.png)
Articles
Trustworthy Statement
The political landscape of America has been irreparably damaged over the past few decades. We have had a president lie to the entire nation, when he said that he had no “relations” with an office intern, but then upon further investigation the lie was uncovered. We were led into war by another president where countless lives were scarred, injured, and unfortunately lost. We have had presidents who condone and actively promote the acceptance of abortion and same-sex marriage. We have had another president who cared more about maintaining his position, then in his concession to what may have been a questionable election. In the midst of all of this turmoil and confusion, the news media continues to portray the opposite party/side as pure evil. The wedge of division between the political parties of America has brought us to this point where seemingly no one can be trusted, especially those who reside in office.
The objective of this article is not meant to take one side over the other, or be guilty of causing further division. The goal in presenting these various items is to substantiate the claim that our political landscape has been irreparably damaged. Who can we trust? Which news station tells us the truth and nothing but the truth? We must be careful that our daily prayers are not more concerned about this nation and its politics, than in our desire to teach the lost, care for the sick, and grow in our relationship with God. In a world filled with division and dishonesty, we need to return to the only thing we can trust with all of our hearts – God’s Word!
The apostle Paul wrote letters to his young son in the faith, Timothy (1 Timothy 1:2; 2 Timothy 1:2). These short letters are filled with the various situations Timothy encountered in the social climate of his day: the Romans were the world power; the Jews persecuted the early church; and false teachers grew more powerful and influential each day. The world had begun to weigh heavily on Timothy and Paul knew he needed to be reminded and encouraged by some trustworthy statements.
A trustworthy statement is a foundational principle given to build-up and strengthen the faith of its hearer/recipient. The apostle Paul inspired of the Holy Spirit wrote to Timothy a total of four trustworthy statements, and a fifth statement was written to Titus in his own epistle (1 Timothy 1:15; 3:1; 4:9; 2 Timothy 2:11; Titus 3:8). These statements of Paul were not only applicable to their original audience, but rather they continue to instill faith and assurance to all who may read, believe, and obey them in the 21st century.
The grace of our Lord manifested through the gospel of Jesus Christ is beyond our comprehension. Mankind has failed miserably in caring out the will of God in our lives. Paul wrote – “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Despite our rebellion, God has manifested His rich mercy and grace toward all mankind in the gospel of His Son, Jesus! The grace of God motivated Paul to write – “It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinner, among whom I am foremost of all” (1 Timothy 1:15). The magnificence of God’s grace is demonstrated in the salvation of Saul of Tarsus who was once a persecutor and a violent aggressor of the early church. The same grace that saved Paul from his sins continues to work in the 21st century. All who are called by the gospel, believe in its power, and are obedient are saved by God’s grace. Praise God for this salvation through Jesus Christ!
When we find ourselves troubled by the political landscape that surrounds us; leaders who fail to be honest, news media who cannot be trusted, and further division along party lines – let us look to God’s Word! Our greatest source of comfort is found in the trustworthy statements inspired throughout the Scriptures. The word of God’s is inspired and infallible, and gives each individual all things “pertaining to life and godliness” (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:3). We may never be able to trust in our politicians or news media, but we can always trust in the Word of God. Only the Bible contains the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. May God bless us with hearts that are attuned to His Word and divorced from this world.
