A faithful saying, by definition, is that which is of benefit. Trustworthy sayings in scripture are those eternal truths that God has declared from the foundation of the world. They relate to His eternal purpose for man. The Bible gives us a clear definition from the locations of “trustworthy sayings”. Let us examine them and learn from them:
FAITHFUL SAYING #1 - 1 Tim. 1:15 – “The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.”
From this passage we learn that a trustworthy saying is:
- a. “deserving of full acceptance” – this speaks of the value/worth of the saying.
- b. the saying: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”
God’s eternal purpose is here stated. – cf. Tit. 1:2; Eph. 1:3-11 etc.
- c. this eternal purpose has to be accepted by those to whom it is meant. This suggests that it can be refused. For example:
Acts 13:45-46 – “seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life…”
Matt. 21:42-43 – "Jesus said to them, 'Have you never read in the Scriptures: "The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes"? Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruits'."
FAITHFUL SAYING #1 - 1 Tim. 1:15 – “The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.”
From this passage we learn that a trustworthy saying is:
- a. “deserving of full acceptance” – this speaks of the value/worth of the saying.
- b. the saying: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”
God’s eternal purpose is here stated. – cf. Tit. 1:2; Eph. 1:3-11 etc.
- c. this eternal purpose has to be accepted by those to whom it is meant. This suggests that it can be refused. For example:
Acts 13:45-46 – “seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life…”
Matt. 21:42-43 – "Jesus said to them, 'Have you never read in the Scriptures: "The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes"? Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruits'."
In this parable of the householder there were Jews who rejected Jesus’ teachings. [v. 43 – the kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bring forth the fruits thereof.]
REJECTION WAS BY FAILING TO BRING FORTH FRUIT – i.e. "accepting"
[cf. Matt. 22:1-8 - in the parable of the wedding feast, there were those who refused ~ they did not accept].
So although Jesus came for the purpose of saving all people; the trustworthy saying is that, in accordance w/the eternal life promised in Christ; He must be "accepted". This is a two-fold process ~ both His sacrifice and his teachings are meant; these necessitate belief and obedience.
These are some reasons why this is a trustworthy saying…
FAITHFUL SAYING #2 - 1 Tim. 3:1 – “The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task.”
a. An overseer is one in a position of authority; whether in the physical realm or the spiritual realm it is therefore a noble task. In this context, it is describing an pastor, who is to be an 'overseer' over ONE flock (congregation) of the Lord's church (1 Peter 5:2 ~ "among you").
b. A position of authority necessitates certain qualities of the one desiring to ‘oversee’ the life/activities of those other than self. It is a position of ‘lead-by-example’ (notice the qualifications- vv. 2-7). These qualifications are pre-required for the purpose of instilling respect for the one in authority! The bishop is to instill a respect for Christ from those over whom he ‘oversees’; tending; guarding; feeding proper nourishment to those under his care. If he is has not the respect of the flock, neither will the flock have respect for God and Christ.
c. It is to be ‘aspired’; i.e. desired – but for the right purpose/motive! The overseer must be a caring person. It is not viewed at his ‘job’; it is not to be taken out of compulsion, “just so we can say we have elders here…”. Not just anyone can be a leader. He must care for others’ welfare………in this case, the welfare of souls! More importantly, he must have the utmost love and respect for Christ and His church!
These are some reasons why this is a trustworthy saying…
REJECTION WAS BY FAILING TO BRING FORTH FRUIT – i.e. "accepting"
[cf. Matt. 22:1-8 - in the parable of the wedding feast, there were those who refused ~ they did not accept].
So although Jesus came for the purpose of saving all people; the trustworthy saying is that, in accordance w/the eternal life promised in Christ; He must be "accepted". This is a two-fold process ~ both His sacrifice and his teachings are meant; these necessitate belief and obedience.
These are some reasons why this is a trustworthy saying…
FAITHFUL SAYING #2 - 1 Tim. 3:1 – “The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task.”
a. An overseer is one in a position of authority; whether in the physical realm or the spiritual realm it is therefore a noble task. In this context, it is describing an pastor, who is to be an 'overseer' over ONE flock (congregation) of the Lord's church (1 Peter 5:2 ~ "among you").
b. A position of authority necessitates certain qualities of the one desiring to ‘oversee’ the life/activities of those other than self. It is a position of ‘lead-by-example’ (notice the qualifications- vv. 2-7). These qualifications are pre-required for the purpose of instilling respect for the one in authority! The bishop is to instill a respect for Christ from those over whom he ‘oversees’; tending; guarding; feeding proper nourishment to those under his care. If he is has not the respect of the flock, neither will the flock have respect for God and Christ.
c. It is to be ‘aspired’; i.e. desired – but for the right purpose/motive! The overseer must be a caring person. It is not viewed at his ‘job’; it is not to be taken out of compulsion, “just so we can say we have elders here…”. Not just anyone can be a leader. He must care for others’ welfare………in this case, the welfare of souls! More importantly, he must have the utmost love and respect for Christ and His church!
These are some reasons why this is a trustworthy saying…
FAITHFUL SAYING #3 - 1 Tim. 4:8-9 – “…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. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance.”
a. The reason that this is a faithful saying: the value of godliness in one’s life.
b. It holds “PROMISE” – in this life and the life to come. This is not so of physical bodily training.
c. There is a life AFTER physical existence. We have a soul; in the image of our Creator. It is what is different about a human being; we have something in God’s own image! It will live on in eternity somewhere-----that ‘somewhere’ is determined by godly living. [Tit. 2:11-12] Those who learn this and live accordingly will be rewarded w/eternal life in heaven.
These are some reasons why this is a trustworthy saying…
FAITHFUL SAYING #4 - 2 Tim. 2:11 – “The saying is trustworthy, for: If we have died with him, we will also live with him…”
a. this references the new birth of John 3:3-5 – “Ye MUST be born again.” The word 'DYING' refers to repentance – see Acts 17:30; 2 Peter. 3:9
'Dying' and 'living' also are a part of the "form of doctrine" that is to be obeyed from the heart (Romans 6:5-11; 17-18).
Conversion is dependant upon the doctrine delivered. “IF” planting is correct; raising will also be correct.
These are some reasons why this is a trustworthy saying…
Conversion is dependant upon the doctrine delivered. “IF” planting is correct; raising will also be correct.
These are some reasons why this is a trustworthy saying…
FAITHFUL SAYING #5 - Tit. 3:7-8 – “…so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people.” a. because of God’s grace, we can have the hope of eternal life as our anchor for the storms that we face from Satan. Therefore this is a trustworthy saying.
Notice v. 8 wording: to whom are these words addressed?
“…those who have believed in God"; is this a saint or a sinner?
Consider both views:
If we say sinner, then what are they to do? “…be careful to devote themselves to ‘good works’.”
If a saint, then….WHAT? “…be careful to devote themselves to ‘good works’.”
Either way, good works are involved. They are ‘profitable’ for ‘people’; ALL of humanity, saint and sinner profit from godly living; society in general is benefited by a respectable life; especially the life of a Christian. It draws people to God; it causes society to respect you and the GOD you serve. [Titus. 2:11-12] All of these verses are related in that they will cause humanity to have a respect for their Creator. [John 17:20-21]
These are some reasons why this is a trustworthy saying…
What about YOU? Are YOU................'trustworthy'?
RDB
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