Pointers for the Journey of Truth

2 Timothy 3:1-7– This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

1. Learn what is truth and what is false (tradition). There will be many things that seem ‘right’ in your circles because everyone else is doing them, but you check them against the Word of God. What you see may not line up with what the Lord has taught. Stay with truth and not tradition.

2. Remain teachable to the grace of God (Titus 2:11-14). As long as you choose to learn by remaining humble and teachable, the Lord will continue to teach you. When you think you know it all or no one can’t tell you anything because you’ve ‘arrived’ to a specific position, your ability to be taught of the Lord lessens. The Lord will continue to speak to you to change and even use you for great works, but you may not be among those chosen to eternal life with Him (Matthew 7:21-23).

3. Be open to the direction of God’s will. The journey of truth may take you on ‘paths’ that most Christians do not travel. You cannot be concerned with the direction of other people when seeking and applying truth. You must trust the Holy Spirit as your guide.

4. Do not concern yourself with being popular, liked, understood, or accepted. People ‘naturally’ cannot accept what they don’t understand or things that are different from their own ways (that’s part of the reason we find denominations, prejudice in the church, etc.). Because your journey may move you from the general flock, they may turn on you. Your purpose is not to be loved and accepted, it is to be obedient, fulfilling the call that God has placed upon your life.

John 15:18-21 – If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you for my name’s sake, because they know not him that sent me.

Additionally, fight the feeling to become upset or offended. Many people of faith have been treated harshly for their bold stances in God (Matthew 5:11-12; Hebrews 11).

5. Share what you learn.You share not to gain acceptance or popularity, but to expose the truth for all to receive. You do not have to argue or force your message upon people. People will accept it or reject it. Read Jesus’ example of how he revealed truth and exposed the traditions of man in the Gospels.

6. Love beyond measure. Allow others to see your commitment and connection to Christ through your love for them (John 13:35).

7. Understand that the journey of truth is continuous and lifelong. Remain a lifelong learner of the Lord and His Word. You will never reach a point where you ‘arrived’ in all your learning of the Lord. His ways are not like our ways, and neither are His thoughts (Isaiah 55:9-10).

8. Fulfill Jesus’ Commission.

Matthew 28:18-20 – And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

• Go ye therefore, and teach all nations
• Baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost
• Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you

It has been accepted that ALL Christians are commissioned to fulfill this commandment given to the 11 Apostles.

9. Exercise your God-given gifts/talents. Your purpose may complete a portion of Jesus’ commission to the entire Body of Christ. Each of us are integral members of the Body of Christ that help fulfill His commission and are given specific gifts to accomplish it. No one is less important because of their ‘calling’ (1 Corinthians 12; Ephesians 4:8-11). You will help fulfill His purpose as many Christians have done before you and is doing today.

If you do not know what your gift (or purpose) may be, ask God (Matthew 7:7-11; James 1:17). As you discover the gift God has given you, ask Him to show you ways to ‘exercise’ (use) it. God will open the necessary ‘doors’ to ensure your gift can be used for His glory.

10. Stay within God’s Word and will for your life. You can DO a lot in the name of the Lord and still miss the Kingdom of Heaven because you do not follow His will:

Matthew 7:21-23 – Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Christians must strive to be obedient to God’s Word and His divine purpose. There are many things we can do within the church and our surrounding communities (in His Name), but we must be within the boundaries of God’s will.

There are many Christians that are lost within the swamp of tradition and religious rules created by men. It is not our position to condemn or judge, but to proclaim and love. We are all trying to get to the same ‘place,’ find out how God desires to use you in serving Him. Enjoy the journey!

Colossians 2:6-8 – As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

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