Seek truth and defend it

The Bible tells me to contend or strive for the faith that was given to all genuine believers (Jude 3). This statement also reveals that God makes truth known to His people — and it is up to us to make sure it it not abandoned or forgotten, first in my own life and then in the lives of others who also know it.

In my years of leading Bible studies, I’ve noticed that when truth is spoken, most Christians do not argue with it. Some might say, “I know that, but. . . .” and express what is making that particular truth a problem for them, usually because of contrary circumstances. Just pointing out a promise from God or a truth related to their issue often changes the ‘but’ to a praise.

Teaching truth helps us spot any lies that bombard our minds and lives. While some might yawn at the word ‘doctrine’ it should not put anyone to sleep but wake us up. Doctrine is not based upon static and dead ideas but upon living truths to be cherished and defended.

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)

Doctrine is based not only on the Word  of God, but also on the character of God and correct interpretation of what He is saying. Sometimes even well-meaning Christians pick up a single teaching without considering the total teaching of the Bible. This is one reason that we need to be in communion with one another. Open discussion often reveals truth that I’d not seen before or that was interpreted without considering other sections of the Bible. I’m responsible to seek all that God says, not just the parts that appeal to me, and not just what I hope to be true.

Again, the Bible is its own authority. I can consider other authorities, but this is not an intellectual exercise. Reason and tradition play a role, but the most important consideration is that God uses His Word, both written and living, to reveal Himself to me and change my life. His goal is to transform me to be like Jesus.

Not only that, all other sources for understanding, such as personal experience, reason, or tradition must be judged by Scripture, not the other way around. If this is not held vital, false teachings and heresies inevitably follow. My relative who believes the Bible is the Word of God has nevertheless followed the teachings of a cult. Instead of Sola Scriptura (meaning Scripture alone is the final and controlling authority for all true Christian teaching and doctrinal formulation) this person trusts whatever his cult leaders say to be true.

Every Christian expresses their beliefs in some doctrinal form, whether highly developed or rudimentary. We must so we can “In your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.” (1 Peter 3:15) God reveals it and we defend it. False teaching is a constant threat to biblical integrity. Wisdom says:

Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. (Acts 17:11)
Teach and urge these things. If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain. (1 Timothy 6:2–5)
As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him. (Titus 3:10)

PRAY: Jesus, You are the truth and lies are so dangerous to me besides being contrary to all that You are. Because you live in me, truth is precious. While no one person can express all truth, I need to be willing to examine and be corrected by Scripture. Enable me to seek truth always, for in seeking it, I am seeking You and wanting to more deeply know You. Amen.