This morning I would like to speak on the subject of BEING ESTABLISHED IN THE PRESENT TRUTH. It is of utmost importance that a child of God be established in truth. If not he will be like the one that the Apostle Paul speaks of in Ephesians 4:14 "That we [henceforth] be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, [and] cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive." And Hebrews 13:9 "Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For [it is] a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein." Let us be as those that hold fast to sound doctrine: Titus 1:9 "Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers." Thus, let us not make merchandise of the TRUTH, but let us. "Buy the truth, and sell [it] not…" Prov.23: 23.
I have four things I want to share with you out of 2 Peter 1:12 "Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know [them], and be established in the present truth."
I. Regarding the Truth. {not be negligent}
II. Retention of the Truth. {remembrance}
III. Recognizing the Truth {though you know them}
IV. Rooted in the Truth. {be established in the present truth}
Peter sets forth before his readers these four basic, yet important elements of truth. He wanted them to be stirred up in the truth. So he stirs them up by encouraging them in the truth. 2 Peter 1:13-15 "Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting [you] in remembrance; Knowing that shortly I must put off [this] my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me. Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance." May God be pleased to STIR you up in the truth! What caused or motivated Peter to have such a devoted heart to stir them up? I believe that if we look back to the Gospel of Luke we see the Lord Jesus Christ instructing Peter to strengthen the brethren and build them in the most holy faith. Luke 22:32"But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren." It doesn't take long for the reader and student of the Epis!
tles of Peter to acknowledge that Peter is strengthening and stirring up the brethren. In his first Epistle Peter encourages his readers, concerning the hope in Christ Jesus in the midst of their sufferings. In his second Epistle Peter encourages them concerning their salvation in the Lord Jesus Christ. He encourages his readers those of like precious faith (vs1) that have the precious promises (vs4) and are partakers of the divine nature of God in Christ Jesus. Peter encourages his readers to add to their faith (vss5-7) the graces of God. Then he gives a solemn warning in regards to making their calling and election sure (vss8-10). Thus, he puts them in remembrance concerning the importance of being established in the present truth.
I. Regarding the Truth.
A. Duty of Not Being Negligent.
1. We must be careful of maintaining truth. Ephesians 6:14 "Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness."
a. Having your loins girt about with truth. This speaks of the importance of fastening our hearts with truth.
b. Ours hearts need to be girded about with truth.
c. The Apostle John also wrote concerning the importance of truth.
(1). 3 John 1:4 "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth."
(2). 1 John 2:21 "I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth".
2. Peter had a pastor's heart. He wanted to make sure those under him would be established in truth.
a. Peter wasn't interested in statistics.
b. Peter wasn't interested in numbers.
c. Peter wasn't interested in a mega church.
d. Peter wasn't interested in pragmatism, i.e., getting them saved and in the church regardless of the methods.
e. Peter wasn't interested in recognition or making a name for himself.
f. Peter wasn't interested in what the major population had to say about him.
g. PETER WAS INTERESTED CONCERNING THOSE UNDER HIM TO BE ESTABLISHED IN TRUTH!
3. Sad to say but most pastors are more interested in every thing else but doctrine and truth.
a. Doctrine and truth are the heartbeat of a Christian.
b. We were saved (born again/begat) in truth. James 1:18 "Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures".
c. 2 Thessalonians 2:13 "But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from
d. the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth."
e. 1 Thessalonians 2:13 "For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received [it] not [as] the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe."
f. Ephesians 1:13 "In whom ye also [trusted], after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise"
g. Colossians 1:5 & 6 "For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; Which is come unto you, as [it is] in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as [it doth] also in you, since the day ye heard [of it], and knew the grace of God in truth."
4. These and many other verses show the significance and prominence of
truth in our salvation and in our Christian walk.
B. Definition of the word NEGLIGENT.
1. The word that Peter used in our chief text, NEGLIGENT is the Greek word "ameleo". which means:
2. To be careless of; make light of, neglect.
3. Notice its usage in other verses:
a. 1 Timothy 4:14 "Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery."
b. Hebrews 2:3 "How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard [him]."
c. Matthew 22:5 "But they made light of [it], and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise:"
d. In all these verses we see the importance of being careful NOT TO BE NEGLIGENT."
4. Thus, this is the use and application of Peter in setting forth the zeal, care, mindfulness and watchfulness concerning the aspect of TRUTH toward his readers and those under his ministry.
