“And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32, KJV).
Loved ones, to live the Christian life, we need the teaching of Christ and to constantly examine ourselves to see if we are walking in the steps of Abraham and our Lord Jesus (Romans 4:12; 1 Peter 2:21). “He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him” (1 John 2:4).
The wise man King Solomon wrote, “19 That thy trust may be in the Lord, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee. 20 Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge, 21 that I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?” (Proverbs 22:19-21).
The prophet wrote, “Hear the word of the Lord, ye children of Israel: for the Lord hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land” (Hosea 4:1).
Christ has revealed the truth for all mankind to hear, and He has showed us through His own life how truth is to be applied. A student may memorize the rules of mathematics, yet he may not know how to solve a problem. However, when the teacher shows how the rules are to be applied, the student will be able to solve similar problems.
Jesus demonstrated obedience when He was baptized by John the Baptist (Matthew 3:13-15). Jesus never sinned. He did not need to be baptized for the remission of sins, yet He declared that it was becoming of Him to fulfill all righteousness (cf. Psalm 119:172). In so doing, He taught us obedience.
Christ demonstrated His knowledge of the Scriptures when He was tempted by Satan. Each temptation that was offered was countered by the use of God's Word (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10).
One classic example of Christ and His living the truth is found at His crucifixion. From the cross He prayed for those who had so cruelly handled Him, saying, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).
The Hebrew writer said, “8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; 9 and being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him” (Hebrews 5:8-9).
Christ has set us an example of living in what He taught. So, we too, must live what we teach. In order to show ourselves “approved unto God," we must diligently STUDY “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (2 Timothy 2:15; Ephesians 6:17).
The Word of God is not studied just to gain Information but for translating it into our lives. This emphasizes the importance of a working knowledge of the Word of God, and this can be gained only by applying ourselves to learn the truth.
However, in these last days men will come, “5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof …7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth” (2 Timothy 3:5, 7). In our living and teaching, as a light to this world of darkness, Christ is the example we should follow.
Jesus said, “13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. 14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:13-16).
Since our Lord not only taught, but lived what He taught, if we are to abide in Him, then we must also live what we teach. John wrote, “He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked” (1 John 2:6).
The Lord our God, “Will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4). He therefore warns, “For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins” (Hebrews 10:26).
Preaching and teaching are essential to the edification of the saints, and going and DOING is equally essential to seeking and saving the lost (cf. Luke 19:10). Good teaching is excellent, but good teaching and living are supreme.
The God of Heaven and Earth is so good, and His love reaches all. Through the free gift of God’s grace by Jesus’ blood (Ephesians 2:8; Revelation 1:5) and your obedient faith (Romans 1:5; 10:17; 16:26), salvation is offered. If you have Bible questions or wish to comment on this post, please do so. Lord willing, a Bible answer will be provided for every Bible question.
The churches of Christ are neither Catholic, Protestant, nor Jew (Romans 16:16; Matthew 16:18-19). We are the loving suffering ONE body of Christ (Ephesians 1:20-23; 4:4-6) – CHRISTIANS: “Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf” (1 Peter 4:16; cf. Acts 11:26; 26:28).
We love you with the love of the Lord (John 13:34-35). Samuel A. Matthews, preaching with the Liberty NW church of Christ, meeting in Portland, Oregon, USA - 18 February 2026.
