Walking In Truth
Text: Psalms 86:11.
Introduction: Every resolution expressed by a good man, will be founded, not in self-confidence, but in dependence on the grace of God. It is only then that such resolution will be useful. When expressed in a proper frame of mind, it will tend to stimulate and to humble him, as it brings to remembrance the words of Christ.
Such was the resolution of David in the text. "I will walk in thy truth," is a noble resolution, and is worthy of our imitation.
Walking in the Scriptures takes in the whole of our conversation and conduct. To walk in anything intends a fulness of it. For men to walk in pride, for example, is something more than to be proud; it says that he is wholly under the influence of it, that pride is his way of life. All else is colored by it, his thinking, his acting, his very being.
Same is true of Truth. In this lesson we call attention to four ways we should walk in God's Truth.
I. In The Belief Of His Truth
A. It deserves our confidence. (1 Tim. 1:15; 4:9) "Faithful, or true saying." Context sets forth why Jesus came into the world. "To save sinners." Means that it is a doctrine that can be credited, proven.
1. Paul proves it by pointing to himself as an example: "Of whom I am chief." His own change
of life was living proof. His "walking in truth" took in the whole of his conduct.
B. Therefore, to walk in the belief of God's truth, is to walk in confidence of every truth and precept. (2 Thess. 2:13; 2 Tim. 1:12)
II. IN THE PROFESSION OF HIS TRUTH
A. Means "to make open declaration," "Declare one's devotion to Christ." (1 Tim. 6:12; Heb. 4:14)
B. In making this profession a Christian will not act to be seen of men, but he will have no objection that men see him. Praise will not draw him out of a corner, but fear will not drive him into one. He will hold forth the word of life, and will adorn the doctrine of his Lord in all things.
III. In The Practice Of His Truth
A. This is as necessary as the former, and the evidence of it, for we are to show our faith by our works. (I John 3:18) Cf. James 2:14-22.
1. Faith without works is as the body without the spirit; there is nothing vital or operative in it.
B. Thus the gospel is a doctrine according to godliness; every part of it has a practical application, and we are required to obey it from the heart. (Titus 2:10)
1. One "adorns" the doctrine by putting it on and wearing it in life. (Col. 3:12)
C. The practice of our profession is constantly made the topic of the Lord's parables.
1. Talents. Barren fig tree. The judgment scene of Matthew 25. etc.
D. His direct teaching emphasizes the same.
1. "He that heareth these things...and doeth them." "He that doeth the will of God....the same is my brother...." "Yea, blessed are they that hear the word and do it." "Why call ye me Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?"
E. Practice Of Profession Is Essential To Convince Us And Others Of The Validity Of The Religion Of Christ.
1. As a tree is known by its fruit so a Christian is known by his life. A church member who does not practice his profession is worth nothing before God or men.
IV. In The Enjoyment Of His Truth
A. The truth is not only a sanctifying, but a Consolatory nature; it brings us glad tidings of great joy. (Rom. 15:4) If, therefore, our conversation becometh the gospel, it will be happy as well as holy.
1. Thus it was with the first century Christians. They walked in the fear of the Lord and in the comforts of the Holy Spirit; they were not free from trouble, but the consolation of Christ abounded in them; of themselves they could do nothing, but they were strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus; the gospel did not shut them up in dungeons of doubts and fears. They knew truth and it made them to walk in the glorious liberty of the sons of God, (Rom. 8:21; 2 Cor. 3:17; Gal. 5:1)
Conclusion. Belief, profession, practice, and enjoyment. Obedience must precede enjoyment. Exhort to obedience. Law to alien; law to erring child.
— Box 72, Newbern, Tennessee