Sunday Leftovers (3/18/07)

While Scripture has a high view of Scripture, the goal of acquiring knowledge of Scripture, meditating on Scripture and listening to sermons is not the mere accumulation of more knowledge. The goal of Biblical instruction is not just more knowledge. Rather, true Biblical instruction and knowledge will culminate in people and in a church that are increasingly being transformed into the likeness of Christ, unified in their love for Christ and each other, and giving evidence of that love through pure living, clear consciences and real (unhypocritical) faith (1 Tim. 1:5).

To that end, for example, 1 Timothy is replete with examples and admonitions and encouragements to embrace the truth of Scripture. Among the approximately 40 references to Scripture (using words like "doctrine," "teaching," "instruct," "truth," "Scripture," "preach," and "true faith") in the book are repeated exhortations to uphold sound doctrine. Consider 3:15 — one fundamental purpose of the church is to uphold the truth of the living God. And 3:16 — the doctrine and truth of Christ and the Godhead are foundational to godliness. And in contrast to the apostasy that comes from willfully ignoring the truth (4:1-5) and the malnourishment that comes from weak and empty teaching (4:7), sound doctrine will provide constant nourishment for the soul (4:6).

These are vital statements. The church in America today is substantively weak and ineffective because both she and her members have little dependence on and respect for and commitment to and transformation from the Word of God. If the church will be the church in coming days, it will come from a joyful reliance on the Word of God.


Two more thoughts about the kind of people God is using in building His church, from two other pastors:

"There is no mistake more terrible than to suppose that activity in Christian work can take the place of depth of Christian affections." [John MacArthur in The Master's Perspective on Pastoral Ministry.]

"…many ministers of God meet with hard things which might discourage them, and trouble and grieve their spirits; but this consideration, that God is pleased to employ them in such service near to himself, that though they cannot do good themselves, yet they may do good to others, this should disquiet them." [Jeremiah Burroughs, The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment.]