It seems that in the last forty to fifty years we have come to believe that the major struggle for the progress of Christianity is one of knowledge. We have been involved in all sorts of levels of debate about the truth. Creation has been a big issue along with the age-old arguments about sacramentalism. One thing we seem to have lost is the importance of the personal testimony that is to be associated with the faith. I am not surprised at this because it is the personal testimony that is the truly costly side of our ambassadorship. We would far rather enter into an intellectual struggle apart from the necessity to have lives that represent the truth we avow. However, it is the example of our lives that God has chosen to empower the truth we proclaim.
Compare some of these texts:
2 Corinthians 4:1-2 (KJV)
Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.
I wonder if this portion of 2 Timothy is not a commentary on this matter?
2 Timothy 3:5 (KJV)
Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
There is a power for Christian service that is associated with personal holiness. Paul says that in the latter days this is a truth that will be denied and cast aside. We have given diligent effort to sharpen our minds, perhaps we ought now to give even greater effort to perfect godliness in the fear of God.
