In an ever changing world, it is great to see people be consistent and keep their words, when they commit to do that which is righteous and good. The world in which we live is one in which seducers are growing worse and worse. The words given to us in prophecy by the Holy Spirit through Paul to Timothy and us in II Timothy 3:13 say, “But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.” We see this happening every day. It is not uncommon for people to be deceived, nor is it uncommon for people to deceive. Sometimes people will commit to do something, but not do it. Perhaps, they are looking for that convenient season that never comes. Remember, when Felix thought in this way? His response to the Gospel message was, “Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.” When we commit to do something that is not wrong to do, we must keep our words, and not allow the Devil to cause us to stumble.
Of Jesus, we are told, “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever” in Hebrews 13:8. This is refreshing. In a world where people may say one thing, yet do another, Christ is not that way. He is always the same, always upholding the right. As disciples of His, we must also do the same, for He is our Ultimate Example that in His Steps, we should walk (I Peter 2:21-24).
In I Thessalonians Chapter 5, verse 24, we are told, “Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.” In this particular context, the prior two verses say that the inspired Apostle, Paul, says, “Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Through the avoidance of all forms of evil, God will set us apart entirely from sin. Then, Paul says that he prays to God that our entire being will be preserved blameless, or in other words, without reproach, having no sins for which we have not repented. Our Faithful God calls us by the Gospel (II Thessalonians 2:14). He calls us to be obedient (Hebrews 5:9). When we are living for Him, then we know that He will preserve us blameless. God cannot lie (Titus 1:1-4).
I John 1:7 says, “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” Verse 9 goes on to say, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” With these assuring words, we have great comfort that Heaven shall be our home through faithfulness. Faithfulness involves making sure that we speak Truth. In teaching others about God and the church, we must speak only God’s Word (John 17:17, Matthew 28:18-20). Likewise, in our day to day conversation, we must speak the truth. Ephesians 4:25 says, “Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.” Clearly, the truth should only be spoken. Jesus put it this way in Matthew 5:37, “But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.” I John 2:5 says, “But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.”
With these thoughts in mind, let us grow into being more like our God each day. Let us live godly lives! Let us keep our word!
Jason Gann
Registrar
Tennessee Bible College