Custodians of the Truth
Introduction:
Custodians are people who are to take the responsibility for taking care
of something valuable such as paintings, books, even houses. The Jews
were proud that they were custodians of the oracles of God. (Romans
3:1-2) But they did not do with the Word what they should have.
(Romans 2:17-24)
Body:
I.
In What Way Are We Custodians?
·
The gospel song, Swiftly We’re Turning, has a line which says,
“into our hands the gospel is given.”
·
The apostles were stewards of the gospel. (I Corinthians 4:1-2)
·
Even though we are not apostles, we are still in a sense entrusted with
the Word. (II Timothy 2:2)
·
Christians must accurately handle the Word of God. (I Timothy 3:15, II
Timothy 2:15) This is our duty.
II.
Why Must We Be More than Custodians?
·
We must practice the truth in addition to guarding it. (Matthew 23:1-4)
·
We must be doers as well as hearers of God’s Word. (James 1:22,
4:17)
·
Truth is not a museum relic to be placed inside a glass box. It is to
be used and shared. (Psalm 40:9-10, I Thessalonians 1:8) We must go
looking for those with whom to share the truth. (Luke 15:4-7)
III.
What Are Our Responsibilities as Custodians?
·
As custodians of the gospel, we have certain responsibilities.
(Luke 12:47-48)
·
We are entrusted with the truth of Galatians 6:10. “Therefore, as we
have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of
the household of faith.” NKJV How much do we actually help others?
(James 2:14-17)
·
We are entrusted with the truth of John 4:23-24. “But the hour is
coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in
spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is
Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”
NKJV Do we worship Jehovah as we should? Is our worship according to
the truth of God’s Word? (I Samuel 15:22-23)
·
We are entrusted with the truth of Matthew 28:19-20. “Go therefore and
make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the
Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe
all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even
to the end of the age.” Amen.” NKJV How much evangelism are we engaged
in? Are we withholding the true plan of salvation from our friends and
neighbors?
·
We are privileged to be custodians of the truth of God’s Word. With
that privilege, comes responsibility. (Romans 2:25-29)
Conclusion:
Let us all be grateful for the blessings associated with being
custodians.
[Partially adapted from Tom Moore}
Bobby Stafford
September 28, 2014
Video