II. Retention of the Truth
A. The Importance of Remembering Truth.
1. Peter reminds them concerning the importance of recollecting truth.
2. He reminds them that truth needs to be in the heart not just the head.
3. Peter is doing his pastoral work of reminding his people of the importance of truth.
4. We must be cautious of just intellectual truth.
5. There is nothing worse than intellectual Calvinism without the heart.
B. The Importance of Retaining Truth.
1. We need to be CAREFUL of retaining truth. Psalm 25:5 "Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou [art] the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day."
2. We need to be COMMITTED to the truth.
Psalm 40:11 "Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O LORD: let thy lovingkindness and thy truth continually preserve me." And Psalm 43:3 "O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles." And Psalm 86:11 "Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name".
3. We are to be CUSTODIANS of truth. Psalm 60:4 "Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee, that it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah." Psalm 119:30 I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments have I laid [before me]. Proverbs 3:3 Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: Proverbs 23:23 "Buy the truth, and sell [it] not…"
4. Thus, Peter seeks to keep them in remembrance of TRUTH!
III. Recognizing the Truth.
A. Peter Reminds Them Concerning Their Knowledge of Truth.
1. His readers knew truth. "Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know [them…"
2. Thus, the importance of knowing truth.
3. We need to be as those who Malachi would write about, Malachi 2:6 "The law of truth was in his mouth, and iniquity was not found in his lips: he walked with me in peace and equity, and did turn many away from iniquity."
4. Not just know about truth but KNOW THE TRUTH!!! John 8:32 "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
a. Truth sets you free from sin.
b. Truth sets you free from religion.
B. Other verses pertaining to knowing truth.
1. 1 Timothy 4:3 "Forbidding to marry, [and commanding] to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.
2. 1 Peter 1:22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, [see that ye] love one another with a pure heart fervently:
3. 1 John 2:21 I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.
4. 1 John 4:6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.
5. 2 John 1:2 For the truth's sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever.
C. A fierce warning from God's Word concerning those who seek not, nor care for the TRUTH.
1. Romans 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
2. Romans 1:25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
3. Galatians 3:1 O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?
4. Galatians 5:7 Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?
5. 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 [Even him], whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
6. 1 Timothy 6:5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
7. 2 Timothy 2:18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.
8. 2 Timothy 3:7 & 8 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.
9. 2 Timothy 4:4 And they shall turn away [their] ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
10. Titus 1:14 Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.
11. Sad to say but the following is the state of most churches of our day.
a. Isaiah 59:4 None calleth for justice, nor [any] pleadeth for truth: they trust in vanity, and speak lies; they conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity.
b. Isaiah 59:14 And judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter.
c. Jeremiah 5:1 Run ye to and fro through the streets of Jerusalem, and see now, and know, and seek in the broad places thereof, if ye can find a man, if there be [any] that executeth judgment, that seeketh the truth; and I will pardon it.
d. Jeremiah 7:28 But thou shalt say unto OHN9~1 HTMedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem.
b. Luke 16:26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that [would come] from thence.
c. Luke 22:32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
d. 1 Peter 5:10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle [you]. Notice how Peter ends his first epistle with the same thought he starts the second epistle with: The importance of being established.
B. We must give ourselves to be rooted and established in truth.
1. Joshua 24:14 Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD.
2. 1 Samuel 12:24 Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great [things] he hath done for you.
3. Notice Hezekiah's testimony: 2 Kings 20:3 I beseech thee, O LORD, remember now how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done [that which is] good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore.
4. Notice how David pleas with God to lead and teach him truth. Psalm 25:5 Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou [art] the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day. Notice David's testimony after he died: 1 Kings 3:6 "And Solomon said, Thou hast shewed unto thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth…"
5. David's son Soloman also understood this need of being rooted and established in truth, Proverbs 3:3 Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart. Not just a head or mind thing, but in the heart.
6. Proverbs 23:23 Buy the truth, and sell [it] not; [also] wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.
7. The truth should not only be in our hearts but also on our mouths: Malachi 2:6 The law of truth was in his mouth, and iniquity was not found in his lips: he walked with me in peace and equity, and did turn many away from iniquity.
8. True love rejoices in truth not in lies or iniquity: 1 Corinthians 13:6 {charity/love} Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth. Thus our duty to speak the truth in love, Ephesians 4:15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, [even] Christ.
9. Our duty of handling the Word of God in truth:*** 2 Corinthians 4:2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.
10. The importance again of having our loins{hearts} girded with truth Ephesians 6:14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness.
11. Even in regards to the church. The church of God is to be grounded in truth: 1 Timothy 3:15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
12. In every aspect of our Christian life we see the importance of being established in the present truth.
13. May our God be pleased to speak of us: 3 John 1:4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
14. To those of you who are lost consider the Lord Jesus Christ as your LORD and SAVIOR, for HE HIMSELF says to you:
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
