Let’s turn to 1 Thessalonians chapter 5. In this chapter, Paul imparts several vital exhortations regarding our Christian duties as we await the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. We find guidance on our duties towards those who serve in verses 12-13, our responsibilities to those in need in verses 14-15, and our personal duties in verses 16-18. Before concluding his letter, Paul presents a series of exhortations that can be categorized as our duty to the truth.
Our duty to the truth is multi-faceted and crucial. It involves not stifling the revelation of the truth, examining all things by the truth, applying the truth in our lives, and abstaining from every form of evil. Let’s explore these responsibilities in more detail.
Firstly, we must not stifle the revelation of the truth. This is a call to embrace and respect the truth as revealed in God’s Word, not to quench the Spirit or despise prophecies (1 Thessalonians 5:19-20). In John 8:32, Jesus teaches that the truth provides freedom from the bondage of sin. His words sanctify us, as stated in John 17:17. The Holy Spirit, through the apostles, has guided us into all truth (John 16:13). In the past, God spoke through prophets (1 Peter 1:10-11, 2 Peter 1:20-21), and in New Testament times, through apostles and prophets of Christ.
Secondly, we have the duty to examine all things by the truth. This involves discerning and challenging claims to ensure they align with God’s Word. The Bereans set a commendable example in Acts 17:11, receiving the word eagerly and examining the Scriptures daily. We, too, must be fair-minded and diligently compare teachings against the Scriptures.
Thirdly, applying the truth in our lives is essential. This means adopting a proper attitude, like David’s prayerful approach in Psalm 86:11, and having a meek spirit as James 1:21 advises. Our actions should reflect our belief in the truth, as James 1:22-25 emphasizes the importance of being doers of the word. We must also abstain from evil, as truth demands us to avoid what is wicked and to follow what is righteous (Philippians 4:8).
Lastly, we must remember that resisting the truth can lead to grave consequences. Hosea 4:1 and Romans 1:18-32 provide examples of Israel and the Gentiles resisting God’s truth. Even as Christians, we can resist truth by neglecting God’s word or rejecting apostolic teachings.
To embrace the truth, we must avoid adding to or taking away from God’s words (Revelation 22:18-19). We must accept the entirety of God’s Word, understanding that once the written word was completed through the apostles, the truth was fully and finally revealed (Jude 3, 2 Timothy 3:16-17).
As we reflect on our relationship with truth, let us ask ourselves: Are we walking in truth? Are we committed to understanding, applying, and upholding the truth in our lives?
