Text: Titus 1:9

9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.  

Wednesday, 4^th September 2024

THE WORD OF WISDOM IS USED TO DEFEND THE FAITH

Text: Titus 1:9

Memory verse: 1 Peters 3: 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts; and always be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks you a reason concerning the hope that is in you, with humility and fear.

The word of wisdom can also be given to those defending the faith among unbelievers. We are all instructed to defend the faith. The only way to do this effectively is to study the reasons we believe what we believe. This will prepare us to "demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God and take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ,” as Paul said we should do in 2 Corinthians 10:5 throwing down imaginations and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. Apostle Paul practiced what he preached; in fact, defending the faith was his regular activity. In Philippians 1:7 He said, it is even right for me to think this way on behalf of all of you, because I have you in my heart, because, both in my bonds and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me in grace. 

1 Peter 3:15 But in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defence to anyone who ask you for a reason for the hope that is in you. However, there are certain occasions when the word of wisdom is needed in answering unbeliever’s questions about Christianity. He will have us, when we are afflicted for righteousness sake, to be careful not for redeeming our own life, either with denying or renouncing the truth, or with like violence, or any such means: but rather to give an account of our faith boldly, and yet with a meek spirit, and full of godly reverence, that the enemies may not have anything justly to object, but may rather be ashamed of themselves.

Some of the scribes answered and said to Jesus in Luke 20:39, “Teacher, You have spoken well.” But after that they dared not question Him anymore. Apostle Paul exercised this gift in Acts 19:8, ‘Then he entered the synagogue and spoke boldly over a period of three months, engaging in discussion and trying to persuade them about the things related to the kingdom of God’. Holding conversations with them, to persuade them of the truth of the doctrine of Christ.

Special wisdom was given when the faith was defended.

CGDS HYMN 49: SS & S 306:

FAITH IS A LIVING POWER FROM HEAVEN

1. Faith is a living power from heaven

Which grasps the promise God has given ;

Securely fixed on Christ alone,

A trust that cannot be o'erthrown.

2. Faith finds in Christ whate'er we need

To save and strengthen, guide and feed;

Strong in His grace, it joys to share

His cross, in hope His crown to wear.

3. Faith to the conscience whispers peace,

And bids the mourner's sighing cease ;

By faith the children's right we claim,

And call upon our Father's name.

4. Such faith in us, O God, implant,

And to our prayers Thy favour grant,

In Jesus Christ, Thy saving Son,

Who is our fount of health alone.

 Prayers

1.  Lord Jesus, help me to always defend the faith by Your wisdom in me.

2.  LORD God Almighty, I receive the wisdom to defend the faith especially among unbelievers in Jesus’ name. Amen.    

3.  Pray for others in this regard.