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Stick to the Truth

by Dr. Paul Chappell

“Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord. As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.”
1 Timothy 1:2–4

The church that Paul founded at Ephesus was one of the great churches of the New Testament age. Despite intense opposition and persecution from those who worshiped the goddess Diana (whose Temple of Artemis in the city was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world), the church was effective in reaching people with the gospel. But like all churches they faced problems, and Paul commissioned Timothy to stay there and insist that the church teach only sound doctrine.
Just as was true two thousand years ago, there are many churches today that have been infected with false doctrine. People who are living in sin and error do not particularly enjoy being confronted with the truth. And so some people decide it is easier to change the message than to continue to take a stand. This accommodation robs the church of its power to transform lives, for only the sound doctrine of the gospel can change a sinner.
The truth that God has given to us must be firmly held, because Satan knows the importance of his evil plans to undermine it. Jesus called him “the father of lies” and any time we compromise the truth, we are working for the wrong side. We need to take to heart the admonition Paul gave Timothy and ensure that we do not stray from the truth. The truth is vital to our own spiritual growth and development, and it is vital to the health and growth of our churches as well.
 

Today’s Growth Principle: 

There is no substitute for the truth of God, and we must not water down or compromise it.

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My soul makes its boast in the LORD; let the humble hear and be glad. Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together! I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. --Psalm 34:2-4 Have you ever wondered why the Scripture instructs us to praise God? Three reasons can be found in the verses above from Psalm 34. First of all, praising the Lord encourages others. I think you’d be amazed at how people, Christian and non-Christian alike, respond to something as positive as honest and sincere praise to God when something good or bad happens to you. Second, praising God naturally brings fellowship. There is a closeness…a bond…that is created when you’re praising God together. And last, praising the Lord gives you power for your day-to-day life. I don’t know what you may be facing today, be it a temptation you can’t let go of or a sin you can’t escape. Whatever it is, praise will bring you out of it! My friend, God responds to your honest, genuine praise of Him. So I urge you to make praise a habit no matter what you may be going through! Make a priority of praise regardless of your circumstances.