16 Apr A More Sure Testimony

Last Sunday, Pastor Will Jackson preached the sermon: “Not What We Expect,” from John 20:11-18. We were encouraged to see and follow the real Jesus.

Read: Luke 24:13-35

This Sunday, Joel Smith will preach from Luke 24:13-35 and will encourage us to passionately pursue Jesus and live to make him known. In order to do this, we must abide in the Word of God, for that is where we most assuredly see and encounter Jesus. As you prepare for our corporate gathering, let this devotional from John MacArthur help you to further reflect upon this truth.

Reflect: “Gaining True Wisdom”

“The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple” (Ps. 19:7).

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God’s Word imparts wisdom and knowledge beyond the realm of mere human understanding.

David’s characterization of God’s Word as “the testimony of the Lord” (Ps. 19:7) speaks of its role as God’s witness to who He is and what He requires of us. In addition, it’s a “sure” witness. That means it’s unwavering, immovable, unmistakable, reliable, and trustworthy.

Peter made the same point when, after recounting his incredible experience with Christ on the Mount of Transfiguration (2 Peter 1:16–18), he said, “but we have a testimony more sure than that—the prophetic word” (v. 19, literal translation). The testimony of God’s written Word is a surer and more convincing confirmation of God’s truth than even apostolic experiences with Christ Himself!

Perhaps that’s why our Lord prevented the two disciples on the Emmaus Road from recognizing Him as He gave them a Biblical basis for the things they had seen and heard (Luke 24:27). Their faith and preaching were to be based on Scripture, not merely on their own personal experiences—no matter how profound or moving those experiences may have been.

The benefit of God’s sure Word is that it makes the simple wise (Ps. 19:7). It takes undiscerning, ignorant, and gullible people and teaches them profound truth from God that they can apply to their lives. As they do this, they become skilled in the art of godly living.

That was the psalmist’s joy when he wrote, “Thy commandments make me wiser than my enemies, for they are ever mine. I have more insight than all my teachers, for Thy testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the aged, because I have observed Thy precepts” (Ps. 119:98–100).

Applying that principle to New Testament believers, Paul prayed that we would be “filled with the knowledge of [God’s] will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding” (Col. 1:9). As that occurs, we’re enabled to “walk in a manner worthy of the Lord [and] to please Him in all respects” (v. 10). That’s the outworking of godly wisdom and the key to holy living.

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Suggestions for Prayer:  Pray that God’s wisdom will increase and abound in your life today and every day.

For Further Study: Read Luke 24:13–35, noting how Jesus ministered the Word to the disciples on the Emmaus Road.

“Gaining True Wisdom,” October 19th Reading in Drawing Near: Daily Readings for a Deeper Faith, by John MacArthur.

Sing: Song List for Sunday

1. “God’s Word Stands Sure Forever,” Arr. North Wake Music
2. “Come Behold the Wondrous Mystery,” by Matt Boswell & Matt Papa
3. “Weapon,” by Vertical Worship