“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6

In the 60’s there was a game show called Truth or Consequences where contestants received two seconds to answer a trivia question correctly. If the contestant could not complete the “Truth” portion, there would be “Consequences”, usually a zany and embarrassing stunt. From the start, most contestants preferred to answer the question wrong in order to perform the stunt. Unfortunately, our inability to respond correctly to the truth of God can result in graver spiritual consequences than an embarrassing stunt. How then are we to respond to God’s truth?

When we hear the Word of God (which is truth), our first response is to decide how it fits with our current reality. Reality is the state of things as they actually exist. For believers, God is the source of life from which we derive our meaning and our reality (Gal. 2:20; 1 Pet. 4:1-2). Therefore, when God’s truth is received, believers are to allow it to reshape their thinking according to God’s standards and adjust their behavior accordingly (Rom. 12:2). The Holy Spirit is the Agent within believers who guides us into all truth and helps us to discern God’s will (John 16:13). However, if we choose to reject God’s truth and disregard the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can expect unpleasant consequences as a result of our willful disobedience. “If we deliberately continue sinning after we have received a full knowledge of the truth, there is no other sacrifice that will cover these sins. There will be nothing to look forward to but the terrible expectation of God’s judgment and the raging fire that will consume his enemies.” (Hebrews 10:26-27, NLT) God’s truth leads to consequences that are either good or bad.

If one’s reality and meaning is not anchored in Christ, a dilemma arises when presented with God’s truth. The dilemma is created because a decision must be made as to whose “word” will be accepted as truth—the world’s, Satan’s or God’s? Jesus’ teaching as recorded in the Gospels created such a dilemma for all who came into contact with Him. The disciples left there safe vocations to become apostles who would witness to the truth of the gospel (Acts 4:33). Those who were healed and delivered from spiritual bondage found life and freedom in the truth that Jesus offered (John 8:32). Upon receiving the truth from Jesus at the well, the Samaritan women joyfully invited others to drink of the living water she had received (John 4:29). Jesus’ truth causes those who hear it to exchange their current reality for one that includes the “grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the sweet communion of the Holy Spirit (2 Cor. 13:14). God’s truth creates a moral dilemma for people.

So how are we to respond to the light of God’s truth? As believers we are to live a life that is “rooted and grounded” in the Lord. Our lives are to be lived “authentically” without hypocrisy, obediently giving preference to the Lord who is the Head of all things (Col. 1:17-19). Our affirmation of faith is to be more than flowery words but “love in action”—extending God’s love to all we meet. Lastly, we are to boldly proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ so that men will come to Him Who is “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).

“And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life” (1 John 5:20).

“For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you…that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God.” Colossians 1:9-10 (KJV)

Let me begin by addressing last week’s question as to the eternal salvation of the person who accepts Christ yet doesn’t live in a manner that pleases God. Bottom-line, the final determination can only be made by Christ on the Day of Judgment (Rev. 20:11-15). However, God’s Word does indicate that genuine believers are expected to respond to the truth they have received and that response should then be evidenced in: (1) a transformed life (2 Cor. 5:17) and (2) good works (2 Tim. 3:17; James 3:13).

What is included in the knowledge of truth? Truth is the full realization as to who God is and acceptance of His plan for our lives. The life exposed to the knowledge of the truth should result in transformed living that glorifies God. It is not an intellectual exercise or a test of proficiency but changed behavior. What is the end product of this transformation? Conformity to the image of Christ! We may often hear that we resemble the physical appearance or behavioral idiosyncrasies of our earthly parents. Since believers are “born again” (1 Pet. 1:3), we should now begin to take on the character and behavior of our Heavenly Father, holy and pure (1 Pet. 1:15). As we daily read God’s Word and are filled by (obedient to) the Holy Spirit, we are transformed and then molded into Christ-likeness. We are renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created us to the image of the One who created us (Col. 3:10). Since you accepted Jesus Christ as your savior, do people see a difference in your life? Whose nature do you reflect—God’s or the world’s?

