“¹But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. ²For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, ³heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, ⁴treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, ⁵having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. ⁶For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions, ⁷always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth. ⁸Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men corrupted in mind and disqualified regarding the faith. ⁹But they will not get very far, for their folly will be plain to all, as was that of those two men.” – 2 Timothy 3:1-9 (ESV)

I know that this is a long passage, and it is important. I consider myself a realist in that the glass in not half full or half empty, but there is simply liquid in the glass. And as a Libra I am pretty balanced. This approach seems to allow me to look at things objectively and see a more holistic view of situations. I will say that even though I have this balanced approach, I am on the lookout for evil each day. I do what I can to see and stay in front of that evil so as not to be drawn into it.

I feel as though we are certainly headed in the direction of Godlessness as described here in these verses. That Godlessness is visible everywhere you look as society is pressed to live and cower to every whim of society. If someone comes up with an idea that is contrary to societal norms of yesterday, we are driven to accept them as the societal norms today. And if that acceptance does not happen, then those that do not accept are vilified and treated as though they are the enemy.

I will say that I will stand for the truth whether that is alone or with others. I will oppose those against the truth, however that opposition will not be as those opposing the Truth. But I will oppose in the spirit of Christ, with love and caring for my fellow man. I will work hard to understand their position, although I may not accept them, I will not vilify the position, only hold the opposite position and declare as such.

I have to remain vigilant and dedicated to the Truth so as to present the Truth everywhere I go and in all situations.

“⁸If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing well” – James 2:8 (ESV)

Are you looking to love your neighbor? Are you vigilant in looking out for opposition to the Truth? Are you able to understand and oppose with the love of Christ?

“¹⁵Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” – 2 Timothy 2:15 (ESV)

I was brought to this verse this morning and take it as a reminder. You see, we are saved as we believe in Christ who is the Truth. Our acceptance of the gift of salvation comes with our belief in Jesus and His death and resurrection.

But once we have been saved, we have just begun our journey as Christians. Pretty sure that I have shared my testimony. It is not one of those extreme events where I was saved from the pit of despair. But, wasn’t I? I was a small child when I took my first walk to the pulpit to profess my faith. As I grew older, at 14 I realized that whereas I was sincere in my acceptance of Christ, I did not fully understand what that meant and therefore did not feel as though I had been saved. So I took the walk to the pulpit again and this time, it was genuine. My belief was full and I was saved and I now believed in the Truth.

I know that everyone comes to know the Lord in his or her own way. I am elated when each one joins the family of God. What I want is the continued growth and development in the faith and in the Truth. In my ESV Bible I have a footnote for the “one approved” in verse 15, “That is, one approved after being tested”. That testing comes with the growth and learning that comes over time. I have grown so much since I was 14 years old and to this day continue to grow even more. Each day when I sit here and study God’s word, I am reminded and learning more about my faith and what it means to be and carry myself as a Christian. I am “approved” through my continued work with, for, and through the Truth that is Jesus Christ.

When you look at things, are you believing in the Truth that is Jesus Christ? What does your continue growth and learning look like? Are you “approved” by and through the Truth?

“¹First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, ²for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. ³This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, ⁴who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” – 1 Timothy 2:1-4 (ESV)

What a fitting set of verses for our world today. I see that there is a severe disdain for those that are not like us or have different beliefs than us. I know that I have written a number of times about our role as Christians to love all people regardless of who they are. This verse is another of those pointed verses that “urge” our actions be directed at all people.

Paul is speaking to Timothy through this letter to provide guidance on the approach that should be taken in the spreading of the gospel. Verse 1 here Paul is sure to indicate to Timothy that he should remember to pray, intercede, and give thanks for everyone he is to come in contact with. And Verse 2 is one that I know in our politically charged world today seems very difficult to complete. I think it is interesting at how we can be all things to all people, except those that are in power who somehow are not worthy of our prayer, thanksgiving, and help? I tend to believe that regardless of my thoughts and beliefs, the person in that position, should be assisted with the work they do by any and all.

Everyone is given the opportunity “to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth”. Not just those that are the lowly and those in the general public. I have a responsibility just as Paul charged Timothy with to give to “all people” the “supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings”, and bring them to the our God so that they can receive the gift of salvation.

When you think of those needing prayer and thanksgiving, who comes to mind? Are you thinking of everyone, even those in power that you may not have anything in common? Are you praying for “all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth”?

