Young People's Group

The Challenge to Stay on the Path of Truth

by Mitchell Tan
June 04, 2016

WALKING IN THE PATH OF TRUTH

Are you walking according to the truth of the word of God? There are some definite features we should take note of along this path.

1. THERE SHOULD BE GODLY EDIFICATION

“Godly edification which is in faith.”
1 Timothy 1:4

The word “godly edification” has the idea of “building up” each other. We have a mutual faith in the Lord Jesus and it is in this faith that we can exhort and challenge each other to grow further. We can mutually edify and strengthen each other.

2. THERE SHOULD BE A DEFINITE GOAL WITH REFERENCE TO THE WORD OF GOD

“Now the purpose of the commandments is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience and from sincere faith …”
1 Timothy 1:5

The word “purpose”’ has the idea of a “goal”. The ultimate goal of the word will have three aspects. First and foremost, there should be love out of a pure heart. Love should outflow from the heart. Secondly, there should also be a good conscience. Thirdly, there should be a sincere faith. These three features would be the goal in walking the path of truth. Our challenge is to keep our focus on them as we walk in His ways.

THE DANGER OF LEAVING THE PATH OF TRUTH

If we are on the path of truth, let’s not depart from it. The danger of this happening is so real

“… From which some, having strayed, have turned aside to idle talk, desiring to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say nor the things which they affirm.”
1 Timothy 1:6-7

1. GOING ASTRAY FROM THE PATH

There were those who strayed from the path of truth. Paul wrote of how these people did not hold on to the truth of God’s word and they departed from the way of the Lord. They deviated from the right path.

2. WANDERING AROUND IN VAIN TALKING

After these people strayed from the path of the word, they “wandered around” in vain talking. They had turned to speaking meaningless prattle. These words were of no benefit to anyone. Instead, they caused disputes amongst each other.

3. DESIRING TO BE TEACHERS BUT HAVE NO IDEA HOW TO

Furthermore, these who strayed from the faith think themselves as being able to teach others. There was the self-deception that they were teachers of the law. What they taught were empty words. Their words did not nourish anyone. They did not even understand the basics of what it means to be a teacher. Young people, our challenge is not to stray from the path of truth. Instead of thinking ourselves as teachers, let’s ask God to first teach us to walk in His ways. Let’s always pray these words:

“Show me Your ways, O Lord;
Teach me Your paths.
Lead me in Your truth and teach me”
Psalm 25:4-5

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