Trustworthy Sayings
In reading the letters Paul sent to his disciples, Titus and Timothy, I came across a phrase that was repeated several times. The sentence is: “This is a trustworthy saying.” It is like saying: “Be sure to underline this.” Or, “This is important, take note.” When I saw this repeated, I began to look more carefully at what Paul was saying.
In I Timothy 1.15, Paul writes: “The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.” Note well, “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” (Rom. 3.23) Because all are sinners, all need a Savior. Apart from Christ there are no “good” people. As Paul writes to the Roman church: “None is righteous, no, not one.” (3.10) Even the great Apostle Paul himself admitted that he was the foremost of all sinners. Do you know that about yourself? That you are a sinner, in need of salvation? This is a trustworthy saying and when you confess your sins, then Jesus can forgive your sins and cleanse you from all unrighteousness.
In the 4th chapter of 1st Timothy, we see this phrase again, but this time Paul is referring to living in a godly way. He notes that so many have placed there attention on exercise and health for the body, which has temporal value, but he says that godliness has both temporal and eternal value. (verse 9) Just as we go the gym to work out, so that our bodies are strong and in shape, so we must work out our salvation with fear and trembling. (Philippians 2.12) We must train ourselves in godliness. This is personal application of God’s Word and Nature. It is the W.W.J.D., (What would Jesus do?), question we ask ourselves each day. This is important to take note of.
Again Paul uses this phrase in his second letter to Timothy: “The saying is trustworthy…” (II Timothy 2.11-12) Here he wants us to underline the fact that there are eternal benefits in serving and enduring with Christ. “If we have died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him.” Note well the preposition that is used here: “with”. Christ is with us in the hard times and the good times. His grace and rule are our constant companions. It is trustworthy to note that, “though I pass through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.” (Ps. 23.4) Whatever difficulty we pay face, the Lord will walk us through it to victory on the other side.
To Titus Paul writes: “The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works.” (Titus 3.8) With this admonition comes a warning to avoid foolish arguing over the law, genealogies and other controversial subjects. Jesus went about doing good and He wants us to do the same. Getting sidetracked in fruitless conversations about non important subjects, only leads to division and offense. Paul emphasizes the fact that we were all justified by grace, not works, and that we are “heirs” of eternal life. It is not based on our rightness, but His righteousness. If we always remember this truth, we will avoid arguing over who is right or not and dedicate ourselves to the work the Lord has told us to do. Underline these in your Bible. These are trustworthy sayings.
Scriptures to meditate on:
I John 1.9; I Tim. 1.15; 4.9; II Tim. 2.11-12; Titus 3.8;