Point of Repentance: Trading the Truth for Facts
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Scripture:
John 17:17 Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.
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Observation:
Jesus is revealing a powerful and important principle in this verse. The word sanctify means to set apart, to make holy, to consecrate, and to purify. It is not the word in and of itself that sanctifies, but truth. There are many that use the word to their own ends. The enemy is a master at this. He used Scripture out of context to strengthen the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness. This is the very essence of a religious spirit – it will use the word for the purpose of deception and manipulation to accomplish its own will.
Truth is when we have the word of God (Bible) rightly divided and illuminated by the Holy Spirit. Only then is it alive and becomes truth. This is how we guard against a religious spirit: revelation, humility, submission, and obedience to God’s word. When we read the word, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal it to us, and seek to obey it, then truth, light, and life flood our souls. As we mix revelation with faith and obedience, God gives us the grace that we need, and we are transformed in our minds, hearts, and behavior.
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Application:
We must guard against the empty philosophies and demonic doctrines of the world system. We must allow God’s voice to be what we follow amid so many warring opinions. We do this by silencing the voices of social media, news outlets, and other sources of worldly propaganda. Once we are no longer focused on the fire, earthquake, or whirlwind, we will be able to hear God’s still small voice. We are constantly bombarded with information and opinions. Remember, the enemy is a master at using facts to distort the truth.
Then, we MUST read, study, and internalize God’s word. While sermons, devotionals (such as this one), and commentaries are good and often helpful, they are no substitute for the Bible. Develop the discipline of a daily relationship with the word of God.
Finally, and most importantly, we must not just read words on a page but ask the Holy Spirit to turn His word into light and life on the inside of us – to bring revelation and transformation. When we read, we are not to just accumulate facts and information but ask God to reveal His truth to us. Every time I get into the word, I pray, “Holy Spirit, reveal Your word to me. Help me to understand what I’m reading and what You mean by what You wrote. Reveal Jesus to me in Your word and help me to submit to and to obey Your word. May Your Word be a light unto my path and a lamp unto my feet. Amen.”
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Prayer of Repentance:
Jesus, I love You. Thank You for today. I repent for every area where I have had confidence in my own understanding and not on Your revelation, for not waiting on You and seeking Your heart in and behind the Scriptures. I repent of my pride, indifference, and any form of a religious spirit. Your word is not a tool for me to use for my own purposes, but Your very power to transform as I humble myself before You. I repent for not treating Your word as holy or precious; for not reading or studying You words which bring light and life to me. I ask for Your forgiveness. Help me to become a student of Your word, and a lover of Your soul. Amen.
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Worship: