Theological Superstructure

We’re into a sermon series on “Walking in the Truth,” which includes a review of our church’s Statement of Faith (see link on this page).  You might say we’re inspecting our “super­structure.”  At home we all want sturdy floor joists and rafters; with­out them the house collapses.  So too, there are truth structures which are foundational for Christian faith and life.

We get a feel for the urgency of holding fast to God’s truth from the Apostle Paul’s final farewell to the Ephesian elders in Acts 20.  He reminds these church leaders, “I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house, testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ” (vv 20-21).  He gives it to them straight—no “shrinking,” no softening hard facts or dodging tough topics.

More important to Paul than his own life is speaking the solid, saving good news:  “to testify to the gospel of the grace of God” (v 24).  He can stand before God and the congregation with a clear conscience:  “There­fore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all, for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God.” (vv 26-27).  The whole truth, not half-truths—not just what pleases “itching ears.”

But with these reminders comes a sober charge:  “Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you over­seers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.  I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them.  Therefore, be alert,…” (vv 28-31).

“Twisted things” will be spoken by false teachers who enter the church or—perish the thought!—who arise within the church.  Elders and pastors are charged to identify and refute all such error.  Godly spiritual leadership involves knowing God’s Word and the key doctrines it presents, and loving God’s people by teaching them the truth carefully and by refuting any distortions, revisions, and slanted versions of it.  Accordingly, please pray for me and our ministry staff and church elders, and for all who lead in any way here at Goshen, as we study and teach God’s gospel truth!