“¹³But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. ¹⁴To this he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” – 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14 (ESV)

Paul exclaims to the Thessalonians that he should always thank God for them. I have to remember to be thankful for my fellow Christians.

These verses demonstrate the way in which we are saved and it all starts with the “belief in the truth”. The Truth, being Jesus, is may be difficult to believe. He was sent by God, lived among us, died for us so that we would not have to, rose from the grave, and ascended back to heaven to be with God once again. When I simply look at those points, I can see how they may seem a bit like a movie script, and therefor are just fantasy.

I like a good movie for just what they are, entertainment. Now I don’t want to get into the argument of “based on true events” or documentaries. Movies are entertainment and should certainly be taken with a grain of salt. But I will admit when looking over the points again, I am driven to dig deeper to understand.

With all the study that I have done in my life in church, as a child, at home, as an adult, one thing has become clear: Jesus is the Truth and my belief in the Truth has saved me from spiritual death. I was chosen and have been “saved through sanctification by the Spirit and the believe in the truth”.

What study have you done on the points I listed? Are you digging deeper to find the clear message? Are you or will you be chosen by belief in the Truth?

“⁹The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, ¹⁰and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.” – 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10 (ESV)

This is such a powerful passage. Satan is directing the “lawless one” to bring “false signs and wonders” to our view.

I have the ability to choose what I believe and the decisions I make are my own. The thing is that those decisions, where they are my own, they are influenced by what is brought to me. I will be encouraged to make decisions based on the signs and wonders that are presented to me. Satan is counting on this hence his reason for bringing to my view those that are false. And when I view those things that are false, I take my eyes and heart away from God and The Truth.

In order for me to stay in The Truth is to distance myself from those “false signs and wonders” and keep my head and heart in the Word of The Lord. My study of God’s Word will guide me in understanding that the signs are indeed false and loving the truth is the way to be saved from this world of deception.

“¹Now concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him, we ask you, brothers, ²not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed, either by a spirit or a spoken word, or a letter seeming to be from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come.” – 2 Thessalonians 2:1-2 (ESV)

Verses 1 and 2 from the same passage in Thessalonians is a great reminder to me of my need to focus on the Lord and “not to be quickly shaken” by what I am seeing or hearing in the world. I should be digging into the Word of The Lord to find and follow The Truth and dedicate myself to that purpose to avoid perishing at the unbelief of the same.

How do you approach those “signs and wonders” that are presented to you? Are you distracted by the grandness of them not really knowing that they are indeed “false”? How do you think things would be if you were to ground yourself in the Word of God and The Truth?

“¹³Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. ¹⁴Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, ¹⁵and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. ¹⁶In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; ¹⁷and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, ¹⁸praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.” – Ephesians 6:13-18a (ESV)

Knowing of the Armor of God and the six pieces is something that I learned when I was very young and in Sunday School. Arming myself with the Armor provides protection and from and the tools needed to “withstand in the evil day”. I guess that I had never really put much thought into the order that the six pieces are introduced by Paul.

The “Belt of Truth” is where it all begins. I have to remember that my protection and gear going into battle each day begins with Truth, since Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” in John 14:6, when I start with the Truth, I am starting with Jesus in my corner.

This is not to say the rest of the Armor is not important, as it is vital to my survival in the world around me. I need all of the Armor for protection and to fight back, but without Jesus, I will have no chance of that survival. It is Jesus that fights for me when I am tired and weary. It is Jesus that stands in the way of evil. It is Jesus that protects me from behind as I move forward with the tasks assigned to me by God.

As I move into today and tomorrow and the next day to put on the Armor of God, beginning with the “Belt of Truth” so that I am sure to place Jesus first in all that I do. With Jesus as the beginning, I will be easily able to carry the remaining Armor as I “withstand in the evil day”.

What are your thought about the Armor of God? Will you commit to putting it on each day? Will you begin with the “Belt of Truth” to start it all with Jesus?

“¹⁷Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds…²¹assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him as the truth is in Jesus. ²⁵Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.” – Ephesians 4:17, 21, & 25 (ESV)

Wherever I was, I have the opportunity to be new again through the truth that is and is in Jesus Christ. I have been granted the chance to start a new life.

With this new life, there are some conditions that may be difficult. The first of which is as seen in verse 25 to “put away falsehood” and “speak the truth”. Taking an honest approach to all is the one of the beginning actions with this new life. The truth, as stated, will set you free, and in Christ that is such a true statement. There is nothing better than knowing that there is nothing for me to justify or reason, when I speak the truth. I have found a number of occasions where I have been called out for something said or done and when I simply admit to it, there are no more questions. In fact, the next statement has been something like, “your not going to deny it?”. With that there is no more to discuss and the resolution is quickly administered.