What is the evidence that we have received the knowledge of God’s truth? We walk worthy of Him “being fruitful in every good work” (Col. 1:10). Good works are the fruit of our faith—not the root. We are not saved through our works but our “new nature in Christ” is evidenced by “good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Ep. 2:10). In this is God honored. Everything Jesus did was to honor and glorify God. On the contrary, the religious leaders of that day were untruthful and dishonoring of the God they professed to serve. When people see believers, do they see Jesus? Do they see the true character of God in our life style and our business transactions?

Increasing (auxanō) in the knowledge of God indicates progress in the believer’s walk of faith. This type of knowledge (epignosis) involves “participation by the knower in the object known resulting in powerful influence.” Such knowledge insures an unbroken and evolving relationship. Jesus illustrated this kind of knowledge in His story of the Good Shepherd (John 10). The Good Shepherd knew His sheep and His sheep knew His voice. This knowledge protected the vulnerable sheep from the neglectful hireling within and from the ravenous wolves without. Today our knowledge of God will protect us against wolves and hirelings. Satan, the world, and our unredeemed flesh attempt to entice us away from the protection and the direction of the Good Shepherd. It is the knowledge of God and the truth derived from it that help us to discern truth from the spirit of error (1 John 3:2-3). Whose voice do you listen to? Who or what is influencing your life?

Knowledge of the truth, results in the believer’s ability to “walk worthy of the Lord”. Through embracing the truth found in God’s Word and through the Holy Spirit, the believer is able to live a life that is well pleasing to God, conformed to the image of Christ evidenced by good works (Matt. 7:16).

Good to the Last Byte…

Knowledge of God’s truth offers the peace, contentment, and authenticity the 21st century world is desperately seeking. It cannot be found in materialism, hedonism, or secularism. If Jesus were personally ministering in 2015, I’m sure His solution for the needs of the world would remain the same as they were for the 1st century world: “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” Jesus is still the answer.

[God] desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 1 Tim. 2:4 (KJV)

I was recently asked: “If a person invites Jesus into their life are they saved for eternity—even if they don’t live in a manner that is pleasing to God?” This is a familiar question that has been asked by both believers and nonbelievers. What lies behind their inquiries is genuine concerned for the eternal destiny of their friends and family. My response to this question is framed by the nature of God—His goodness and His greatness and the infallibility of His Word. God desires that all men be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.

“Knowledge” (epignōsis) denotes “an exact knowledge that perfectly unites the subject with the object” versus an abstract understanding. The use of knowledge in this passage goes beyond a superficial understanding but reflects a thorough and complete knowledge. Vine’s Expository Dictionary describes knowledge as that which involves “participation by the knower in the object known” thus powerfully influencing him. This is the kind of knowledge God desires that His children have of Him (Eph. 1:17).

In this text, “truth” (aletheia) refers to the truth taught in the Christian religion, respecting God and the execution of his purposes through Christ; subjectively it refers to integrity of character. Such character is only possible by the transformative power of the Gospel and through the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth (John 16:8-13).

“To come to” or attain the knowledge of the truth is God’s desire for all unbelievers. The knowledge of truth—things pertaining to God—becomes the vehicle of understanding whereby unredeemed man can realized his spiritual depravity and acknowledge His need for a Living Savior. Armed with the knowledge of the truth, the unbeliever can see truth. Lies once hidden from his view are now fully exposed. The new believer is then able to participate in an intimate relationship with God and appropriate the spiritual blessings promised to him (Eph. 1:3. This includes their eternal salvation (Heb. 5:9).

With regard to the opening question, some theologians explain the believer’s continuation in sin as proof “they were never saved in the first place.” This explanation is neither for me to accept nor reject. That is a matter to be addressed between that believer and Jesus on the Day when “we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10). Next week we’ll continue discussion of the knowledge of the truth as it relates to believers and its impact on their life and eternal security.

“Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise up and walk’? “But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins” Luke 5:24 (NKJ)

My spiritual objective and “heart’s desire” for 2015 is to experience a greater fullness of God in my life. Exactly how that is accomplished, I am totally dependent upon the Holy Spirit to guide and direct me (John 16:13). Guess what? You have to be careful what you ask for. I recently had the unique opportunity to experience Him in a new way—as my Healer. I’m not saying Jesus has never healed me. However, this time, Jesus extended His healing touch through exposure of sin in my life.

