"Ever Learning, Never Coming To The Truth"
“ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” – 2 Timothy 3:7
In his second letter to Timothy, Paul describes behavior in the last days. Those days had already begun, and will continue until Jesus returns. The six preceding verses describe those who hold “a form of godliness”, but whose words and deeds reveal we love ourselves, indulge ourselves, exalt ourselves.
Am I immune to the self-deceptions Paul's words describe? His first letter warned of teachers who were “sick about questionings and disputes of words” (1 Timothy 6:4).
Even elders would need to be reproved (1 Timothy 5:19-20, cf. Acts 20:30).
Our coming together should help each of us see ourselves , by providing occasions for each member of Christ, to speak of him, the Truth. “What is it then, brethren? When you come together, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.” 1 Corinthians 14:26 Our speaking reveals our hearts' treasure, and expresses, or obscures, the Truth.
Many of us are lost in a wilderness of words about “the truth”. We pursue distinctive teachings, and find no rest. Only by Jesus' patience do we finally hear, “What can wash away my sin?, nothing but the blood of Jesus!” The Truth is meek and lowly in heart. Confession must replace pride for us to know him. John concludes,
“Little children, guard yourselves from idols.” – 1 John 5:21
“The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth that which is good; and the evil, out of the evil, brings forth that which is evil:
for out of the abundance of the heart, his mouth speaks.” – Luke 6:45
5/8/06 wm