Intro: Whether we profess faith in Christ or not, facing the truth about ourselves can be very difficult and uncomfortable. Typically, people want to avoid any form of discomfort and facing the truth about our fallen nature can be painful. Certainly, we can run away from the truth, blame others for our pain and demand our own way, or we can deny the truth all together and live a fantasy. God made us with the freedom of choice: the ability to live righteously [based on the Truth] or the ability to live foolishly [based on lies]. Building on the foundation of Truth will always produce a better life. Yet, with so many opposing choices, it is a temptation to try to live somewhere in the middle.
The middle grounds may seem like a safe position, but that is a fallacy. God calls every human being to choose whom he or she will serve; there is no third choice. We have been given freedom; however, if we want to make godly progress in life we must understand some things we think, act upon, or strive for are not the best for our lives, because Truth is a person and aligning with His character and nature must be the Christian’s goal.
As human beings, we have no hope of becoming godly—pleasing to God—in our own strength; but, because of Jesus and His righteousness and power, we can learn and grow in godliness as we are willing to face the Truth. This means we must place our faith in Christ to lead us in every choice we make, because each decision can bring a stronger connection to live in God’s power or each decision can bring a disconnect with God’s power. I believe if we are not making righteous choices to live in the power of the Spirit who brings revelation and helps us to face the Truth, we are making unrighteous choices that will ultimately lead to our destruction [Satan’s plan].
In our passage today, the Apostle Paul writes his letter to Timothy and the universal Church in order to encourage them to face the Truths of the Christian faith—godliness. We are human beings whose nature it is to self-serve and preserve, so we will allow our fallen nature to rule us unless the Spirit of Christ comes to live within us, convict us, and work to liberate us from sin. He alone can teach us how to live the Truth, because He is the Truth of godliness; He is the One who pleases Father God.
This is a beautiful picture of the love of God for His creation and family. You are so loved by Father God that He sent His Son to die for your sins, so His Spirit could teach you to live in the Truth. Please don’t try to live in the middle ground, because it will cost you fellowship with Christ, as well as the blessings of living in the Truth. What an awesome God!
1 Timothy 3:14-16 NLT The Truths of Our Faith
14 I am writing these things to you now, even though I hope to be with you soon, 15 so that if I am delayed, you will know how people must conduct themselves in the household of God. This is the church of the living God, which is the pillar and foundation of the truth.
16 Without question, this is the great mystery of our faith [godliness]:
Christ was revealed in a human body
and vindicated by the Spirit.
He was seen by angels
and announced to the nations.
He was believed in throughout the world
and taken to heaven in glory.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for all the ways you love us. Please bring your children into a humble place each day, so we can bow to the Truth as you reveal it. Nothing is better than living for you; no difficulty in life is more painful than living separated from you. Thank you for your mercy, grace, and faith to make righteous choices today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.