Increase Your Faith

The Word of Truth 
By Larry Ollison, Ph.D. 
 
Second Timothy 2:15 says, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 

In this scripture we find where we are told that we are to be workers for God, not ashamed and that we are to rightly divide the Word of truth. What’s interesting about this statement is that if the Word can be rightly divided, then it can also be wrongly divided. 

When I was young in the ministry, I would wonder why there were so many different Christian denominations. If we all believed in the same Jesus and if we all taught from the same Bible, then why in the world did we have so many different beliefs within Christianity? 

As I grew older and matured in the Word, I realized that even though we all used the same book as our guide and manual, that not everybody studied this book. 

In fact, one minister that I met in college ordered his sermons through the mail and only used his Bible as the folder to hold them as he preached. Too often we develop a belief and then search the Bible to find a scripture to back up what we have predetermined as the truth. With some, it doesn’t matter if it is out of context; it only matters if a phrase matches our belief. 

Recently on the national news, on the nation’s largest news network, a reporter asked a seminary professor at one of the nation’s largest Protestant universities this question. He asked, “Why is it that there are some ministers who seem so strong in their views on abortion and homosexuality and why is it that they will not compromise what they believe?” 

The seminary professor’s reply stunned me. He said, “One of the problems we have in modern theology and in many of our churches today is that there are some ministers who actually believe that everything in the Bible is true and that it is the ultimate code for their lifestyle and the lifestyle of their congregations.” 

How sad it is when the men training ministers don’t believe the Word of God is completely, 100% pure truth. 

Titus 1:2 and Hebrews 6:18 both tell us that it is impossible for God to lie and John 8:44 says that Satan is a liar. 

I know that rightly dividing the word means so much more than what I am stating here. However, the first step to rightly divide God’s Word is to believe that the Bible is inspired by God Himself and was written by men only by the direction of the Holy Spirit. It is the Word of Truth. 

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Don’t Settle for Second Best by Kenneth Copeland

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. James 1:2-3

I admit, it’s tough to be enthusiastic about going through tests and trials. But can you get excited about being totally supplied in every way, in want of nothing? Well, according to the Word of God, if you’ll use your trials to develop patience, you’re going to be in precisely that position!

You see, patience doesn’t mean what you thought it meant. It does not mean settling sweetly for second best. It does not mean standing meekly by while the devil romps all over you.

No, patience is a powerful word. The New Testament meaning of it as translated literally from the Greek is “to be consistently constant or to be the same way all the time, regardless of what happens.”

To understand how much power is involved in that, you have to realize that it’s one of the most outstanding attributes of God Himself. The Bible says He’s the same yesterday, today and forever.

Think about that for a minute. The guy who absolutely cannot be changed by anyone or anything is an extremely powerful fellow, wouldn’t you say? Obviously, God has that much power.

But you know what? You do too!

By the power of the Holy Ghost working within you, you can be the same every day no matter what happens. If you’ll put your trust in the Word of God and let patience go to work, it won’t matter what happens. You won’t ever have to accept anything less than victory again.

Now that’s something to get excited about.

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If you care for your orchard, you’ll enjoy its fruit; if you honor your boss, you’ll be honored. Proverbs 27:18 (MSG)

Take care of a fig tree and you will have figs to eat. Servants who take care of their master will be honored. Proverbs 27:18 (GNT)

Pastor’s Commentary:

In today’s world which is overly focused on workers’ rights and trade unions, we hear little about honoring employers and holding them in high regard. Very often, particularly in America, those who create jobs and provide employment are villified and despised. Seemingly, all the recocognition is on the employee side of the spectrum. With this mindset, many show contempt for their bosses and are prepared to use threat and intimidation to get their way at work.

But, Wisdom tells us exactly what we need to do to get promotion, recognition, and bonuses. We must honor our bosses and employers. The Good News Translation says, “Servants [employees] who take care of their master [bosses] will be honored.” That’s the Word of God! Threats of strikes and filing bogus complaints get you nowhere. The One Who created all mankind knows how people react to honor; they in turn honor those who honor them and value their vision.

I can already hear the counter argument: “Pastor, you don’t understand! My boss is a tyrant who bullies everyone. I can’t honor him!” But Beloved, let’s see what the Scripture tells us to do in such circumstances.

It says, “You servants [employees] must submit yourselves to your masters [employers] and show them complete respect, not only to those who are kind and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. God will bless you for this, if you endure the pain of undeserved suffering because you are conscious of His will. For what credit is there if you endure the beatings [punishment] you deserve for having done wrong? But if you endure suffering even when you have done right, God will bless you for it. (1 Peter 2:18-20 GNT)

There are several key points in First Peter we must keep in mind:

1. It’s the will of God for us to submit ourselves to our employers and bosses and to honor them.

2. We are to show them complete respect regardless of how they treat us.

3. When we obey God’s will and potentially suffer because of our complete submission to His will on this point, God Himself blessed us.

In line with this, Colossians 3:23-24 says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as though you were working for the Lord and not for people. Remember that the Lord will give you as a reward what He has kept for His people. For Christ is the real Master you serve. (GNT)

Beloved, let’s pray for our employers and submit to them. Let’s focus on honoring God by honoring them. This is the will of God and we will receive the commensurate honor we deserve in return.

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Are you confused about life, don’t know what’s going on? Come with me [Wisdom], oh come, have dinner with me! Proverbs 9:4 (MSG)

Pastor’s Commentary:

We have consistently established the immutable fact that Wisdom makes life on the earth much easier and enjoyable. In today’s Wisdom verse from The Message Bible, Wisdom poses a question and a solution. She asks, “Are you confused about life, don’t know what’s going on?” Then, the solution is given. “Come with me!”, Wisdom says.