In Luke 5, Jesus is “walking the talk” He proclaimed after reading Isaiah 61 in the synagogue at Nazareth. He is “preaching, healing, and setting the bruised at liberty.” A great portion of Jesus’ ministry was dedicated to healing and setting at liberty those who were possessed by demons and/or oppressed by “spirits of infirmities” (Luke 13:11).

In our Scripture narrative (Luke 5:17-26), Jesus is healing people at a local home. Certain men, hearing that the “power of the Lord was present” (v. 17), brought a friend with palsy to Jesus. Blocked by the multitudes, the men sought a more direct way into the house by lifting the thatch roof and lowered the man “into the midst before Jesus”. Jesus realizing the faith they had place in His healing ability, responded: “Your sins are forgiven.” Why sins forgiven and not “you are healed”? Jesus lived in a culture where the assumption was that sickness was a result of sin. Jesus wanted to prove to the scribes and Pharisees that HE HAD THE POWER ON EARTH to forgive sins. Based on their assumption, and to illustrate His power, Jesus said to the man “your sins are forgiven…take your mat and go home” (v. 20).  Healing followed the forgiveness of sin. Back to my experience!

I asked the Lord during my devotion time to show me the root of my tendency to “food binge”. I identified it in my initial prayer, as a “spirit of gluttony.” I prayed quietly and waited to hear His response. I expected a “remembrance”, an “unhealthy attachment”, or even the revealing of a “past wounding”. The Spirit of the Lord responded, “The source of your food binge is your willful disobedience and defiance against what God has purposed for you. Your body is the means of accomplishing that purpose.” I was shocked! The light of the Holy Spirit had revealed my sin. I had chosen to respond to the desires of the flesh when I should have died to them (Rom. 6: 11). What appeared at first to be an act against my own body was, in reality, an act of sin against God. I immediately confessed my sin and renounced any future control my flesh had over my life. I am now healed because God forgave my sin. Healing followed the forgiveness of sin.

Sometimes the issues we may struggle with—overeating, unfounded fear, sleeplessness, may really be an issue of unconfessed sin in our lives. David described these as “secret faults and presumptuous sins” (Ps. 19:12, 13). Romans 13:14 admonishes believers to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh to fulfill the lusts thereof.” Jesus is our Healer. He wants to heal those places that have been hidden from His view (or so we think). Invite Him today into your heart and let Him heal you. Don’t be surprised if His first order of business is to forgive! Healing follows the forgiveness of sin.

Good to the Last Byte…
Unbelievers can be possessed by demonic forces. Believers, on the other hand, cannot be possessed. This is because of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. They can, however, be “oppressed.” One cause of that oppression could be the entry of sin in their life or through unconfessed sin. That is why it is so important to continually ask the Holy Spirit to shed His light of truth on any area of our lives that cause us to remain in our sin. Sometimes we may not be aware of what that might be, but the Holy Spirit will lovingly reveal it, if you would but ask  (Ps. 139:23, 24). Click here and invite the Holy Spirit to begin His “search.”

Here are some of the traits which can indicate a carnal, worldly heart. By prayer, will you hold your heart open to the searchlight of God, until you see the foundation there? “Search me, a God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23, 24).

As you read, examine yourself in the very presence of God. Are you ever conscious of…

A secret spirit of pride – a feeling of superiority, however slight, in view of your education, success, or position; because of your good background or appearance; because of your natural gifts and abilities. An important, independent spirit.

Love of human praise – a secret fondness to be noticed; a drawing attention to self in conversation; a self-satisfied feeling when you have had the floor in speaking or praying.

Stirrings of anger or impatience – which you may call nervousness or holy indignation; a touchy, sensitive spirit; a tendency to resent or retaliate when disapproved of or contradicted; a desire to reply to another with sharp words.

Self-will – a stubborn, unteachable spirit; an argumentative manner; harsh, sarcastic expressions; an unyielding, headstrong disposition; an inclination to criticize and pick flaws when ignored or overlooked; a peevish, fretful spirit; a disposition that loves to be coaxed and humored.

Jealous disposition – a secret spirit of envy in your heart; an unpleasant sensation when told of the great success and prosperity of another; a tendency to speak of the faults and failings of those more talented and appreciated than yourself.

