Foundation of Truth

“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.” 1st Timothy 3:15KJV

At one point in the sermon on the Mount Jesus spoke about false prophets. He pointed out also the folly of profession unless the life measures up to the profession. He concluded His sermon by comparing those who heard His Word and did it to a wise man who built his house on a rock, his house withstood the rain, the floods and the winds. On the other hand there was a man who built his house on the sand and the winds and rain came but the house did not stand. This man also heard His Word but it was easily forgotten when the storm blew. Conclusion not everyone who hears the word of Christ will keep it.

What was the reaction of the people to Jesus’ doctrine?

Doctrine is defined as a principle or group of principles which are taught by religion or political party.

And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:

For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. Matthew 7:28-29 KJV

This verse gives us an example of what Paul declares to be the true foundation upon which we are to build.

For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 1st Corinthians 3:11 KJV

Can one be saved without believing the truth?

Paul reminds us that “from the beginning” God has chosen them. This is not an unpredictable choice. The choice is dependent upon the sanctification of the chosen ones. Sanctification is accomplished by the Holy Spirit.

But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: 2nd Thessalonians 2:13 KJV

Paul counsels Titus on the kind of doctrine preachers should proclaim.

But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:

In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, Titus 2:1,7 KJV

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. Titus 1 :9 KJV

Paul echoes that sound doctrine must be the basis of all exhortation to bring about conviction.

Paul cautioned Timothy when instructing him to preach God’s word that there would come a time when people would not want to hear “sound doctrine “.

Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: The Lord reward him according to his works: 2nd Timothy 4 :14 KJV

Bible verses describing the result of anyone who rejects the truth.

“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.” 2nd Thessalonians 2:10-12 KJV

He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination. Proverb 28:9 KJV

Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. 1st Timothy 4:16 KJV

Conclusion

Bible Verses regarding closing our eyes to the truth

Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them. John 12 :35-36 KJV

The foundation of truth

Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some? 2nd Timothy 2:18 KJV

We can see that false doctrine overthrow the faith of some. Therefore we ought to determine to test what we believe by the law (the book of Moses) and the testimony of all prophets as we are instructed in Isaiah.

To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. Isaiah 8:20 KJV

But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?

For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.

But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me;

And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.

Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying,

This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. Matthew 15:3-9 KJV

It would be wise if we all forget the traditions of men as a foundation of truth. We must worship the Creator in spirit and in truth. Jesus points out all worship is in vain while teaching man’s commandments as God’s doctrine.

I pray as you read you will be blessed.