Where do we stand?

Where do we stand?

by David Brenneman 

Was reading the first chapter of the book of Timothy. Paul's exhortation to his son in the faith was profound.  

How would you react or respond to such words?  

‭‭"Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus according to the commandment of God our Savior, and of Christ Jesus, who is our hope, To Timothy, my true child in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. As I urged you upon my departure for Macedonia, remain on at Ephesus so that you may instruct certain men not to teach strange doctrines, nor to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which give rise to mere speculation rather than furthering the administration of God which is by faith. But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. For some men, straying from these things, have turned aside to fruitless discussion, wanting to be teachers of the Law, even though they do not understand either what they are saying or the matters about which they make confident assertions. But we know that the Law is good, if one uses it lawfully, realizing the fact that law is not made for a righteous person, but for those who are lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers and immoral men and homosexuals and kidnappers and liars and perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound teaching, according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, with which I have been entrusted. I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service, even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor. Yet I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief; and the grace of our Lord was more than abundant, with the faith and love which are found in Christ Jesus. It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all. Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. This command I entrust to you, Timothy, my son, in accordance with the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you fight the good fight, keeping faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and suffered shipwreck in regard to their faith. Among these are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan, so that they will be taught not to blaspheme." 1 Timothy 1:1-20 NASB1995‬‬

It was Timothy's time to stand in the gap. That gap between this world of perishing people and the cross of Jesus Christ, calling people to come to it to find salvation. Calling people to turn to the one true God. Showing them that God's law concerning sin and death aren't imaginary.  

We can often live life as if compromise concerning sin isn't all that bad.  

We can unknowingly introduce psychology into someone's life that's of the world and certainly isn't of God the Spirit. The Spirit of God needs nothing, has no interest in, the so-called wisdom of mankind or mankind's so-called revelations about man in order to teach.

Nobody has ever nor will ever school the Spirit of God with regards to Godly living. 

Does the Spirit of God protect any other book than the Word of God?

Was He ever entrusted with anything more than the Oracles of God to impart to mankind?

Where do you stand my Dear Reader in regards to the Word of God? Godly living comes only from the Godly wisdom as taught by the Spirit of God from God's Word an that's it.

In the Old Testament, we read of the instructions of the Lord Jesus to the children of Israel...write down His words and bind them on their person. On their wrists, on their foreheads. Rulers of the people were to rewrite the Law of God to have a copy of it for themselves and to know exactly what's in it for themselves. 

The great hymn "Standing on the Promises" think about it...it points only toward the promises of God. 

When we give an account of our lives before Jesus...it won't ever be on any other merits but our obedience to God's Word, not God's Word AND this book or that book. This psychological study or that one.  

Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight. This means relying on, taking in, the Word of God and the Word of God only. 

Do you intentionally set aside time in God's Word or is it an afterthought when nothing is on television? Do you consider it optional in your daily life or is it such that you cannot go a day without reading it?  

Let's borrow Paul's words...let's press on...does God get your leftovers? Leftover time. Leftover money. Leftover this or that?

My Dear Reader...your first priority ought to include your devotion to Christ. If other things are taking up your time and you squeeze in a few moments to be with Jesus...your priorities are screwed up.

Is that how anyone should honor the One who died for them?

Is wearing clothing that points people away from God appropriate?

Is anything that this world does or offers us worth more than our relationship with Jesus? 

Where do you stand in regards to how you have lived your life to date?  

Everyone is 1 step away from returning to Jesus to walk with Him as they always should have walked. 

Everyone has temptations that try to take our eyes off of the Savior. 

Everyone is facing things that try to consume their time, energy and efforts on things that do not honor Christ's sacrifice for their sins. 

Jesus said we must come as a child. Children don't need fancy explanations. Children don't need most of what people today try with regards to walking with Jesus as they purport to need.

When you stand before Jesus...will you fall to your knees from shame at how you blew it in this life or will you be eager to hear Him say "Well Done?".  

Paul wrote that we should be sure of your salvation...and exhortation came to walk it.

All NASB 1995 and NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. (C) Lockman Foundation.