Thanks to the grace given to me by Jesus, I have been able to live a new life in truth that has granted me the peace to know I can simply move on with the next task in the plan God has for me.

“³²Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32 (ESV)

I am able to live this verse each and every day, thanks to that new life in truth God has given me.

When you look at your life, would you categorize it as a new life? Are you living in the truth provided you through Jesus Christ? Is your life new in that truth?

“¹⁵Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.” – Ephesians 4:15 (ESV)

As a Christian, I find myself in a difficult position when it comes to speaking the truth, because the fact of the matter is, society is very resistant, even appalled by the truth. And due to this, speaking the truth is in some cases dangerous for me in some instances.

I have to remember that God has put me here to do His work and I should continue to do so, even in the face of the danger that may come with that work. The thing I have to hang my hat on and the approach that I should be taking is loving truth. That kind of love that comes with caring and meaning. One that shows compassion and service. The kind of love that others will want to be surrounded by.

I have seen, as I believe you may have as well, those that give the truth in such a manner that I feel as though I am somehow less than intelligent and less than a person for the way I am/was acting. These are not necessarily the picture of the love that God has for me.

I have the unique opportunity as an adult educator in the corporate world to share truth in love with people everyday. I have been in numerous situations where sharing some feedback or coaching with someone is vital to their performance and the approach I take makes all the difference. The love and care that I show for them as a person impacts the interaction in such a positive way, that I was told recently that someone confided in them that I was the favorite trainer this person has ever had (and they have not worked at my company for quite some time now). This may seem trivial, but to me I am elated that I was able to reach someone through simple compassion and love.

The truth may not be what someone wants to hear, but when delivered with love and compassion, it can and will be so liberating.

Are you resistant to the truth when given poorly? What is your reaction when someone approaches you with love and compassion? Will you give the truth, but only through love and compassion?

“⁷You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth?” – Galatians 5:7 (ESV)

Paul lays it out for the Galatians and for me even today. I have control over my own actions and therefore I choose to obey the truth or not.

“¹For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” – Galatians 5:1 (ESV)

My choice to obey was given by Christ who set me free, and as recorded in John:

“⁶Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” – John 14:6 (ESV)

As Jesus is the truth and he set us free, I should be obeying the truth (freedom) and using it to further the gospel.

“¹³For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. ¹⁴For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: ‘You shall love you neighbor as yourself.’” – Galatians 5:13-14 (ESV)

I have been given freedom by Christ who is the Truth. I am now tasked with using my freedom and to help others and through that help of others, I will be demonstrating the love of Christ to and for others, just as instructed in scripture. By doing so, I am taking advantage of the freedom I have been given for the good of Christ and not for that of the flesh.

Have you accepted the freedom given freely by the Truth? Are you obeying the truth or seeking personal gains of the flesh? Are you seeking to use your freedom to love and serve others?

The gospel is the truth. We should be careful not to be swayed by those that wish to distort the truth for their own gain.

“⁴Yet because of false brothers secretly brought in—who slipped in to spy out our freedom that we have in Christ Jesus, so that they might bring us into slavery—⁵to them we did not yield in submission even for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you.” – Galatians 2:4-5 (ESV)

There are false Christians in our midst each and every day. As a believer and attendee of the Baptist religion, I distinctly remember the “guidance” that we did not drink, dance, or listen to loud music as it was against the religion to do so. As I grew older and became more aware of scripture, I realized that this was simply a legalized view of the gospel and in fact, scripture did not prohibit those items, only that I should be careful not to cause another to stumble through my actions.

Now I am not saying that those teaching me those things that were “against” the religion were false Christians. What I am saying is that I have to be on the lookout for those that make such claims to build themselves up or bring others down. In the example of scripture here, circumcision was not “required” as a condition of Christianity. It was a legalistic view of submission to the law. If one chose circumcision, it was a choice and not something that was preached or “required” to be or become a believer.

I have to remember to ground myself in scripture and in doing so, I will avoid the pitfalls of the legalistic views. I will stay true to the gospel and thereby will have he strength to overcome the false Christians that seek to build themselves up and/or bring me down.

How much do you rely on the truth of the gospel? Are you being influenced by those that may be intentionally or unintentionally distorting the truth? Are you seeking to understand and live the truth?