Text: Acts 6:9-10

9 Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen. 10 And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.    

Wednesday, 18^th September 2024

THE WISDOM OF SERPENT AND THE TRUTH

Text: Acts 6:9-10

Memory verse: Titus 2:10 Not purloining but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.

To be as wise as a serpent as Christ instructed the disciples is to defend the truth by argument and adorn it by life. Defending the truth is the serpent's wisdom. An intelligent Christian can convince gainsayers. Matthew 10:16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves be ye therefore wise as serpents. Even in the midst of wolves, defend the truth. This wisdom of the serpent was seen in Stephen. "None of them was able to stand against the wisdom and Spirit by which Stephen spoke." Herein is the wisdom of the serpent: not only to love those who profess the truth, but to silence those who oppose it.

With this wisdom of the serpent, there must be the innocence of the dove. Together with defending the truth by argument, there must be adorning it by life. Titus 2:10, "That they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior." There are some who can quarrel over the truth but disgrace it by their bad living. This is to act both the serpent and the dove, when we not only plead for the truth but walk in the truth, like Nazianzen, whom it was said he had thunder in his doctrine, and lightning in his life.

To be as wise as the serpent and harmless as a dove is to be serious with your religion and be cheerful. Seriousness puts the heart in a holy frame; it fixes it on God. Seriousness is to the soul as ballast to the ship: it keeps the soul from being overturned with vanity. The heart is at its best when it is serious, but this seriousness in religion must be mixed with cheerfulness. Cheerfulness is health, Proverbs 17:22 A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. It honours religion; it proclaims to the world that we serve a good Master. Cheerfulness is a friend to grace; it puts the heart in tune to praise God, Psalm 71:21. Uncheerful Christians, like the spies, bring an evil report on the good land. Others suspect there is something unpleasant in religion, when those who profess it hang their harps upon the rackets and walk so miserably. Be serious yet cheerful. Philippians 4:4, "Rejoice in the Lord always." Why was Christ anointed, but to give "a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair!" Isaiah 61:3. Joy is as much a fruit of the Spirit, as faith, Galatians 5:22. One way of grieving the Spirit, is by an uncheerful walking. If you would render the gospel lovely, mix the dove and the serpent; be serious yet cheerful in God.

CGDS HYMN 1; SS&S 1167:

BE THE MATTER WHAT IT MAY, ALWAYS SPEAK THE TRUTH

1. Be the matter what it may, always speak the truth;

Whether at your work or play, always speak the truth

Never from this rule depart, grave it

deeply on your heart,

Written 'tis upon your chart :

" Always speak the truth ! "

2. There's a charm in honesty, always

speak the truth ; [speak the truth ;

There is meanness in a lie; always

He is but a coward slave, who, a present

pain to waive,

Stoops to falsehood; then, be brave;

Always speak the truth.

3. When you're wrong, the folly own,

always speak the truth;

There's a triumph to be won, always

speak the truth ;

He who speaks with lying tongue adds

to wrong a greater wrong;

Then, with courage true and strong,

Always speak the truth.

 Prayers 

1.  Lord Jesus, endow me with all wisdom and truth as long as I live.

2.  LORD God Almighty, as I continue in Your word teach me Your wisdom and make me to know Your truth that have make me free in Jesus’ name. Amen.    

3.  Pray for others in this regard.