Thursday “Think On These Things” Report
Sound Doctrine VS. Smooth Deceit
True Comfort comes from sound speech, not smooth speech. Smooth speech refers to speaking words intentionally that do not fully convey the consequences involved, to where it deceives the hearer by good sounding words. Many people take comfort in hearing fair speeches that communicate smooth things, that expresses a matter without any problems or difficulties. Many people take comfort in and seemingly feel better when they are told things they want to hear. But rather true comfort comes in knowing the full truth and facing the facts. True Comfort is found in confronting the truth, which is why the Holy Spirit is referred to as the Comforter but also referred to as the Spirit of Truth. God’s Word tells us not what we want to hear, but what we need to hear, and that is why it is the words of life. May we find comfort in sound doctrine and not smooth deceit.
John 15:26 “But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of Truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me.”
Isaiah 30:10 “Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto to us right things, speak unto us smooth things, Prophesy deceits:”
Titus 2:7-8 “In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.”
2 Timothy 4:3-4 “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.”
1 Thessalonians 2:15-16 “Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men; Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins always: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.”
Romans 16:17-18 “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.”
Hebrews 12:3 “For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.”