A dishonest, deceitful disposition – the evading and covering of the truth; the covering up of your real faults; leaving a better impression of yourself than is strictly true; false humility; exaggeration; stretching the truth.

Unbelief – a spirit of discouragement in times of pressure and opposition; lack of quietness and confidence in God; lack of faith and trust in God; a tendency to worry and complain in the midst of pain or poverty; an over- anxious feeling of dreaded outcomes.

Formality and deadness – a lack of concern for lost souls; dryness and indifference; lack of power with God.

Selfishness – love of ease; love of money.

The Holy Spirit will enable you, by confession and faith, to bring your self-life to the death. Do not patch over, but go to the depths.

“Create in me a clean heart, 0 God; and renew a right spirit within me” (Psalm 51: 10).

Gospel Tract Society, Inc.

Independence, Missouri

“Therefore, be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.”

Ephesians 5:1,2 (NKJ)

 While shopping last week, I observed a frustrated parent attempting to convince their strong-willed child to follow their instruction.  After several failed attempts, the parent sternly issued this directive, “Do as I say!”  The child, discovering new wisdom (or fear) complied.  Paul instructs the new believers in Ephesus on how they are to walk out their new life of faith.  His directive to them is a blueprint for spiritual success—“Be imitators of God.”

The word imitator (mimetes) is translated “mimic”.  If we are God’s children we ought to mimic or imitate the attributes we see in our Heavenly Father.  This should not be as difficult as it sounds since we have become new creatures in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17) and partakers of God’s nature (2 Pet. 1:4).  We have within us, the spiritual makeup (Holy DNA) to reproduce God’s character in our lives.  If successful, the result is a mindset and life style that reflects “God in us” (John 17:21, 23).

In examining God’s attributes, the one from which all other attributes find their origin is love. God is love (1John 4:16) and His love was manifested to us through His only begotten Son (John 3:16).  It is through Jesus Christ, that God revealed His love for mankind.  It is this divine love, agape love that the children of God are to imitate.

Jesus modeled for mankind what the love of the Father looked like in a fallen world through His willingness to leave the splendor of heaven for the squalor of earth.  He “became poor that we might become rich in salvation and life” (2 Cor. 8:9) and was “made sin that we might be made the righteousness of God” (2 Cor. 5:21).  He “humbled Himself and was obedient to death on the cross” (Phil. 2:7, 8).  Jesus’ walk of love was viewed by God as a “sweet smelling sacrifice” (Lev. 1:9, 13, 17; 2:9).  The idea behind the sweet smelling sacrifice is it was pleasing to God.

I’m sure God is often challenged by His strong-willed children.  It is His desire that we also walk in love.  With Jesus as our model, God’s Holy Word, and through the leading of the Holy Spirit, we can learn to divest ourselves of childish immaturity and self-centeredness.  In humbleness of spirit and with an obedient heart, we can walk in a manner that imitates God.  Then our lives, like Jesus’, will become a sweet smelling sacrifice that pleases our heavenly Father.

Good to the Last Byte…

One of the greatest revelations we can receive is an understanding of the enormity of God’s love.  His love is not a result of anything we deserve or can earn, but is evidence of inherent goodness.  Read  1 John 4:7-21 in your quiet time and ask the Lord to show His love for you in new ways.  I promise you won’t be disappointed!

“(I am) Asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you might grow in your knowledge of God.

I pray that you will begin to understand the incredible greatness of his power for us who believe him.” Ephesians 1:17, 19a (NLT)

I try to be authentic in my faith walk but often time find myself guilty of behavior that resembles the world.  Although I daily pray and meditate on His Word, I am often beset by the desire for “more’—specifically more of the spiritual things that I read about or hear about from other Christian believers.  So what’s my problem?  Jesus answered me but not in the way I expected.

I asked the Lord for more faith to believe what He had for me.  I failed to realize that more faith was not to come.  Jesus told His disciples that if they had “faith the size of a small mustard seed” they could move mountains (Matt. 17:20).  Jesus refused my request for more and replaced it with the directive to do more with what He had given me.  My assignment was to step out on the faith I currently had.   I was to focus on being a “faithful steward” (Luke 12:42) and increase His investment in building the Kingdom of God.

