Paraphrase: (1/20/03)
1:9b - He must be able to encourage with words of truth, and to argue successfully against the lies of the deceived.
Key Verse: (1/20/03)
1:9b - Exhort in truth, refute what is not truth. Allow no contradiction.
New Thoughts (1/21/03)
I want to replay this verse with these definitions we have uncovered:
1:9b that he may be able both to make urgent appeal in a way that comforts and encourages as it teaches with authority the true doctrines, and to expose the wrongs of those who contradict, to bring true charges against them in such a way that they will acknowledge their own refusing of obedience.
Granted, that's a bit wordy, but there's something revealed by the abundance of these words, many things, really. The leader must sense the urgency of his message, for he is to deliver it as an urgent appeal. Fervor cannot be faked with any great success. If our message is to be urgent and convincing, we must be convinced ourselves of the urgency of the matter. Notice also that the urgency is as nothing without love, even as Paul tells us elsewhere. Our urgent message is to be wrapped in words that comfort those whose faith is hurting, that encourages those whose faith is weak.
Our message is the message of God's great love towards mankind. How can this be delivered in other than a loving manner? Certainly, there's a place for the fire and brimstone warnings against sin's effects on a life, but if those warnings are given without love, they are the Devil's own condemnation upon the hearer. No! Our message is far greater than that! Absolutely, the sinner must be brought to see his sin for what it is, but he must also see the Savior for who He is. There is an answer to the problem! There is hope in this hopeless situation! There is comfort even as we realize our dire situation, the encouragement of knowing that God Himself has made a way out of the pit we have dug for ourselves.
There's another condition given here. We teach a truth which is beyond doubt, we teach the truth of God who is Truth. We have the authority of God Himself behind our message, let alone the authority of the prophets and apostles to whom He has entrusted this message. We could just deliver the message, and folks the Bible and say, 'here, read this.' But that's not the instruction we are given. We are to teach it. We are to teach it with all the authority that is behind it. We are to teach with the power and authority of God! Is it not His authority that informs the message? Is it not His own power that has established the sound doctrine that is entrusted to us? If, then, we are to teach with the full authority of the One who taught us, of He who originated that doctrine, what authority do we lay hold of, if not His own? By what other power can we ever hope to deliver the message in accordance with our instructions: with urgency, with compassionate comfort for the hurting, with the power to encourage the faint-hearted. In this Gospel message, we have the very power of God to save. Yet, we can work to see that power shine forth, or we can work so as to hide it away from those who most need it.
This same Gospel message, this same sound doctrine, is a powerful weapon in our hands. It is the two-edged sword given us to take the offensive against God's enemies. But, notice here the way in which it is to be done. We are most assuredly to expose error wherever it crops up. Where lies are taught, we must certainly bring the light of truth, but to what end? Absolutely, we want to be certain that the deception stops before any are deceived. Absolutely, the leader is to protect and defend those he leads. This exposure by God's truth is a great weapon indeed for such cases, but look! Expose them so as to bring conviction within them. Don't just argue. Don't even argue for the sake of those who are listening around you. Argue so as to save. Where conviction comes, there is hope. A rebel who recognizes his rebellious state may be returned to obedience. One caught up in a lie might seek out the truth when once the lie is shown for what it is.
Again we see the love of God in action. Again, the tools we are given in the words of sound doctrine are powerful to tear down strongholds, but only when used according to instructions, only when powered by love. As for you, Paul writes later in this letter, speak only what is fitting for one who holds to this doctrine. Speak only as a believer ought. Speak only with the love that God's love demands. As a messenger bearing such an authoritative message, our own authority should show. It is shown by reflecting the message in our own ways. Somewhere, in recent studies, I came across words to the effect of, "Christianity is simply the matter of living as a Christian should at all times, and in every situation." Speak what is fitting. Do what is fitting. If you're a believer, act like you believe it! If you would teach with authority, there's no other way. Nobody's going to believe a lesson whose point you have missed yourself. Nobody's going to care for your words if your own actions show that you don't believe them.
Example is the greatest commentary. We can talk ourselves blue, but if our example when we're 'off stage' doesn't line up with our pretty words when we're 'in camera' nobody will have heard a thing. The power of God shows in a life lived out. Where the Spirit of the Lord dwells, the fruits of the Spirit cannot help but grow: love, joy, peace… Where such fruits adorn the messenger, the message is most attractive. Where they are lacking, the message is no more than empty words.
Lord, may my own words come more freely. May I remember in the day to day, the power and authority of the message I carry within. Father God, I seek to be rid of all these things that mar the message, of habits that deny Your powerful love, of fruits that have nothing to do with Your presence. Love, joy, and peace. How often do I allow these to depart from me? Too often. Too often it's more like anger, disappointment, and frustration. Fruitless. This ought not to be, my Lord. Bring change. Bring freedom in this year of the free; freedom to live the life You have given me, freedom to declare the things You have told to me, freedom to love most completely, as I have been loved, freedom to care enough to speak out of Your hope, freedom to bear Your light boldly into the darkness.
