How to Discern the Truth
By W. A. S.
PAUL wrote his second letter to Timothy in a time of stress and confusion. Persecution was breaking upon the early believers, wave after wave. But more trying than all, teachers were arising, bringing in speculative theories and fine-spun philosophies, overthrowing the faith of many. By the preaching of the simple gospel5message, a mighty work has been built up. Now men who had stood as teachers were turning to the world, or were busily engaged within the church, propagating their own notions, and tearing down that which had been built up. The faith of many was being overthrown. Then Paul wrote:— “Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” That is the rule. If we would be able to discern truth from error in times of confusion, let us put away iniquity. Keep your sins forgiven. A clean heart is a truer guide than a clever head. The cleansed heart is essential to the clear mind in spiritual things. This race is not to the swift, nor this battle to the strong. The self-confident, the keenly speculative, unconsciously fascinated by their own intellectual gifts, will be snared and confused where simple, loving souls will be able to pass along the highway of truth without swerving. Put away sin, humble the heart before God, keep close to a personal Saviour. “With the heart man believeth unto righteousness.” We study too little with the heart. Our experience in this blessed message must be a heart experience. That alone can hold us upon the foundation that standeth sure. Every wind of doctrine is blowing. The perilous times of the last days are come, and error is masquerading in the cloak of truth. “Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”