The True Test

TODAY'S READING: 2 Tim. 1, 2, 3, 4

SCRIPTURE: 2 Tim. 2:19
¹⁹ Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.”

OBSERVATION: The entire book of 2 Timothy speaks often of what constitutes truth and error and genuine and false religion. The conclusion of the matter is fairly well summed up in the above scripture. The Lord is the one who knows those who truly belong to him; we cannot always tell. But we are given a big clue in the second statement, "Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness." We hardly ever hear this talked about in church. In fact, it is a rather unpopular idea. It is much more acceptable to talk about the unconditional love and forgiveness of God than it is to suggest that we are required as Christians to turn away from wickedness. But Paul stresses to Timothy throughout the book that behavior is the true test of faith. Does our belief change how we behave? Do we repent when we realize we have sinned? Or are we comfortable in harboring bitterness, lust, greed, resentments and the like in our hearts? Do we look for teachers who make us comfortable with our lack of holiness? We are told in this letter that people will come to love pleasure more than they will love God, yet they will want to have a form of godliness in order to look holy without wanting to engage God's power to change any behavior of theirs that might not conform to his revealed expectations. I must see to it that I do not become one of those people.

APPLICATION: It is my responsibility to guard my heart and mind and to examine myself to see if I am in the faith. I have to invite the Holy Spirit into this process because it is so easy for us to deceive ourselves. If I am not immediately uncomfortable when I sin (even in my thoughts) I am in danger spiritually. The cost of freedom is eternal vigilance. Spiritual growth, authority and power do not come by accident. It takes intentional submission to God.

PRAYER: Father, you are holy and I want to be wholly like you. Convict me of sin when it is still a thought in my mind so that I may repent before it hurts anyone else. May I cease to engage in any godless chatter which corrupts me and anyone listening to me. My the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord. In Jesus' Name, Amen.