As we read and consider truth taught in Scripture, our natural way of thinking seems to be “What does this have to do with me?” or, “What do I need to do?” But God intends far more than to just give us a to-do list. His desire is that we would display Christ in our lives, not as an outward appearance or show but from a sincere desire to be like Him (2Co 3:18). God has given us truth in His Word that we might know Him, love Him and live for Him. Our Lord prayed, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth” (Joh 17:17).[1] This truth of the Word of God is the expression of the heart of God, coming from the very character of God. In Matthew 15:18 we read that “those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart.” While used here in a negative context concerning man, the principle can be positively applied to God and His written Word. The truths of Scripture, its teaching and its doctrine, are not merely a form to be completed but are given as a means by which God expresses His character that we may know, appreciate and follow Him.
Our God is a wonderful God, with many different truths highlighting different attributes of His character, yet all radiating from this single source, God Himself. Whether directly stated or not, each truth is based upon who God is. For example, in the doctrine of headship and head coverings (1Co 11:2-16), we see that it displays the headship found within God, equal persons yet with order being observed (v3). It also affirms that it is Christ’s glory alone that is to be seen in a local assembly and not the glory of man (v7). This simple teaching places on display the glory and divine order of Christ and of God. This teaching did not originate in the culture of the day nor in a particular geographical area. It was not from the mind of Paul but from the character and heart of God.
If all truth comes from the character of God, then each truth has something unique to show us concerning God. Not one of God’s attributes is greater or more important than another, neither does one override another. He is wonderfully equal in all His character; each attribute is an important aspect of who God is. We must not lightly disregard any truth, either in our personal lives or in the local assembly. God has purposefully placed each one in Scripture that we may know Him and show Him out in our lives. God has said, “I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them” (Heb 10:16). God has not called us to law keeping in our own strength. Instead, His desire is that by the Word of God we would grow in knowledge and appreciation of who He is, just as we would with anyone with whom we are in a relationship. From that love, God desires that, by the Holy Spirit’s guidance and empowering, we would live out the truth God has given us in His Word.
[1] Scripture quotations in this article are from the KJV.
