SEARCHING FOR THE
TRUTH
INTRODUCTION
Searching for the truth is a rarity in an age where it is more advantageous to conceal the truth for political or personal gain. It was noted that we swallow whole-heartedly any lie that flatters us but we sip reluctantly at any truth we find harsh (Denis Diderot).
It was further noted that an expression, with the aid of a small amount of truth, can surprise us into accepting a falsehood (Marquis de Vauvenargues). Truth exists; only falsehood has to be invented (Georges Braque).
Searching for the Truth
Dominion of Truth
Apostle Paul noted: We wrestle not against flesh and blood (humanity), but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places (Ephesians 6:12).
It was noted that this emphasizes the personal and individual nature of spiritual warfare against Christians, and the church, through principalities, powers (authorities), rulers (world-leaders), spiritual wickedness (wicked spiritual beings), such as demonic activity and the devil (Lucifer) himself.
Apostle John wrote: Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and of the sea for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has but a short time (Revelation 12:12). It was noted that his reign is of a temporary nature, determined by God, but in the meanwhile he is striving to bring as many as possible into his domain.
Armor of God
In reference to the believer in Christ, and the ability to stand, Apostle Paul wrote: Take unto you the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all to stand (Ephesians 6:13). The whole armor of God consists of: Truth, Breastplate of Righteousness, Gospel of peace, Shield of faith, Helmet of salvation, and the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God.
Paul noted: Pray always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit. It was noted that prayer is indispensible! Praying always means on every occasion. In the Spirit signifies that with the Spirit of God’s help such prayer for divine aid is made.
World of Untruths
The Prophet Jeremiah was continually mocked by the people for bringing nothing but words of condemnation. It was noted that he enraged the people. He challenged their social and moral behavior. He held his ground and was not afraid to give them unpopular criticism.
Today there are those who are giving humanity’s vilest nature what they want to hear; justification to do exactly as they please, with no regard to a day of reckoning. Searching for the truth is not an easy task; but in a world of untruths it becomes more needful by the hour; to know the truth of God’s Word, to offset deviating from that Word!
Influenced by the World
The church, in many instances, has deviated from searching for the truth. It was noted that it is pursuing social status rather than sanctification (being set apart unto God), financial security rather than sacrifice, prestige rather than the present of God, and respectability rather than the moving of God’s Spirit!
The church, in many instances, is standing at a crossroads; which road will it be influenced to follow? We are seeing a younger generation of believers no longer are searching for the truth; rather being influenced by worldly standards, a secular influence rather than spiritual, worldly entertainment towards appeasement of the soul rather than godly influence of previous generations.
Permissive Day
We are living in a very permissive day when the religious world is so tolerant to most any and all kinds of standards and lifestyles. It was noted that this permissiveness and tolerance is a result of a self-willed and carnal minded society.
As a result of such tolerance and permissiveness, there are many churches, and even denominations, which have altered their teachings, their standards, and even their interpretations of the Scriptures to please, to comply with and accommodate this permissive and tolerant society.
Very few people this day hold to their heart’s convictions; they change to blend in with their environment; while voices of the past, of a godly influence, are getting less recognition, searching for the truth no longer of a persuasive influence, rather leaning towards a secular society that craves the carnal side of man rather than the spiritual!
Erosion Taking Place
A warning of failure to search for the truth; or allowing the truth to prevail was noted: If the fires of freedom and civil liberties burn low in other lands, they must be made brighter in our own. If in other lands, the press and books and literature of all kinds are censored, we must redouble our effort to keep them free.
If in other lands the eternal truths of the past are threatened by intolerance, we must provide a safe haven for their continuation (Franklin D. Roosevelt). We are seeing an erosion of what was warned against; as the ungodly seek to undermine any godly influence that threatens its continuation. Many have come into the arena of acceptance of the previously unacceptable; and openly flaunting it to those who have no knowledge of its devastating effect!
Ungodly Officials
Elected
There is an attempt to usher God out of the picture through Marxism and Socialism, cousins of Communism, by persecuting any who identify as a Christian, who are searching for the truth rather than swallowing the bitter pill of deceit being presented. When one stands against the evilness of man, which has become powerful through ungodly officials being elected or placed into power, they become as little David facing the giant Goliath.
David did not waver in his commitment to God, but said: You come to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield; but I come to you in the name of the Lord, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defiled. This day will the Lord deliver you into my hand, and I will smite you (1 Samuel 17:45-46). David’s victory was not by his own hand but God empowering him to prevail and be victorious!
Truth not Promulgated
Our ancestors established their system of government on morality and religious sentiment. Daniel Webster noted: Moral habits, they believed, cannot safely be trusted on any other foundation than religious principle, nor any government secure which is not supported by moral habits.
If truth is not promulgated, error will be; if the power of the Gospel is not felt throughout the length and breadth of the land, anarchy and misrule, degradation and misery, corruption and darkness (sinfulness of man) will reign without mitigation or end.
We are seeing the maddening effect of what is transpiring when searching for the truth is no longer sought after; allowing deceit and lies to replace truth, with a pace towards acceptance at an alarming rate! The moral compass of yesteryear has been cast aside as the carnal side of man is displayed rather than the spiritual application proclaimed in God’s Word.
Truth not Repeated
Great truths not often repeated will soon be forgotten; with those truths not being practiced. Half the truth is often a great lie. It was noted that truth in the end will prevail (Ulpian Fulwell). Man has no nobler function than to defend the truth (Ruth McKenney). Jesus said: If you continue (abide) in my word, then you are my disciples indeed; and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free (John 8:31-32).
The devil dances with glee when he makes one succumb to the half-truths being promulgated; acceptance of a lie and hiding of the truth. Of such Apostle Paul wrote: That they (those deceived) may recover themselves (come to their senses) out of the snare of the devil; who are taken captive by him at (to do) his will (2 Timothy 2:26).
Light to the World
Jesus in praying for His disciples, to His father, said: I pray that you should not take them out of the world, but that you should keep them from the evil (evil one). They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify (set them apart) through your truth; your word is truth (John 17:15-17). Then to those who remain in this world: Let your light so shine among men that they may see your good works (witness), and glorify your Father which is in heaven (Matthew 5:16).
Searching for the truth, of God’s Word; then identifying that truth becomes a light to the world to shine forth into the darkness of human depravity. The smallest light can dispel the greatness of darkness. If Christianity were withdrawn; there would be no light to dispel the darkness of mankind that has engulfed many a nation!
Not Practicing the Truth
Apostle John wrote: If we say we have fellowship with him (God) and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not (practice) the truth (1 John 1:6). It was noted that to walk in darkness means walking in sin. John may have had in mind those who claimed to be enjoying a close relationship with God, but whose lives were clearly not so!
Such a state of affairs, John said is impossible, living a lie; no longer searching for the truth, or forsaking truth! John wrote: I have not written you because you know not the truth, but because you know it, and that no lie is of the truth (1 John 2:21).
Anvil of Justice
Apostle Paul wrote: The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold (suppress) the truth in unrighteousness (Romans 1:18). It was noted that wrath is not a revelation of a future judgment of God but a present revelation that parallels the present revelation of God. Ungodliness is failure on the religious realm; unrighteousness is failure in the moral sphere of injustice toward man.
Failure of searching for the truth brings God’s anvil of judgment upon those living a lie. Just one quick stroke of the judgmental hammer would bring immense suffering and judgment on mankind; as in the pre-Flood days of Noah, Sodom and Gomorrah, and Babylon the hold of every foul spirit!
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