Page 7 - November 2022 - Truth & Tidings

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

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