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, that is, give diligence, is 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. This is a fulfillment of that
which the Lord promised when He said, Howbeit, when He, the
Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth.
For He shall not speak of Himself, but whatsoever He shall hear,
that shall He speak. And He will show you things to
come. He shall glorify Me, for He shall
receive of Mine, and shall show it unto you. All things that
the Father hath are mine. Therefore said I that he shall
take of mine and shall show it unto you. The phrase word of
truth is found four times in the New Testament. When the scriptures
use this phrase, they're 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, 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 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 this was noised abroad,
the multitude came together and were confounded, because that
every man heard them speak in his own language. The results
of this hearing were manifested as the Lord sent Peter to declare
the gospel in no uncertain terms. 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? It is impossible
that a man can hear the gospel without the operation of the
word of truth applied by the Spirit of God upon his mind.
We do not wish to minimize the glorious blessing that is brought
to the sons of men through the preaching or declaration of the
gospel of the glory of the blessed God. Yet we would want to put
that preaching in its proper context as that which is sent
by the Lord to those who have already been enabled to hear. We don't suppose that every individual
who was under the sound of Peter's voice had the Spirit 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, dissected accurately. Christ must be seen, that is,
the word of truth is to be dwelt upon. 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. I know that ye are
Abraham's seed, but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath
no place in you. 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 has made unto us wisdom and righteousness and sanctification
and redemption. The sons of God are born again
by the Word of Truth. 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