Welcome, friends, to another
broadcast of Morsels for Zion's Poor. Some quote Paul's exhortation
to Timothy, study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman
that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of
truth, in an attempt to encourage men to read it and peruse its
pages diligently. They will often tell us that
the Lord is impressed when men apply themselves to such study,
and by doing so they can rejoice in the knowledge that they obtain
thereby, even gaining discernment by the process. We would certainly
never discourage men from reading and studying the scriptures,
but this particular verse is not about that sort of study.
Rather, the study which is spoken of here is to be earnest or diligent
in the working out of that salvation which the Lord has worked in.
A man cannot become approved by the operation of his flesh
in any endeavor. Rather, those that are approved
unto God demonstrate that fact as they are given an understanding
of the truth which is found in the Word of God. The phrase,
Word of Truth, is found four times in the New Testament. When
the Scriptures use this phrase, it is always pointing to Christ.
No expression of absolute truth can be had which does not speak
of Jesus Christ. We're certain that the Bible
is absolutely true. However, it is not in itself
as a book with words upon its pages, the word of truth. Neither
is that which is spoken by preachers and teachers, however accurately
set forth the word of truth. There is a necessary ingredient
which cannot be supplied by men, which makes the spoken word or
the written word, the word of truth. This ingredient is the
operation of the spirit of God to apply that and cause men to
hear it. We see this illustrated on the
day of Pentecost as the Lord miraculously calls men to hear
the word of God. Now when they heard this, they
were pricked in their heart and said unto Peter and to the rest
of the apostles, men and brethren, what shall we do? Some quote
the passage of scripture which says, so then faith cometh by
hearing and hearing by the word of God to purport that men can
only hear as a result of a gospel preacher mouthing the words which
are taught in the scriptures. Yet that is to get the cart ahead
of the horse. For it is impossible that a man
can hear the gospel without the operation of the word of truth
upon his mind preceding such preaching. We do not wish to
minimize the glorious blessing that is brought to the sons of
men through the declaration of the gospel. Yet we must put that
preaching in its proper context as that which is sent by the
Lord to those who have already been enabled to hear. Saul of
Tarsus heard the word of truth on the road to Damascus, yet
no mere mortal preached to him. And he fell to the earth and
heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou
me? We don't suppose that every individual
who was under the sound of Peter's voice had the spirit to fall
upon them. While Peter yet spake these words,
the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. Rather,
those who heard the word of truth are men. Faith is applied through
hearing rather than preaching. The Word of Truth must be rightly
divided, that is, literally make a straight cut or get to the
root of the matter. Christ must be seen. The Word
of Truth which is to be dwelt upon is Christ. Regardless of
how much of the Scriptures a man might know and or teach, if Christ
Jesus and Him crucified is not discovered and proclaimed, then
the Word of Truth is not rightly divided. The Pharisees devotedly
studied the Bible, but they could not see Christ therein. Thus
they were bereft of the word of truth. The word of truth,
along with the power of God and His righteousness, are inseparably
linked by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor
of righteousness on the right hand and on the left. Wherever
you find the Word of Truth, you will see a demonstration of the
power of God unto salvation. He is the sword and shield of
His people, as He brings them from darkness unto light. Where
you find the Word of Truth, you will also discover a people who
claim no righteousness but His. But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus,
who of God is made unto us wisdom and righteousness and sanctification
and redemption. The sons of God are born again
by the word of truth. As James says, by his own will
begat he us. John says the same thing, which
were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of
the will of man, but of God. Truly this is that wind which
blows where it determines, causing men to hear the glorious good
news which brings life and immortality to light. How else could those
dead in trespasses and sins ever embrace this Word of Truth? Do
you love the Word of Truth? For a free CD containing 15 of
these radio broadcasts, send an email to forthepoor at windstream.net.