Russellville Christian Center

Our Responsibility with the TRUTH 9/14/25 Susan Allen 1 Tim 3:14-ESV  I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, 15 if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth. 16 Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory. chp 4 Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, 2 through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, 3 who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.6 If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed. 7 Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; 8 for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 9 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. 10 For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.11 Command and teach these things. 12 Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. 14 Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. 15 Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. 16 Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.

1. The church is the household of THE LIVING GOD, a pillar and ground of THE TRUTH
2. We need to train ourselves for godliness
3. Be an example in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity
4. Devote ourselves to the reading of Scripture
5. Practice what you learn, immerse yourself in them
6. Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching

Col 4:2-AMP  Be earnest and unwearied and steadfast in your prayer [life], being [both] alert and intent in [your praying] with thanksgiving. 3 And at the same time pray for us also, that God may open a door to us for the Word (the Gospel), to proclaim the mystery concerning Christ (the Messiah) on account of which I am in prison; 4 That I may proclaim it fully and make it clear [speak boldly and unfold that mystery], as is my duty. 5 Behave yourselves wisely [living prudently and with discretion] in your relations with those of the outside world (the non-Christians), making the very most of the time and seizing (buying up) the opportunity. 6 Let your speech at all times be gracious (pleasant and winsome), seasoned [as it were] with salt, [so that you may never be at a loss] to know how you ought to answer anyone [who puts a question to you].

1. Prayer life is crucial
2. Pray for open doors to minister the Truth of Christ
3. Pray that you would proclaim the Truth boldly and clearly
4. Then behave wisely and recognize the opportunities when they come and seize that opportunity
5. Speak wisely, graciously, seasoned with salt—so that you…
6. Know how you ought to answer

Jesus was the Master of the Truth of course but also of HOW TO ANSWER He answered with the Truth but according to the CONTENT of their heart Eph 4:15 ….SPEAKING THE TRUTH IN LOVE speaking the TRUTH in LOVE is speaking it WISELY to that individual Joe Nay “See hearts not faces”   Just because you speak it wisely doesn’t mean it will necessarily be received gladly        Eph 4:29 teaches us that our communication should minister that GRACE to the hearers   1 Peter 3:13-NIV Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened."  15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.   17 It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. 18 For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit… Paul in Acts 17 it’s not that NO ONE will believe when you speak God’s TRUTH. SOME WONT, BUT SOME WILL-some sneered but some said “tell us more”   John 15:18-NIV  "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. 20 Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. 21 They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me. 22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin. Now, however, they have no excuse for their sin. 23 He who hates me hates my Father as well. 24 If I had not done among them what no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. But now they have seen these miracles, and yet they have hated both me and my Father. 25 But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: 'They hated me without reason.' 26 "When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me. 27 And you also must testify, for you have been with me from the beginning.

1. If the world hates you, it’s the Truth they see that they hate
2. He has chosen you OUT of the world
3. Jesus sent us the Counselor, the Spirit of Truth, who testifies of Jesus
4. We must testify of Jesus. The Spirit of Truth will counsel us how to