);
“Good” (Heb. 6:5); and “prophetic” (2 Pet. 1:19), etc.
IF the word is described by all these things and is truth – the
certainly there is nothing better in this life to guide us on our
spiritual path to heaven.
Will you
respect its ways over those of the world?
IF God’s word is best, we will believe what HE says over anything
or anyone else. We will
strive to live by its precepts and examples.
We will use it in giving counsel to others.