The sword of God’s truth!
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(Arthur Pink, “Faithfulness”)
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“Their speech is filled with flattery.”Ā Psalm 5:9
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This is the identifying mark of the “hireling,” the false pastor. He aims at pleasing his hearers, making them feel satisfied with themselves, ever patting them on the back.Ā
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“But he who has My Word–let him speak My Word faithfully” (Jeremiah 23:28)–no matter how unpalatable it may be to the flesh, how much of a weariness to those who wish to have their ears tickled with novelties, or how loud the outcry against it is!Ā
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Ministerial faithfulnessĀ includes . . .
Ā loyalty to his Master,Ā
Ā devotion to His interests,Ā
Ā steadfast adherence to the preaching of His Word,
Ā dispensing theĀ truthĀ unto those whose souls are committed to Him,
Ā not mixing it with his speculations, much less substituting false doctrine.
A far higher motive than theĀ pleasing of his hearersĀ must actuate and regulate ministerial service.Ā
Faithful preachingĀ will render the minister unpopular, and willĀ emptyĀ churches–notĀ fill them!
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“Then you will know theĀ truth–and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32) Souls areĀ caught fast in the meshes of Satan’s lies–and nothing butĀ the sword of God’s truthĀ can cut them free!Ā
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“A faithful man–who can find?” (Proverbs 20:6).Ā Why is this?Ā Because it is the part of fallen human nature to take the line of least resistance, and choose the path easiest to the flesh. But remember, my reader, whoever you are, that, “Lying lips are abomination to the Lord–but those who deal faithfully are His delight.” (Proverbs 12:22)
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“Be faithful unto death–and I will give you a crown of life!” (Revelation 2:10)
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