I asked the Lord for more spirit to accomplish the tasks He had given me.  I again failed to realize that, like faith, more spirit was not to come.  When I first received the Lord, He placed a full measure of His Spirit within me (Rom. 12:3).  It would be the Spirit of God that would remind me of my new identity in Christ including all the power and privileges that accompanied my new life.  This is the understanding that Paul desired for the church at Ephesus—“that they would be “strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man” (Ep. 3:16).

Today I don’t need to ask God for “more”.  While I think it is God’s desire that I seek more of Him, the spiritual shortfall comes when I fail to recognize that what I desire is already mine.  I now prayer to quickly recognize the great and precious gifts He has entrusted to me (2 Pet. 1:4) and move boldly lay hold that which God has already revealed in His Word and through His Spirit.    I now know that “more” was given to me the moment I accepted Jesus as my Savior.  And that is more than enough.

 Good to the Last Byte…

The New Testament often uses the word “know” to describe how we understanding “spiritual things”—with our heart (experiential) or with our head (intellectual).  Both levels of knowledge are needful, but Jesus is calling us to experience Him through a personal relationship with Him.  It is here that we gain “more”—not in quantity but in the quality of intimacy.

“Giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.”

Colossians 1:12-14 (NKJ)

During my personal devotions this Lenten season, the scripture texts that resonate in my spirit deal with God’s gift of salvation.  Many times we quickly define salvation as “Christ’s death for our sins” but we would be better informed by understanding “the details behind His death.”  This week, as part of our Lenten season studies, we will explore the “details of redemption.”

Redemption (apolutrosis) is the purchase back of something that had been lost, by the payment of a ransom.   In the God’s plan of salvation, man was lost as a result of the entrance of sin into the world.  (Gen. 3)  Why was redemption required?  God’s holiness required that sin be “dealt with.”  God’s justice required a ransom to “redeem” for wrongdoing.  How was redemption to be accomplished? “Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption.” (Heb. 9:12)  Who would redeem us?  “Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself (Jesus Christ) likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil,and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.”  (Heb. 2:14-15)

To further illustrate redemption, I offer this personal story.  I remember my parent’s “patient and tireless” love for me.  I especially remember their offer to assist me with my finances as I began my new career as an elementary teacher.  Like most young adults establishing themselves, I was indebted “to credit.”  My parents, after seeing me struggle would “pay off” my debt with my promise to limit my use of the credit card.  Well, a year later, I was back in debt.  My parents again, “made the offer to pay, I promised not to stray, but the debt would not stay away.”  This happened on many occasions, I’m embarrassed to say.   I finally had to decline their generous offer and learn to better manage my monies.  The point of this illustration is that my parents were willing to pay the debt to the creditors—my debt—a debt that they had no part in creating.

Likewise, God, our Heavenly Father, through His Son, has provided a way to eliminate our sin debt.  “Christ, who knew no sin, became sin for us that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” (2 Cor. 5:21) The debt against us is not viewed as simply cancelled, but paid in full. Christ’s blood is the “ransom” by which the deliverance of His people from the servitude of sin and from its penal consequences has been secured.   Why would God want to redeem man?  Because of His great love for us—we are His children and heirs to His kingdom.  He “patiently and tirelessly” loves us and desires that we would be free to realize all He has promised to and for us.  Just like my parents desired for me.

Good to the Last Byte…

Paul said in his letter to the Corinthians, that God “had delivered him, was delivering him and would deliver him” from all hurt and harm. (2 Cor. 1:9-10)  While Paul was speaking of God’s acts of protection and provision, He also acknowledges God’s ultimate victory over the power of sin.  God not only defeated Satan and sin but He annihilated it.   (Col. 2:15)

Lenten celebration began on Ash Wednesday (March 5th) marking the beginning of a 40-day period of fasting, repentance, and spiritual discipline.  So what do people really do during the Lenten season?  Is this still the best way to prepare for Easter?  We’d like to offer you new insights into this holiest of seasons from the Barna Research Group.       Check it out  and let is know what you think in the comments below.   Hope you find it “insightful”.