Topic: Church, Illuminate the Truth [Tony Evans Ministry 27 January 2020]
Click HERE for Previous Devotionals
But in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth. – (1 Timothy 3:15)
Biblical authority expands from the person and the family to the church. God’s kingdom is expanded through the influence of the church. The job of the church, as God’s New Testament covenant people, is to model the principles of His kingdom in such a way that even the ungodly will say, “That makes sense. That’s the best way to live.”
When the church is not the church, then society has nowhere to look for an answer since the church is uniquely the preserver and depository of divine truth (see 1 Timothy 3:14–15).
Jesus said His people are to be “the salt of the earth” and “light of the world”(Matthew 5:13–14). The job of the church is to illuminate the truth, not just to pontificate about the truth. As members of the church, we need to show the truth and not just talk about it. Our job is not just to point out what the world should do but to illustrate before the world what Christ can do through what we do.
Second Timothy 3:16–17 says the Bible was given so that God’s people would be “equipped for every good work.”
If the Bible is not good enough for God’s people to live by, how can it be good enough for the world? If the Bible can’t straighten us out, how can it straighten out the mayor or the president? It’s got to work in the family of God if it’s going to work in society. You were not called to be the salt of the salt shaker, you were tasked with being the salt of the earth. All of us in the body of Christ share this same calling and we need to hold each other ac- countable to do it.
Reflection: What does it mean for the church to be salt (light) to the world? What are God’s means to equip God’s people for every good work? What are the good works God has placed in your own path to be done? Who are the people who need God’s love shown through you?
Sometimes people can’t tell the difference between the saved and the unsaved. Forgive us, Father. And enable us to live a life worthy of advertising Your kingdom to the lost and perishing.