This sounds a lot like the New Testament invitation for Wisdom in James. There it says, “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” (James 1:5 NLT)

There’s no need to be confused and unsure about life. The God of Wisdom has already mapped out the plan for your life. The Word says, “For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].” (Ephesians 2:10 AMP) And God Himself says, “…I know what I am planning for you,” says the Lord. “I have good plans for you, not plans to hurt you. I will give you hope and a good future.” (Jeremiah 29:11 NCV)

So, accept Wisdom’s dinner invitation and eat at her table everyday. She will lead you to the path God has predestined for you!

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For a man’s ways are before the eyes of the Lord, and He ponders all his paths. Proverbs 5:21 (ESV)

Pastor’s Commentary:

I say this because I know what I am planning for you,” says the Lord. “I have good plans for you, not plans to hurt you. I will give you hope and a good future. Jeremiah 29:11 (NCV)

The Lord never loses sight of you or the plan He has for your life. Not only is your physical conduct evident to Him at all times, so is your destiny. Your ways (or your assignment) are before His eyes and He has given forethought to every path you must take.

Therefore, have complete and utter confidence in the Lord and in the God-given plan for your life. You shall not fail and neither shall God. In Hebrews 13:5 (AMP), it says, “He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!]”

God sees you; you are very important to Him. You are not, in any way, irrelevant. He is always watching over your ways to give you the desired hope or outcome for your life. Selah!

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The Lord gives wisdom. From His mouth come knowledge and understanding. Proverbs 2:6 (GWT)

Pastor’s Commentary:

According to Jude verse 25 (KJV), our Lord is the only wise God. Therefore, today’s Wisdom verse makes perfect sense. The Lord gives Wisdom because He is the only source. Consequently, He should be our only source for direction and instruction. Anything or anyone else is simply inadequate. Adam’s sin was, in essence, his desire to seek another source for knowledge other than God Himself. Let’s not make the same error!

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Know also that wisdom is like honey for you: If you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off. Proverbs 24:14 (NIV)

Pastor’s Commentary:

The Wisdom of God is what gives us hope for the future. We know that God’s Wisdom is not merely an entity or a thing, but a Person: Jesus Christ. Consequently, we can face the future without any dread or consternation. We know that God Himself has said, “I have good plans for you, not plans to hurt you. I will give you hope and a good future.”

Those who live without Christ at the helm of their lives are like ships without sails, having no direction. That’s why the speak of the future in bleak terms; they have no hope.

But, those of us who have made Jesus the Lord of our lives rejoice knowing that no matter what the future holds, the Father holds us in His mighty right hand. Therefore, we boldly embrace the plans and purposes He has for our lives. We know that our hope will never be cut off because in Him, we live forever!

Glory to God in the highest!

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Only fools would trust what they alone think, but if you live by wisdom, you will do all right. Proverbs 28:26 (CEV)

Pastor’s Commentary:

Today’s Wisdom verse is a constant theme throughout Proverbs. Being overly reliant on one’s own thoughts and opinions can be detrimental. Wisdom consistently encourages us to seek guidance from one of two sources, or both:

1. God Himself

2. A cadre of trusted advisors

Proverbs 3:5-6 in the CEV says, “With all your heart you must trust the LORD and not your own judgment. Always let Him lead you, and He will clear the road for you to follow.” God must be our primary source for guidance. He knows the plans He has for our lives; He loves us dearly; and He is never wrong. It is mandatory that we seek Him before committing to any course of action.

Employing trusted advisors for confirmation of what we believe the Lord has directed is another very effective method of decision making. Read Proverbs 15:22 and Proverbs 24:6. They say respectively:

Without counsel, plans go awry, but in the multitude of counselors they are established. (NKJV)

For by wise counsel you will wage your own war, and in a multitude of counselors there is safety. (NKJV)

According to Proverbs 28:26, depending solely on our own thoughts is foolish. Success in the Kingdom of God is predicated on acting on good and sound advice. Before you make any significant decision, make sure you consult the Lord and a body of mature believers before you plan or execute anything of importance. That’s living by Wisdom!

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I was right beside the Lord, helping him plan and build. I made him happy each day, and I was happy at his side. Proverbs 8:30 (CEV)

Pastor’s Commentary:

Pay attention, my children! Follow my advice, and you will be happy. Proverbs 8:32 (CEV)

Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding. Proverbs 3:13 (NKJV)

King Solomon wrote chapter 8 of Proverbs in narrative form as though Wisdom was speaking to humanity, introducing and defining herself. In verses 22 through 31, Wisdom establishes the fact that she existed before the world began and was instrumental in its creation. Notice verse 30a: “I was right beside the Lord, helping him plan and build.”

The very next sentence is what caught my attention and ministered to me this morning. In verse 30b, Wisdom says, “I made him (God) happy each day, and I was happy at his side.” Wisdom is all about bringing happiness into the lives of those who employ her, including God Himself! Since Wisdom made God happy from the onset of creation and we are created to be like God, only “a shade” inferior to Him, then the Wisdom of God ought to bring us tremendous happiness.

Happiness is elusive for the world because of its rejection of the only wise God and the suffering created by human foolishness and stupidity. That is why worldly people have to manufacture happiness through physical and chemical means. But, every believer has a legal, blood-bought right to be happy! Jesus who bled and died at Calvary and was raised from the dead has been made Wisdom for us, the believers (see 1 Corinthians 1:30).

Make achieving true happiness through God’s Wisdom the focal point of your walk with Christ. The experience will become much sweeter and you’ll be less likely to be lulled away by the artificial happiness of the world. You can and should be happy! Tell the devil to take back his sadness and depression because you are a child of Wisdom and are destined to be happy!

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