SAY THE TRUTH

John 8:31-32 (KJV)
³¹ Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
³² And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. 

Philemon 1:4-6 (KJV)
⁴ I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers,
⁵ Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints;
⁶ That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. 

2 Timothy 2:24-26 (KJV)
²⁴ And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, 

²⁵ In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will

give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; 

²⁶ And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will. 

Part of continuing in or keeping the Word is acknowledging it, from the standpoint of recognition as well as speaking and doing it.

In Philemon verse 6 we have the word communication / fellowship or it might be put this way the "living out of our faith", it's about how our faith touches others not just about how it works for us. This "living out" of our faith is made effective by acknowledging every good thing we have in Christ. Remember that "faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God (which is the Truth). Faith comes in our own hearts through hearing the Word and as we declare the Word, the Truth and others hear, faith can come in their hearts as well.

If one finds themself in a place contrary to the Truth repentance is required. Repentance is more than a change of thinking it is also a change of heart, together both will produce a change of behavior. Repentance requires the acknowledging of the Truth, both in word and deed. This act of agreeing with and then participating / doing the Truth sets one free from the snare of the enemy. This same action not only brings deliverance, but serves to make us free and keep us free from the bondage of the enemy. 

Sometimes, probably most of the time when we read this passage in Timothy we tend to think of people that are caught up in some terrible sin (all sin is terrible), something violent or socially unacceptable. But again all sin is sin, whether its a "white lie" or a "whopper" its still a lie .. right? My point is that there may be many subtle ways we are snared by the enemy. What if we persist in speaking and thinking sickness and disease, when God desires and has provided healing? Poverty and lack vs. Supply of every need ... Sinner saved by grace vs. New Creation created in righteousness and true holiness ... I can't do it vs. I can do all things through Christ ... the list could go on.

Saying, acknowledging, thinking, acting upon, doing, continuing in the Truth makes us free.

Saying, acknowledging, thinking, acting upon, doing, continuing in thoughts and traditions of men that are contrary to the Word, to the Truth brings us or keeps us in bondage.

We choose.

Say the Truth.

SELAH