What practical steps can we take to uphold truth in our church? God’s Household: The Pillar and Foundation of the Truth “...so that, if I am delayed, you will know how each one must conduct himself in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.” (1 Timothy 3:15) Root Every Ministry in Scripture - Preach and teach verse by verse so nothing essential is skipped (Acts 20:27). - Encourage members to read the Bible daily; provide reading plans, small-group studies, and Scripture memory aids (Psalm 119:11). - Test every new idea, song, curriculum, and conference against clear biblical teaching (Acts 17:11). Equip the Saints to Discern - Offer classes on basic doctrine, cults, and worldviews (Ephesians 4:14). - Model how to compare teaching with Scripture during sermons and studies. - Give recommended book lists and trustworthy resources so members grow in depth (2 Timothy 2:15). Ensure Qualified, Accountable Leaders - Follow the qualifications of elders and deacons in 1 Timothy 3:1-13 and Titus 1:5-9. - Conduct regular reviews of leaders’ life, doctrine, and family life. - Establish plurality in leadership so no one person can drift unchecked (Proverbs 11:14). Practice Loving, Biblical Correction - When error surfaces, approach gently and privately first (Galatians 6:1; Matthew 18:15-17). - Use Scripture, not opinion, as the measuring stick. - Restore the repentant; if necessary, remove persistent false teachers to protect the flock (Romans 16:17). Saturate Worship with Truth - Choose songs rich in biblical content; avoid lyrics that contradict doctrine (Colossians 3:16). - Read Scripture publicly (1 Timothy 4:13) and explain it plainly. - Share testimonies that highlight God’s faithfulness to His Word, not human achievement. Foster Transparent, Truth-Filled Relationships - Encourage members to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). - Provide safe settings—small groups, mentoring pairs—where believers can confess sin and seek counsel (James 5:16). - Celebrate answered prayer and obedient steps so truth becomes visible and contagious. Contend Without Quarreling - Train members to defend the faith graciously (1 Peter 3:15). - Avoid needless controversies; focus on essentials while showing charity in secondary matters (2 Timothy 2:23-25). - Pray for humility, remembering that truth is stewarded, not owned (Jude 3). Persevere, Knowing Truth Prevails - Expect opposition; hold fast because the church belongs to the living God (John 15:18-19). - Encourage one another with the promise that God’s Word never fails (Isaiah 55:11). - Look ahead to the day when “the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD” (Habakkuk 2:14). |
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