Cling to the Word

“He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.” (Titus 1:9)

What are you clinging to? Chances are, you are clinging to something right at this moment. Perhaps it’s a devotion book. Or your keys. Or your phone. Or the hand of a loved one. What are you clinging to?

There’s more, isn’t there? Are you clinging to money, as if it will fulfill your dreams? Are you clinging to your job, just hoping it will turn into something more? Are you clinging to your favorite sports team, because their wins lift your spirits out of the depths? Are you clinging to a sin, refusing to let it go? We are all clinging to things in life. Sometimes clinging with our hands; more often clinging with our hearts.

As Paul finished his list of qualifications for church leaders, he ended with this: “He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught.” A leader in the Christian Church is to hold firmly—to cling!—to the trustworthy Word of God. Faithfulness to God’s Word is necessary for a Christian leader.

This encouragement to cling to God’s Word has two goals. First, “so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine.” Far from being boring or theoretical, sound doctrine from God’s Word is the greatest source of comfort to God’s people. To know the truth about God’s gift of forgiveness through Jesus’ cross… To know the truth about eternal life in heaven through faith in Jesus… To know the truth about God’s angels who daily surround us… Encouragement comes from the sound doctrine of God’s Word!

Second, it’s necessary to cling to God’s Word in order to “refute those who oppose it.”

There are enemies of God. There are enemies of God’s Word. What’s the way to fight them? With the one weapon God has given to his Church: The sword of the Spirit. What is that sword of the Spirit? The Word of God!

Cling to the Word. It’s not just for church leaders. It’s for you! Cling to God’s Word tighter than you cling to your keys. Cling to God’s Word closer than you hug your spouse or your children. Cling to God’s Word more than you cling to your phone. All the encouragement and strength you need is found in that Word.

Dear Holy Spirit, your Word is my greatest comfort in affliction and my greatest weapon in conflict. Loosen my grip on all the things of this world and empower me to cling to your Word. Amen.

Pastor Nathan