THE INTERRELATIONSHIPS OF TRUTH

" . . . If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free . . . If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed." (John 8:31-36)

Devotion 18 of 20

THE DETAILS OF LIVING

The Word of God deals with interpersonal relationships. However, no book of the Bible is exclusively devoted to that activity. No Apostle was chosen to be sent to married people, single people, aged people, or young people. No spiritual gifts were identified as exclusively for recovering alcoholics, a propensity to theft, or other forms of deviate behavior. Men may place an emphasis upon such things, but Jesus did not!

This is not to be construed as a statement that such things are irrelevant, or that ministries directed toward them are unlawful. What I am saying is that such things are secondary, and never primary. They do not represent the thrust of Scripture, the underlying reason for the atonement, or the focus of the Holy spirit.

The truth of the matter is that there is proportionately little "how to" instruction in the "Apostles' doctrine." While this is a contemporary emphasis--the "how to" syndrome--it has no basis in Scripture. In fact, the "how to" of Christian living is addressed in the very nature of salvation. Referring to this aspect of our redemption, John wrote the following. "But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things . . . But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him" (1 John 2:20,27, NKJV).

Simply stated, as we "walk in the Spirit," refusing to "quench" or "grieve" His holy influences, He will show us the bearing truth has upon the circumstances of life (Gal 5:16,25; Eph 4:30; 1 Thess 5:19). Within our fellowship with the Lord, the details of life are expounded. This is involved in being "taught of God," and hearing Jesus as he teaches us the truth (John 6:45; 1 Thess 4:9; Eph 4:20-21).

Scripture always addresses human difficulties in view of God's objective in Christ. Sin is forbidden because it excludes men from God. Ignorance is dissipated because it alienates from God. The emphasis of Scripture is involvement with God, not involvement with one another. Our interpersonal relationships are to be conducted in light of our fellowship with God through Christ and by the Spirit.

The church is primarily the "pillar and ground of the truth" (1 Tim 3:15). Its divinely appointed role is to apprize men of the purpose of God as realized in Jesus Christ. If the church does not do this, it has no other reason for existing.

PRAYER POINT: Father, in Jesus' name, teach me Your ways!

-- TOMORROW: THE FORGETFUL HEARER --