Articles From Our Bulletins
Trusting the Word
The last two editions have been on “Love and Trust” as the foundation of any human relationship, and “Loving the Word” as the single most important factor in determining our eternal destiny, respectively. In this concluding article of this trio, let’s consider the essentiality of “Trusting the Word.”
What does it mean to “trust the Word”? The meaning of “trust” can be seen through some of its synonyms, like conviction, dependence, reliance, and confidence. So, are your convictions based on the Word of God (book, chapter, and verse), or someone else’s faith, Colossians 3:18? Do you depend on the Word of God to guide your steps in life, or on the wisdom of men, 1Corinthians 1:20? Do you rely on the Word of God in times of doubt and trouble, or on your own understanding, Proverbs 3:5? Is your confidence of an eternal reward based in the Word of God, or your own emotions, 1John 2:3-6? Now let’s ask the question again, “Do you really ‘trust the Word,’ or is that just lip service, Matthew 15:8-9?”
However, there is another set of applications regarding “trusting the Word” that we really need to consider. “Do we really ‘trust the Word’ enough to be willing to: base our convictions on it exclusively; to depend on it rather than men’s wisdom in doctrine; to rely on it in times of congregational trouble; and to have confidence in it to attract and save men’s souls?” Let’s consider these individually for a moment.
“Do we really ‘trust the Word’ enough to base our convictions on it exclusively?” Or, do we tend to rely instead on the faith of our family or friends to tell us what to believe, and where to “go to church”? If we really trust the Word to be “inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (2Timothy 2:16-17), on what or who else do we need to base our convictions? Trust the Word, Matthew 10:37!
“Do we really ‘trust the Word’ enough to depend on it rather than men’s wisdom in doctrine?” If we can’t determine what we should believe, teach, and practice doctrinally without input from some man, publication of men, college, or denominational headquarters, we really don’t “trust the Word” at all. The Bible was written to be read, understood, and followed, Ephesians 3:3-5, and through these, to provide entrance to eternal life. Therefore, my or your understanding of it shouldn’t require some sort of “clergy” or “headquarters” explanation. Surely the God who created man “of the dust” and gave him life can communicate with him in language that he can understand. Trust the Word, 1Corinthians 2:10-13!
“Do we really ‘trust the Word’ enough to rely on it in times of congregational trouble?” Or, do we look for help from any and every other source? Let’s be clear, “congregational troubles” almost always come from failures to trust and follow God’s Word in the first place- and can only be cleared up by reversing course and “Remember(ing) therefore from where you have fallen, and repent(ing) and do(ing) the deeds you did at the first….” Revelation 2:5. But all too often, when problems pop up, we want to call this preacher or that one, or resort to some other human source for advice. Instead, knees and noses are the key- get on your knees in prayer to the Father, and put you nose in His Book. Trust God and the Word, 1Peter 2:1-3!
“Do we really ‘trust the Word’ enough to have confidence in it to attract and save men’s souls?” Or, will we succumb to the egotistical urges of our humanity to want to “help” God by “dressing up” the gospel so it will appeal to the fickle and those otherwise uninterested in it? Will we trust its power to save, or feel the need to adorn it with food and entertainment? Will we “preach the word,” or file off its “rough edges” to make it more appealing and palatable to the masses? Will we trust “the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified,” Acts 20:32; or put our confidence in various “programs” and devices it never mentions to draw men to God and save their souls? Trust the Word, Romans 1:16!
Love and trust are the foundations of every relationship we humans sustain. They are also the basis of our relationship with God. Do you love and trust Him enough to also love and trust His Word?
- Trusting_the_Word.pdf (86.73 kB)
